Cozihaus

Works from either stay

A day at Eklutna Lake

Eklutna Lake sits up a side road off the Glenn Highway, between Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley. It is a calm, glacier-fed lake with a flat lakeside trail and enough room to spend a whole afternoon without a plan.

The shoreline at Eklutna Lake

Who this suits

An easy half day from either property, families, and anyone who wants mountain scenery without elevation gain.

A plan that works

  1. Come mid-morning and plan on a few unhurried hours rather than a fixed itinerary.
  2. Walk out along the lakeshore trail as far as feels good and turn around — it is flat and there is no summit to reach.
  3. Pack food and water. Plan to have everything you need with you.
  4. Pair it with a stop in Palmer or Eagle River on the way back if you want a meal out.

Drive and timing, honestly

  • Eklutna Lake is off the Glenn Highway roughly midway between Anchorage and Wasilla, which makes it one of the few day trips that is convenient from both properties.
  • The access road up to the lake is a slow drive and adds meaningfully to the highway time — do not plan around the highway portion alone.
  • Allow a half day minimum from either property.

What we won’t promise

  • We cannot promise road or trail access. The access road and the lakeside trail are subject to seasonal closures, washouts, and maintenance.
  • We cannot promise wildlife sightings.
  • We cannot promise parking. The lot fills on clear summer weekends.
  • We cannot promise that rentals or facilities are operating on your dates.

Practical notes

  • This is a state recreation area, so expect a parking or day-use fee.
  • There is no reliable cell service for parts of the drive up. Download directions before you go.
  • The lake is glacier-fed and cold year round. Treat it as scenery rather than swimming.
  • Because the trail is flat, this is one of the better options for a mixed-ability group.

Where this experience fits

Both Cozihaus homes are on the map. This experience runs easier from either stay.

Approximate areas, drawn for direction rather than to scale. Exact addresses are shared once a stay is confirmed.

  • Cozihaus on Blodgett LakeA natural base for Valley and northbound exploring — Hatcher Pass, Palmer, Talkeetna, and beyond.
  • Cozihaus in SpenardA natural base for Anchorage and Turnagain Arm — city experiences, the Chugach, Girdwood, Portage, and Whittier.

Where these stays reach

You are here

Eklutna Lake

Between Anchorage and the Valley, up a side road off the Glenn. Genuinely close to both stays, which is what makes it an easy half day from either.