Glenn Highway – Mile 76 to 101
Mile 76 — King Mountain State Recreation Site
This site is located along one of the most panoramic sections of the Glenn Highway with views of the Matanuska Glacier and geological formations created by glacier movement. Home to Athabascan Indians for hundreds of years, the area is a popular spot for camping, fishing, and hunting. Area trails draw hikers, ATV riders and horseback riders. Moose, wolves, coyotes, and foxes live and feed among these woods and wild lands. Rainbow trout are found in peripheral streams. Bald eagles patrol the river for fish while golden eagles, less commonly seen, favor open wooded or barren rocky elevations. Northern harrier frequent marshy areas and willow ptarmigan tend to frequent willows near the tree line. A campground and rest facilities are available at the state recreation site at the base of King Mountain along the Matanuska River.
Mile 85.4 — Long Lake State Recreation Site
You’ll find only primitive camping facilities here but the lake is well stocked and the glacially-sculpted landscape is magnificent. The rugged face of Anthracite Ridge is to the north. The lake is home to Arctic char, lake trout, Arctic grayling and rainbow trout.
Mile 101 — Matanuska Glacier State Recreational Site
Take a little time to hike the Edge Nature Trail for excellent views of the glacier. Starting at the rest area, it’s about a 20 minute walk through aspen and poplar forest to glacier viewing platforms equipped with interpretive signs, including information about ice worms. Along the way, look for woodland birds and signs of moose browsing on willows. Moose are most active in early morning and sunset but tend to lay low the rest of the day. Black bear also frequent the area but are not commonly seen. You may see spruce and rough grouse in woodland areas, often with chicks in mid-summer. Keep a sharp eye out for animal sign, like tracks, scat, and browsed areas. You may be surprised at what you find!