Explore the Knik Arm's Ice Fields

Alaska's Knik Arm has an impressive tide. When out, the mudflats appear, and in the winter, massive, beautiful pieces of ice are left behind. The ice fields provide a great place for an easily accessible adventure. The ice chunks, coupled with the amazing views of the mountains to the east and the land across the inlet make this a perfect location for an adventure. There is a good chance you will not encounter anybody else, so enjoy the amazing view and the serenity. The ice fields will leave you awestruck.

Brief Advice: Venturing out onto the mudflats is dangerous as it is very easy to get stuck walking in the silty mud. In the winter, the cold temperatures make the ground more firm, but it is still good to stay relatively close to the tree line. Feel free to explore, but as a general rule-of-thumb, if your feet are starting to sink it is probably best to head back.

Directions: Head North on the Glenn Highway. Take the next exit after the exit for Chugiak High School. Turn left onto Birchwood Loop Road. Continue straight onto Birchwood Spur Road as if you were going to the Birchwood Airport. As you are getting closer to the airport, turn right onto Stoltze Dr. Shortly after turning onto this road, you will cross over Peter's Creek. Immediately after the bridge, to the left you will see the trail in the trees running along the creek, and there is a pullout area for parking to the right. Once you start on the trail, walk for approximately 1/2 a mile and you will come to a clearing at the Knik Arm. Continue walking along the edge of the trees to the right/north (the shooting range is to the south). The ice fields will soon come into view.