Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site

One of the smaller Alaska State Parks sites is also one of the most scenic, as Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site provides spectacular views of the glacier, the Chugach Mountains and the Talkeetna Mountains.

The site is located at Mile 101 Glenn Highway near the community of Glacier View and features hiking, camping and viewing platforms throughout the 300-acre park. It is managed by Long Rifle Lodge, which is located one mile further north on the highway.

Located just off the highway and easily accessible to motorists, there are 12 campsites along a gravel loop road. The facility also has fire pits, picnic tables, a water pump and toilets.The Edge Nature Trail begins at the rest area and is an easy 20 minute hike that leads to viewing platforms. While there is no glacier access from the site, there are operators in the region that offer guided tours. The glacier is accessible at Glacier Park, however, which is about a mile further north from the Alaska State Parks site.

The recreation site is open throughout the summer and closes when snow and ice conditions begin in the winter.