One of The Mat-Su’s “hidden-in-plain-sight” treasures is a picturesque little spot known as Eklutna Tailrace (locals often just say “the tailrace”). This place is an absolute haven for anglers, dog walkers, photographers, paddlers, birders and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Located at mile 3.5 on the Old Glenn Highway, the tailrace is a man made channel carrying water from the nearby Eklutna Power Plant and later converging with the Knik River. The most striking feature of the tailrace is the transluscent blue-green color of the water. It’s actually glacier water routed by tunnel from Eklutna Lake, all the way through the Chugach Mountains down to the power plant! The tailrace and that high elevation lake share the same brilliant color.
A scenic footpath that parallels the water incorporates a beautiful bridge near the confluence. Set over that brilliant glacial water, with Pioneer Peak as a backdrop, this perfectly situated bridge has facilitated many a successful photo shoot for school grads, newlyweds, and family reunions. If you visited The Mat-Su and did not snap at least a selfie at the tailrace, I’m afraid you simply have to visit again.
Because the water is warmed somewhat as it is cycled through the power plant, the tailrace rarely freezes during the colder months of the year. This makes it a valued winter hotspot for paddlers. Why wait an entire winter season before you can put your kayak or raft into the water again? The tailrace is the perfect place to scratch that boating itch. You can visit the tailrace in January and often find a couple – or even a dozen paddlers enjoying themselves on the water.
This same temperature phenomenon also attracts migrating and wintering birds like swans, mergansers, goldeneyes, and the charismatic American Dipper.
Though Eklutna Tailrace is a worthwhile stop year round, visitation certainly spikes in summer as salmon return to this area to spawn. It’s no secret that Alaska’s sizeable river fish are the primary driver for many visitors to this region. Anglers will find this a perfect bank side fishing experience, with ample parking, restroom facilities, and plenty of elbow room along the shoreline.
You can bring waders or just keep those tennies on, nestle into a camp chair and cast your line from shore. Either way, it’s a pretty safe bet that you’ll have a fish on in no time.
My personal favorite feature at the tailrace is ironically not the tailrace itself, but a glassy wetland pond along the north side of the footpath. This is arguably southcentral Alaska’s most dependable spot to view a very small population of Hooded Mergansers that return here annually. That and the countless ducks, loons, grebes, swallows, and songbirds that come to the tailrace every year makes it a frequent stop of mine every month.
There are so many free sites and activities at your fingertips in The Mat-Su. If you enjoy pristine water features, scenic trails and aquatic activities, consider a stop at Eklutna Tailrace. Pack a lunch and this may become the prettiest picnic spot you’ve ever had!
