We spent the day exploring the Eklutna Lake area of Chugach State Park via kayak and mountain bike. We wanted to do the Paddle & Pedal option from Lifetime Adventures, but they did not have availability during our days in the area. So we decided to rent a kayak for a couple of hours and then rent mountain bikes for a couple of hours. If you are able to reserve the Paddle & Pedal with Lifetime Adventures, you kayak 8 miles to the other end of Eklutna Lake, where they will have mountain bikes waiting for you to ride back along the Eklutna Lake Trail. They drop off the bikes and pick up the kayaks. They require at least 24 hours notice for this option.
Eklutna Lake and surrounding mountains
We arrived at their equipment rental stand at about 10:00am, their opening time, and were told we could go down to the kayak at 10:30am. We were given life vests (personal flotation devices) and carried the paddles down to the area they store the kayaks. We rented a double kayak, which the staff member helped us to launch. We paddled around the lake taking in the views of the surrounding mountains. It was quite serene. The lake was flat when we arrived but the winds were moving in as we were finishing. There was plenty of beautiful scenery which I am unable to share with you because we somehow deleted them from the GoPro before we could load them. A 2 hour rental of a double kayak was $40. They rent sea kayaks, which are slightly narrower than regular kayaks. The rudder, which helps with steering was not working on ours. Mike, at 6’2,” also found he did not have quite enough leg room.
Eklutna Lake Trail hugs the northern shore of the lake
After kayaking, we rented mountain bikes and headed out the Eklutna Lake Trail, which extends for 26 miles. You may ask why we rented bikes since we have our Brompton Folding Bikes, but the Bromptons are not designed for trail riding on gravel, uneven terrain, rocks, etc… The mountain bikes had front suspension. They handled well over all of the uneven terrain including potholes, roots and rocks. The Eklutna Lake Trail is a very easy beginning trail with mostly easy terrain. There are a couple of narrow ledges along the lake. We enjoyed our ride. Fortunately I took some pictures with my iphone. A 1/2 day rental is $25 per bike. They also offer 2 hour, full day, and overnight options.
Mike and the mountain bikes at a photo stop
Eklutna Lake area
The Eklutna Lake are is a great recreation area with the lake, equipment rental and a campground. It is located about 26 miles north of Anchorage and 10 additional miles back curvy Eklutna Lake Road. We accessed it from Big Bear Campground located between Palmer and Wasilla. It took us about 40 minutes driving from our campground. It would be a similar drive from Anchorage.
