Eklutna Lake
Chugach State Park (Alaska State Parks) · Chugiak, Alaska
A glacier-fed lake about 7 miles long in a steep valley of Chugach State Park, about an hour north-east of downtown Anchorage at the end of winding Eklutna Lake Road. Its milky green-blue water comes from Eklutna Glacier at the head of the valley, and it supplies much of Anchorage's drinking water. The Lakeside Trail follows the north shore for about 12 miles toward the glacier, popular with mountain bikers, hikers and, on set days, ATV riders; kayakers paddle the lake and climbers head up Twin Peaks and Bold Peak. The campground has 50 sites plus an overflow area, and backcountry huts lie up the valley. Brown and black bears are common, and afternoon wind can whip up whitecaps. In 2026 parking cost $5 a day, and ATVs were allowed on the Lakeside Trail Sunday to Wednesday from 1 April to 30 November.
Eklutna Lake Road, Chugach State Park, Chugiak, Alaska, 99567, United States
Open year-round; campground seasonal. ATVs allowed on the Lakeside Trail Sunday-Wednesday, 1 April-30 November. Check the Chugach State Park conditions report and dnr.alaska.gov/parks.