Matanuska Glacier
Explore the vast icy expanse of Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier in a truly unforgettable adventure any time of the year. The best part is that it’s situated only 1.5 hrs, 75 miles north of BWBC. Take a lunch stop in Palmer, Alaska to make a great day trip.
Book a guided hiking tour of the glacier or fly above it on the 1500’ zipline. But if you really want a spectacular experience, book a helicopter tour of the glacier and stop for lunch! No matter how you choose to explore the Matanuska Glacier, it is a sight not to miss.
Call to add a glacier tour to your BlueWater BaseCamp reservation.
Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass is a favorite year ’round destination for hiking, biking, skiing and general adventuring by both locals and visitors alike. Outside of Eklutna Valley, this is the most accessible mountain playground in the Anchorage and Mat-Su area.
Drive a quick 40 miles north of BWBC and check out the mining history of Hatcher Pass at the Independence Mine. While you are there, catch a bite to eat, hot cocoa and maybe a concert at the lodge after a day of hiking in the pass. Late summer brings a plethora of blueberries and in the winter the groomed trails give access to all levels of skiers.
Don’t miss Skeetawk for alpine skiing. Especially if you want to use a lift to climb the mountains instead of nordic or backcountry skiing. They have rentals as well! Winter activities will need 4 or All Wheel drive and be aware of avalanche danger! During the summer, trails galore take off from Hatcher Pass road – Gold Mint and Reed Lakes are two of our favorite trails.
Talkeetna
This must-see little town is a full of creative ways to experience Alaska with awe-inspiring views of Denali and the Talkeetna mountains. A fun day trip only 2 hours north of BWBC, foodies and alpinists alike love the vibe and excellent restaurants available in the quaint town of Talkeetna.
Adventures in the area include rafting, ziplines, micro-brews, shopping and an amazing bakery just to name a few things to do while in Talkeetna.
Native Heritage Center
The cultural center and museum in Anchorage, Alaska is highly regarded for its accurate and immersive approach to educate locals and visitors alike on the cultures of the indigenous people of Alaska.
Located on the north edge of Anchorage the Native Heritage Center is perfect for a low-key family friendly stop about 30 miles from BlueWater BaseCamp. Rain or shine you can learn about native skills & crafts as artists work to create traditional native items from beading and boat building to totem pole carving. The native cultural music and dancing is well worth timing your visit to catch one of their excellent presentations.
Girdwood
Girdwood is home to both fabulous restaurants and the Alyeska Resort. Busting with both summer & winter activities, Girdwood is worth the trip south. Located about 1.5 hrs south of BlueWater BaseCamp a day trip to Girdwood is always a fun time starting with a truly awe-inspring ride up the Alyeska Resort Aerial Tram to see the amazing view from the top of the ski hill.
Enjoy fine dining at the 7 Glaciers restaurant located at the top of the tram or stay grounded at the bottom of the hill and enjoy a plethora of restaurants in this quaint ski town. The Double Musky being our personal favorite. The Nordic Spa at the Alyeska Resort is the latest year around experience hosted in Girdwood. Plan ahead to get reservations as last minute bookings are difficult to obtain.
Whittier
Whether you want to go fishing or on a glacier cruise, Whittier is the place to go. The drive is just under 100 miles south of Anchorage, about 2 hrs from BlueWater BaseCamp. Access is through the longest shared vehicle & train tunnel in the US. Pay attention to the schedule of trains vs cars traveling through the tunnel so you don’t have to wait too long. With only one small hotel, plan for a long day, but rarely do people stay overnight in Whittier.
Check out our friends at Lazy Otter Charters for kayak & glacier tours. If you are looking for adventures on the water, they are the place to start. Contact BlueWater to book your adventure in Whittier. If you are traveling by Ferry, Whittier is also the closest port to access Valdez & Cordova from the Anchorage area.
