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Discover Year Round Paddling in The Mat-Su Valley

March 22, 2026

With the arrival of spring – at least officially – and the increasingly longer hours of sunlight, you’re probably itching to get outdoors for longer. If you have a penchant for being out on the water, you’re in luck if you live in one of the homes in Wasilla Alaska in the Mat-Su Valley. You don’t have to wait if you really want to get out and paddle. There’s at least one good spot to enjoy all year long to get you ready for the more well-known water trails later in the year.

The Eklutna Tailrace, located along the Old Glenn Highway, is a wonderful spot to enjoy some paddling and beautiful scenery while you wait for other lakes and streams to thaw. If you’re an angler, you may already be familiar with this spot as a great place to fish during the summer. However, it’s also a great spot in the colder months because it rarely freezes. This is because the nearby power plant incorporates the water into the facility’s cooling system, which means you can head out onto the water before the greater spring thaw.

Besides having navigable waters, there’s some great scenery, too. It starts with the water itself, which is a wonderful green yearlong thanks to being fed by the silt-rich glacial waters of the Knik River. In addition, because the water rarely freezes, it’s a great setting for picturesque hoarfrost, so don’t forget your camera. Wintering aquatic birds and charming footbridges further enhance the natural scenery. There’s convenient parking and easy access to the water for canoes, kayaks, and rafts, so be sure to check the Eklutna Tailrace if you’re ready to get out and paddle.

If you’re new to the area or just getting into paddling, there are plenty of other great places to explore once the temperatures rise. The 7-Mile Canoe Trail is a popular route, right through the heart of Wasilla. Start at Finger Lake State Recreation Site, and go through Cottonwood Lake, Cottonwood Creek, Upper Wasilla Lake, and Wasilla Lake itself, near the Parks Highway.

The Jim Creek Canoe Route is a six mile route that starts at Jim Lake, continuing on to McRoberts Creek to Jim Creek, and ending at the Knik River. Experienced paddles can manage this six-mile route in a day, but there are also shorter paddle options in the Jim Lake and Mud Lake.

These are just a few of the spots to get out on the water and enjoy the local scenery and the serenity of paddling. Wasilla’s location in the Mat-Su Valley is ideal for enjoying a range of outdoor activities throughout the year, so if you’re looking for homes in Wasilla Alaska, reach out and contact us today. We can help you find the ideal home in this picturesque region.

This post was written by Hall Quality Homes.