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Seven Mile Canoe Trail Paddle Tour
Pricing
Ages 18+
Ages 18+
Ages 6-17
Description
Guided Kayaking & SUP Tour on the Seven Mile Canoe Trail
Paddle through the heart of the Mat-Su Valley on a scenic multi-lake route framed by the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains. This trip strings together a series of connected lakes and creeks, offering a different kind of paddling experience than your guides' river trips — more still water, more winding channels, and long views across the valley.
Starting at Cottonwood Lake, the route crosses open water before narrowing into a connecting creek that threads through a tunnel and opens up into Mud Lake. Paddling around Mud Lake gives you a close-up look at the marshy, mountain-framed scenery that defines this part of the valley, before the route doubles back up the creek and returns to Cottonwood Lake to close the loop.
Wildlife sightings are common along the way — moose, ducks, and fish are all regularly spotted from the water — making this a rewarding trip for guests who enjoy a quieter, more exploratory style of paddling through lake and creek systems rather than open river current.
Duration
Location / Where to Meet
- This tour starts and ends at Cottonwood Lake, 5401 E Hemlock Dr, Wasilla, AK 99654 - View on Google Maps
- A round-trip shuttle from downtown Anchorage, Palmer, or Wasilla is available for an extra fee
- Approximate driving distance: roughly 44 miles (71 km) / about 50 minutes from Anchorage, and about 13 miles (21 km) / 15–20 minutes from Palmer
Ages & Requirements
- All ages welcome
- One child aged 5 or younger may join as a free lap rider per paying adult — must be scheduled in advance
- Moderately strenuous - no paddling experience needed
What's Included
- Kayak or canoe/SUP
- Paddle
- Life jacket
- Waterproof phone case
- Snacks
- Tour guide
Not Included
- Gratuity for your guide
- Round-trip shuttle from Anchorage, Palmer, or Wasilla — available for an extra fee at checkout
What to Bring / Wear
- Quick-drying clothes
- Shoes that can get wet and muddy
- Layers, such as a fleece and/or rain jacket
- Hat with cord or a beanie
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Adventures by True North Ak
FAQs
Is transportation from Anchorage included?
Transportation is not included in the tour price. Your guides offer a round-trip shuttle from downtown Anchorage for an additional flat fee of $175 per group (1–6 people). The shuttle meets guests at the downtown Anchorage Visitor's Center (the Log Cabin) and is roughly a 45-minute ride each way to the meeting point. Shuttle service is also available from Palmer or Wasilla for $85. Shuttle service must be requested and scheduled in advance.
Do I need previous paddling experience?
No prior experience is needed for these trips. They're designed to welcome beginners, and your guide will cover paddling basics before you head out on the water.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Online reservations must be made by 5 PM the day before your scheduled tour.
What wildlife might I see?
Your guides paddle through glacier-formed lakes, marshlands, and river systems where river otters, beavers, bald eagles, salmon, ducks, owls, porcupines, moose, bears, and coyotes have all been spotted. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the terrain is prime wildlife habitat.
What is the route for the Seven Mile Canoe Trail?
The trail flows through the heart of the Mat-Su Valley. Starting at Cottonwood Lake, guests paddle across to a connecting creek that runs through a tunnel into Mud Lake. After paddling around Mud Lake, the route returns back up the creek to Cottonwood Lake.
What kind of watercraft are available?
Kayaks and paddleboards are both available. Select your preference at checkout.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy: Cancel by phone more than 1 day before your trip (before 5 PM the day prior) for a full refund minus card processing fees. Cancellations within 1 day are non-refundable.
No-Shows: Arriving more than 15 minutes late, or backing out at departure for a non-safety reason, counts as a no-show — no refund.
Weather: Trips may be modified, postponed, or canceled for unsafe conditions (high wind, fog, flooding, storms, extreme cold, whiteout, etc.). If a trip can't run safely, guests get a reschedule or full refund. Your guides call within an hour of the start time if weather forces a change.
Fitness/Mobility: Guides may turn back participants who can't safely keep pace, per ACA Essential Eligibility Standards for water sports. No refund if turned back for this reason — contact your guides in advance with any concerns.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
5401 E Hemlock Dr
Wasilla, AK, 99654
US
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