On this hiking trip to the Matanuska Glacier, we’ll enjoy a hiking route across terminal moraines and the Ice Falls area, an active glacial ecosystem. An incredible experience in Alaska!
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.
38100 Glenn Hwy
If you have other questions, contact us
On this hiking trip to the Matanuska Glacier, we’ll enjoy a hiking route across terminal moraines and the Ice Falls area, an active glacial ecosystem. An incredible experience in Alaska!
At the scheduled time, we’ll meet at 38100 Glenn Highway, where we’ll gear up with boots, crampons, and helmets. Ready to go? Let’s get started!
After a brief introduction, we’ll travel by vehicle for about 10 minutes to the start of the Matanuska Glacier trail, one of the most accessible valley glaciers in southern Alaska.
We’ll begin the hike by crossing the terminal moraine, a vast field formed by sediments carried by the advancing ice. Here, we’ll encounter angular clasts, sands, and compact till—clear evidence of the glacier’s erosive power.
As we continue, the landscape will transform and we’ll enter the Ice Falls area. At this point, we’ll observe the mass of ice sliding over an irregular rocky base. This fractured surface rises into seracs, slender ice towers under constant stress.
In front of the Ice Falls, we’ll find a small proglacial lake, the source of meltwater that feeds a fast-flowing river downstream. Along its banks, we’ll spot mosses, lichens, and other plant species typical of the region. Did you know these organisms begin the process of soil formation after the ice retreats? Fascinating!
Finally, we’ll complete this easy-level hike and return by vehicle to the starting point, where we’ll say goodbye after a total of 3 hours.
If you have other questions, contact us
38100 Glenn Hwy
