Rivers, Lakes & Mountains In The Copper River Valley
Four Mountain Ranges Surround The Copper Valley
The Chugach Range sprawls across Alaska from Anchorage to Valdez. The mountains lie to the south as you drive out the Glenn Highway and are the source of the tidewater glaciers that crash into Prince William Sound.
The Talkeetna Range is to the north as you drive along the Glenn Highway. In fact, the road winds its way between the Talkeetnas and the Chugach Range to the south. The Talkeetna Mountains are the calving grounds of the Nelchina caribou herd.
Four huge peaks of the Wrangell Mountains dominate the skyline as you drive into Glennallen. Impressively, there are nine out of the sixteen highest peaks in the United States in the enormous Wrangell-St. Elias region to the east.
Marching across the Copper Valley to the north is the Alaska Range. Many miles to the west and too far away to be visible is Denali. You must cross through the Alaska Range passes as you come into the Copper Valley from Delta and Tok.
Five Wilderness Lakes Are Road Accessible
Lake Louise is 16 miles north of the Glenn Highway at Mile 160. It flows into two other wilderness lakes – Lake Susitna and Tyone Lake – which in turn, drain into the Susitna River.
Paxson Lake is 60 miles north of Glennallen. It is the beginning of many Gulkana River Wild and Scenic River System trips.
Tazlina Lake can be reached via the Little Nelchina River on the Glenn Highway.
Klutina Lake is at the end of a rough road alongside the wild and woolly Klutina River. Check with Ahtna Inc. for permits and access rules.
The Tangle Lakes are 21 miles up the Denali Highway from Paxson. These beautiful lakes are rich with berries , wildlife and waterfowl.
Six Wilderness Rivers Can Also Be Reached By Road
The Gulkana River This is a wild and scenic river trip that many people start at Paxson Lake Campground. Most people use a raft. Be sure to contact the BLM field office in Glennallen.
The Delta River This is a wild and scenic river trip that starts at Tangle Lakes Campground. It is a canoe trip. There is a portage and you must get out of the river before Black Rapids. Contact BLM.
The Klutina River This is a very steep and fast river and many people have gotten into trouble trying it on their own. Use a guide.
The Slana River The Slana River is less well-known but can make an excellent day canoe trip. Contact BLM.
The Tazlina River You start this river trip at Little Nelchina at Mile 138 on the Glenn Highway. It is a lengthy trip and you should contact BLM before attempting this 5-day trip.
The Copper River This is a swift and dangerous wilderness river and should only be attempted by parties with an experienced guide.