Eklutna Lake Campground, Chugach State Park, Alaska
Eklutna Lake Campground, Chugach State Park, Alaska
Overview: Eklutna Lake Campground has 50 campsites, two of which
are classified for use by those with disabilities. All of the campsites
are back-in sites with the exception of one pull-through (this is one of the
sites for those with disabilities). The campground is beautiful with large sites
that are well-spaced. There is lush vegetation and plenty of shade.
Eklutna campground has two water sources, one pump with non-potable water, and one
faucet with potable water. The availability of potable water is unusual in
the state parks, and this is a nice attribute.
Each campsite has a picnic table and fire pit. There are latrines, but no showers.
An overflow camping area has 15 sites in a large parking-lot type space.
Camping fees are posted, and camping is allowed for 15 consecutive nights.
There are various interpretive displays and a telescope for viewing wildlife
and the lake. There is a picnic shelter for group activities in the day-use area.
A large group picnic and camping area may be reserved by calling the
Chugach State Park Headquarters at 345-5014.
Considerations for those with disabilities:
One of these is a pull-through site. Both of these sites are close to latrines, and
both have larger concrete pad areas.
Eklutna Lake
This beautiful lake, carved by the Eklutna glacier, is 7 miles in length and is fed
by glacier and freshwater streams. Eklutna lake provides the drinking water for
Anchorage. Non-motorized boats, or boats with an electric motor, are allowed on the lake.
However, there is no boat launch and boats must be carried by hand from
the parking lot to the lake, a distance of up to several hundred feet depending
on the level of the lake. This is a rocky and uneven access which will
make it difficult to wheel a canoe. The lake is high in the fall but as much as
60 feet lower in the spring. Very little water enters the lake during the cold
winter months but it fills rapidly in the summer with rain, snow and glacial melt.
Naturally the water is quite cold, and life vests should always be worn.
Fishing:
The best fishing spots are near the south side of the picnic
area, and where the Twin Peaks, Yuditnu, Bold and Eight-mile creeks flow into
the lake. Dolly Varden are the most abundant fish in the lake.
Vegetation:
The vegetation surrounding Eklutna Lake consists of spruce and birch at the
lower elevations. The forest floor is covered by ferns, and a variety of mushrooms,
and wildflowers. At higher elevations you will find wildflowers and a variety of
berries such as highbush and lowbush cranberries, rose hips, blueberries, currants,
raspberries, and crowberries. There are also poisonous berries such as baneberry,
so one needs to positively identify any berries before eating them.
Wildlife
Moose, muskrats and a variety of waterfowl may be spotted near the lakeshore.
Brown and black bears, wolves, and mountain goats also inhabit the park and
Dall sheep may often seen on the steep hillsides. Smaller mammals such as
fox, lynx, porcupine, hare, ground squirrel, ermine, marmot, vole, and pika can also
be seen. Birds in the area include golden eagles, hawks, ptarmigan, grouse
and several varieties of songbirds and water birds.
Hiking
There are approximately 30 miles of trails in the Eklutna Lake area.
Twin Peaks Trail
Twin Peaks Trail begins in the parking lot and is about 2.6 miles in length.It is
rated moderate to difficult because of the steep areas. It takes 90 minutes
to 2 hours to hike up, and about an hour to hike down (naturally depending on
your ability and fitness level). There is a great view of the lake and valley from
the top.
Lakeside Trail
This trail is 13 miles, one way, and is rated easy. The trail is relatively
flat and is an
old roadbed. Each mile is marked for easy reference.
Typical travel times (one-way) are: 6 hours for hiking; 2-3 hours for bicycling;
4-5 hours for horseback; 50 minutes for ATV (ATVs only allowed Sunday through
Wednesdays, although this can vary). Motorcycles and cars are prohibited.
Eydlu Bena Loop Trail
Eydlu Bena Loop Trail is about 2 miles in length and is rated easy to moderate.
The trail begins at the trailhead parking lot and splits
off at the start of the Twin Peaks trail. There are a variety of trees and other vegetation,
and a viewpoint for the west end of Eklutna Lake is along the trail. The trail ends at the
Lakeside Trail and from there you take Lakeside Trail for about 1/2 mile to return to
your starting point. The total loop is about 2 miles.
Bold Ridge Trail
Bold Ridge Trail is about 3.5 miles one way and begins at mile 5 of Lakeside Trail
The rating is moderate to difficult.
The Bold Ridge Trail climbs steeply
to the alpine tundra, requiring about 1.75 hours going up and 1 hour coming down
for hikers in good condition. There is a variety of wildflowers and
berries along the trail. Wildlife includes marmot and ground squirrels
and occasionally bears or wolves are seen on the mountainsides.
Along the Bold Ridge Trail you will be treated to gorgeous views of the Eklutna
Valley and Glacier, and the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet. While the maintained trail
ends at the base of Bold Peak, experienced climbers may continue on to the summit (7,552-feet).
mountain.
East Fork Trail
The East Fork Trail is approximately 5.5 miles one way and is rated easy to moderate.
The trail begins at mile 10.5 of the Lakeside Trail and it parallels the East
Fork of Eklutna River to a glacial lake. The peaks Bashful (the tallest peak in
Chugach State Park at 8005 feet) Bold, and Baneful
tower above the river to the northeast. Lots of berries along this trail.
Eklutna Glacier Trail
Eklutna Glacier Trail is about 0.75 miles in length, from mile 13 of Lakeside Trail.
The rating for this trail is easy to moderate
This trial begins at mile 13, where the Lakeside Trail ends. The trail leads to
an interpretive
display and a view of the Eklutna Glacier. While the trail is well-marked, there
are potential hazards along the way–falling rocks, the swiftly flowing river, and
instability in the retreating glacier. Only those who are trained
and properly equipped should venture onto the glacier.
