Matanuska

Put-In and Take-Out

One nice thing about this stretch of river is the several different access points and trip options.

• 1. Float Lions Head and continue down from the Glacier Park Bridge (river mile 0, for simplicity).

• 2. Access at the Glacier Park Bridge (river mile 0). This is found by turning left off the Glenn Highway at milepost 102, and heading down the steep switchback to the river. Park at the dirt lot near the truck-width swath to the river. Relax on the fine furniture left for you as you rig.

• 3. Access at Hicks Creek (river mile 5). This is found by turning off the Glenn Highway at Milepost 96.6 and following the signs to Nova River Runners. They are really good about you leaving a car on the gravel bar, so stop and say hello, and let them know how long you're going to be out. Note that they can and will close and lock the gate, but if they do, give them a call from the Hicks Creek store, and they'll let you in or out.

• 4. Access at the confluence of the Chickaloon River(river mile 25). This is done by turning off the highway at the Chickaloon River Bridge (milepost 77.7) and following a steep access to the Chickaloon River, which you then float for 50 yards to the Matanuska.

• 5. Access at the King Mountain State Recreation Area (river mile 27). Note that the State Park does not allow overnight parking near the beach closest to the river, but if you talk to them, you can usually find a good solution. There is an optional access about .25 miles upstream just downriver from the cable bridge that does allow overnight parking. However, your vehicle is fairly exposed, which in this area can mean something.

• 6. Access at the King River confluence (river mile 37, milepost 66.6 (rock on))

...