Slana, Alaska
Kendesnii Campround
If you ask someone what they want to see most in Alaska, I think glaciers would be near the top of the list. This leg of our trip will take us past our first glacier, Matanuska. But first we pass some gorgeous, green, marshy areas that are home to many moose. We spotted a few on our 3 hour drive on Nabesna Road.
Nabesna Road is a 43 mile long route from Slana River, dead-ending at the tiny community of Nabesna. It's usually a very tough, mostly dirt/gravel road. This road takes you through the northern-most part of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. It's a very remote area that most people do not travel down. We wanted to explore this far corner. They say to allow 1 1/2 hours EACH WAY to travel this road. They were right. It's very rough.
Somewhere mid-way we came upon this interesting sign. Strange though, no potty to be found.
We parked at a pullout for Rock Lake so we could hike to a backcountry cabin.
It was very warm out and we should've worn our muck boots as the ground was very spongey/mossy and boggy. While it looked nice, you sank in several inches. Our feet were soaked almost right away.
After a short hike with our bear spray, we came upon the Viking Cabin. It was super cute. It was built in the 1970s by Thor Brandt-Erickson. You can rent it through the park service.
It has a bed, loft, kitchen and eating area. There is an indoor wood storage area and an outdoor bathroom. Water can be taken from the nearby stream.
It was very clean and well stocked with the basics. You pack in/out what you need.
Maybe an old root cellar?
The stream is so clear you almost don't see it.
The newer outhouse.
We arrived at the Kendesnii Campground after a long drive on the bumpy dirt road. The views were beautiful as is all of Alaska so far! Above is our campsite. There are about 20 of them in a loop. We were in #1 with fantastic views of the mountains. It is free to camp in this campground.
Rick and Angie's site next to us.
Lovely lake but we could not kayak as the winds picked up. We tried to fish from the shore but it's mostly overgrown on the shoreline and too shallow and weedy at the bank.
Rick and Angie went wood gathering for our fire and found some large pieces.
We loved our time hear just relaxing. Then it was off to see our first big glacier!
What a gorgeous drive! The day was sunny and crystal clear giving us jaw dropping views of the mountains.
Chugach Mountains
And there it was as we came around the bend. The Matanuska Glacier! We had a sudden change of plans (all is well) and had to leave a bit earlier than planned. No worries. We'd come through again, later and spend more time on the glacier.
Sutton, Alaska
Matanuska Glacier Campground
There was a nice Day Use area here with views of the glacier and a short hiking trail.
You could see the glacier path.
You can see the antler rubs on some of the trees.
We've got some fishing coming up. A new species for us.
