You know I'm always down for a good family adventure, but sometimes this "Adventure Mama" needs a little recharge. A trip to pack for that doesn't include worrying that I didn't bring enough diapers or wipes or snacks or toys. An adventure that doesn't include worrying about "potty breaks" and nap times and who's taking the next turn sitting in the car with the kid that's having a meltdown ;) I was lucky enough to be able to take such a trip this last weekend and it was definitely one for the books! About 7 hours south of Fairbanks (or 2 hours north of Anchorage) sits the largest glacier in the U.S. that is accessible by car. Matanuska Glacier (pronounced Mat-tan-ooska) is 27 miles long and 4 miles wide. This glacier is the most popular roadside attraction between Anchorage and Glenallen, especially in the summer season when tourists flock to the site. I definitely have had this glacier on my bucket list for a bit but I was more interested in seeing it during the off season, when things are just a little more frozen and interesting - and easier to access. While there are a few areas to see the glacier, the only way to get up close and personal is through a guided tour. It was for this sole purpose that this trip was planned. I invited my best adventure friend along for the ride and we set out for our mom trip starting with a drive to Palmer, Alaska. We booked my favorite cabin in Palmer - at Hatcher Pass Cabins - to stay in for 2 nights. It was beautiful weather and a wonderful drive. We checked into our cabin with contactless check in and we were set for the night! Hatcher Pass Cabins come with full bathroom and kitchen amenities. We brought our own food for breakfast and lunch with the intention of eating out for dinner. I love these cabins because, even though they are right off the highway, they feel very secluded from being tucked away into the trees. They are clean and homey and make for a perfect, cozy, Alaskan stay. The next morning we slept in - mom trip must, obviously - and left around 10AM to arrive at Matanuska Glacier at 11:30 for our 12:00 tour with Glacier Tours. It was super easy to find with our GPS. The drive was gorgeous with views of the snow covered Chugach Mountain Range. Once we got off the highway to access the glacier, it was definitely maintained but not paved. With Spring right around the corner, it was a little pot-holey in places but not bad and only a short few miles to the tour check-in spot. We parked and went in to sign the waiver and pay the fee and then were directed to drive another 2 miles to the start of the tour. After taking a little bathroom break (because there are no bathrooms past this spot!) we drove to meet our tour guide and get outfitted for the elements. While we were instructed to dress for the weather (snow pants, coat, hat, gloves, scarf, boots, etc...) the tour company provided us with crampons, or ice cleats, for easy ice hiking. From living in the Fairbanks area, we weren't too concerned with being cold (actually we were more concerned with being too warm due to the differences in temperatures just from back home that we used to haha) but the lady who checked us in complimented us on being appropriately dressed and said that we'd be surprised at the number of people they have to turn away for not dressing for the occasion so keep that one in mind! After getting fitted with our crampons, we joined our tour group and started on our way. Being winter, the river was frozen over so it was easy walking across the ice to get to the face of the glacier. It was important to stay on the trail, though. The ice is tested constantly and the trail can even change day-to-day based on the movement of the ice so it is important to listen to the guide for the safest experience. Our tour was 15 people including the guide and the tour lasted close to 2 hours. It was a very mild "hike" and while our group didn't include children, there were a few groups ahead and behind us with multiple children so it is doable! Honestly, I'm not sure my kids would be able to stay on the path haha but I'll leave that to parent discretion. The guide told us about the glacier and how it's formed. He taught about the movement of the ice and mentioned how it looks different in the summer. He took us to some very picturesque views and we even climbed into a narrow ice tunnel, which was definitely a highlight! But the real show stopper was getting to the face of the glacier, which was truly spectacular. The glacier face is about 250 feet thick of ice and was an incredible sight! We took our time enjoying the view and then we followed a tight trail out to the river again where we were met with a few snow machines pulling sleds to bring us back to where we started our tour. It was an awesome adventure and so fun to cross off the bucket list! I'm not sure how the hike goes in the summer when things are...less frozen haha but I can't imagine it offers better views! If you can swing a trip in the winter season, we definitely recommend! Though I'm sure the summer season is okay too ;) The rest of our mom trip included stopping at the Poppy Lane Mercantile in Palmer. It's a cute little store full of Alaska-made products from local vendors to the state and is a great place to stop for some quality souvenirs. The next morning we slept in again and after a quick breakfast, we left for a gorgeous drive back to Fairbanks complete with a few glimpses of the elusive Denali Peaks. A few notes for if you do make this drive in the off-season...rest stops are not open so take advantage of the few gas stations you pass on the way! Want to check out some other glaciers? Check out our posts on Portage Glacier and Knik Glacier, Castner Glacier ice cave, or even Valdez Glacier Lake. If you're interested in a one-on-one chat to help plan a custom trip to Alaska, check out our options here! Make sure to pin for future reference and follow us on Instagram for more of our day to day adventures. Until next time, get out and enjoy where you live!
2 Comments
Kirk
3/31/2022 12:03:21 pm
Great adventure blog. I will for sure look into this glacier.
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OurBigBackyard
4/25/2022 12:50:30 am
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy it!
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AuthorWe're just a military family enjoying where we live, one PCS at a time. Follow us as we explore our current home, South Carolina, and beyond. The world is our backyard. Archives
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