| Campground | Paradise Alaska RV PARK, 16199 E Outer Springer Loop, Palmer, AK 99645 (*****). |
| Total Distance: | 4733 Miles. |
| Traveled Today: | 271 Miles |
| Key Highlights | Kayaking on Pippin Lake The views from Glenn HWY, and specifically the pull out before Euoreka Lodge Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site, Glenn Hwy, Sutton-Alpine, AK 99674 |
Alaska’s roads compete with each other – Who will be the most scenic drive? The amazing thing is that they all win. We had back from Valdez on the Richardson HWY – that was very foggy until the pass – where the sky instantly cleared out. We decided to stop at Pippin lake (where Richardson HWY turns to Chitina, to kayak on the nice lake we saw on our way to Valdez. The Lake was beautiful, shallow, and safe for inflatable kayaks and offered good views of the peaks of St. Ellias National Park. At Glennallen, we turned to the Richardson HWY- we were not expecting to see such an amazing view of glaciers and peaks throughout the way. At the pull-out just before the Eureka Lodge – you can see all the way to St. Ellias park on the east, Glaciers to your south, and Mt Witherspoon to the west. WOW. A few miles down, we have decanted into the valley – not exactly where you expect to see glaciers – and that is where the mighty river of ice called Matanuska Galicer is spilling gently in glory bright white, blue, and black. The Glacier itself is somehow privately owned (or maybe it is just the road) – we decided to skip the walking tour to and on the glacier and instead went to the Matanuska State Recreation Site, which offered good views and a nice easy stretch-out on a 1-mile loop trail.