Introduction to The Knik Glacier

Nestled within the Chugach Mountains, the Knik Glacier is one of Southcentral Alaska’s largest glaciers spanning over 25 miles in length. This magnificent glacier descends off Mount Marcus Baker which stands at 13,176′. It’s terminus (end) is an iceberg filled lake that feeds the Knik River.

Palmer, Alaska is the closest town to the Knik Glacier with most tour operators (including us here at Outbound Heli!) based out of this quaint, adventure oriented town.

The glacier’s striking blue ice formations, towering icebergs and the surrounding rugged terrain creates a picturesque setting. It is perhaps most famous for it’s Caribbean blue meltwater pools that you can land beside, paddle around or if you’re brave plunge into, during the summer months.

As climate change continues to impact glaciers worldwide, Knik Glacier serves as a vital reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect our planet’s natural wonders.

Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor activities or simply wish to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of nature, Knik Glacier promises an unforgettable experience that highlights the majesty of Alaska’s wilderness.

Fast Facts about the Knik Glacier

Location and Access Points

The Knik Glacier is located approximately 50 miles northeast of Anchorage, Alaska and is not on the road system. We may be biased but we certainly believe the best way to access the Knik Glacier is via helicopter! We offer year round flightseeing & glacier tours as well as helicopter adventures including; glacier paddleboarding, trekking, ice climbing and more! Helicopter offers the only opportunity to set foot on this vast glacier.

Other options to get close (but not on top of the glacier) and enjoy it’s beauty is via a 25+ mile ATV trail or jetboating up the Knik River. In the winter & summer alike you’ll see locals bringing their personal off road ready vehicles to venture out to the toe of the Knik Glacier. This adventure begins at Jim Creek and requires local knowledge or booking a tour with a local ATV company.

Fascinating History of Knik Glacier

The name Knik is derived from the Inupiaq word igniq, meaning “fire”. The Dena’ina term for Knik River was skitnu, meaning “brush river”.

Today the Knik Glacier is the centerpiece of the 164, 261 acre Lake George National Natural Landmark. At the time of its designation in 1967, Lake George was the largest glacier-dammed lake and one of the most consistent self-dumping lakes in North America. This geologic phenomenon is called a “jokulhlaup” pronounced yo-KOOL-lahp which means an ice damned lake. This exciting phenomena happened yearly for 40+ years till 1967 and it looked something like this;

Every winter the Knik Glacier would advance pressing its mass of ice against the side of Mt. Palmer, blocking the flow of water from Lake George. During the spring season, Lake George, situated behind the Knik Glacier, starts accumulating water. The lake would swell to over 20 miles in size and water levels would rise drastically until they would breach the ice dam the Knik Glacier had created over the winter. All at once the ice damned lake would break and millions of gallons icy water would roar down the Knik Valley loaded with silt, debris and glacial ice.

Fun Fact: Early pioneers held a lottery annually to predict the exact time and day the breakout would occur!

Due to decreasing glacier advances this event has not occurred since 1967.

Visiting The Knik Glacier

Best Time to Visit

Short answer: It’s always beautiful out there so whenever you’re visiting Alaska! There is something to do any time of year on the Knik Glacier. Here at Outbound Heli we fly year round and offer a variety of heli adventures.

The Knik Glacier’s most busy time is during the summer months, from late May to early September, when the weather is milder and the glacier’s stunning blue meltwater pools are most accessible. Summer offers excellent opportunities for activities such as glacier paddleboarding, trekking, and more!

Winter visits are magical, especially for ice climbing and experiencing the glacier’s serene beauty under a blanket of snow. Later in the winter between December-March offer’s a unique opportunity to explore some of the Knik Glacier’s magical ice caves.

Each season provides unique experiences to visit the Knik Glacier.

Activities to Enjoy at Knik Glacier

Experience The Knik Glacier with Us!

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our helicopter company and discover the breathtaking beauty of Knik Glacier! Whether you’re paddleboarding the serene glacial pools in the summer or ice climbing on majestic frozen icebergs in the winter, we offer thrilling experiences that showcase the glacier’s stunning landscapes. Don’t miss a chance to view Alaska’s wilderness like never before. Book your adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime!