Kayak Campbell Creek, Anchorage

What: A winding creek running through Anchorage worth exploring on a kayak.

When to go: Ideally accessed in the peak summer months between June and September.

How to get there: There are many places to put into the creek depending on how far you want to go. A decent trip is to drop in at Taku Lake: https://goo.gl/maps/aySjRDhiz8KwTKD36. From here you can kayak all the way to the mouth of Campbell Lake and get out before the lake or at one of the public access points on the lake.

  • Be careful if going early in the summer or after a major wind storm; there can often be downed trees across the creek which can make it hard to cross.
  • It’s worth doing this in a raft or short kayak to give yourself max manueverability. Also worth wearing thigh or chest high waders so that you can easily get out and walk around obstacles. It may often be tempting to shoot the gap between trees, but this can be dangerous and lead to you tipping over in the river.
  • There are many little beach pullouts along the way to enjoy a snack or drink.