Why This Kayak Tour in Palmer, Alaska Belongs on Your Itinerary
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I recently spent three days in Palmer, and one of the highlights was a half-day kayak tour with Adventures by True North. I’ve been on a handful of kayak tours before, but this one completely stood out. From gliding across a perfectly still lake that reflected the mountains like glass to navigating the braided channels of the Knik River, it was the kind of experience that makes you stop and think - this is why I came to Alaska.
What made it even better was the team behind the tour. They were prepared for everything, from offering gloves and hand warmers to sharing fun facts about the area, which made the day feel both adventurous and easy. If you’re searching for kayak tours in Palmer or unique things to do in Palmer, this is hands-down one of the best ways to see the area.
Why Choose a Kayak Tour in Palmer
Palmer may look like your typical small, unassuming town at first glance, but its location makes it a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. With mountains on the horizon, glacier-fed rivers at its doorstep, and easy access from Anchorage, it’s a perfect base for exploring. And I’m not quite sure why more people don’t visit. I was told multiple times that I should pass on visiting Palmer, but I’m so glad that I didn’t listen. You can read all about my Palmer 4-day itinerary here.
Kayaking in Palmer gives you a front-row seat to Alaska’s wild beauty. Calm lakes, braided rivers, glaciers in the distance, and the chance to spot wildlife create an experience that feels both peaceful and adventurous. And because Palmer tends to see fewer crowds than other destinations, a tour here often feels more personal and less rushed.
For me, kayaking in Palmer turned out to be the perfect way to wrap up my time in Alaska. It was a reminder of why slowing down and exploring “off the beaten path” can be the most rewarding choice.
Exploring with Adventures by True North
This experience wouldn’t have been the same without the team behind it: Adventures by True North. Founded in 2021, the company is the passion project of Derek, who has a deep love for kayaking and for sharing the outdoors with others.
What stood out to me most is how thoughtful they are in every detail. From the extra gear you can choose from (snacks, hand warmers, gloves) to the enthusiastic guides who clearly love what they do, you feel taken care of from start to finish. Their mission isn’t just to take you out on the water. It’s to make sure you connect with Alaska’s landscapes in a way that feels safe, meaningful, and memorable.
While they offer a handful of adventures year-round, from snowshoeing in winter to full-day paddling trips and even a sauna & glacier-fed cold plunge experience, the half-day kayak tour in Palmer is the perfect introduction to what they do best!
What to Expect at the Beginning of Your Tour
Arriving at the meeting point in Butte was simple. Adventures by True North doesn’t have a formal office yet, so we met in a public parking lot just before the bridge that crosses the Knik River. I actually loved this setup because it meant our tour ended in the exact same spot, making it super easy to hop right back into our car afterward.
Derek, the owner of Adventures by True North, was waiting for us when we pulled in. Check-in was quick and easy, and his laid-back but professional vibe immediately put us at ease. It felt like the perfect start to the day, organized without being overly formal, which matched the adventurous spirit of the tour.
Before heading out, we went through a detailed safety briefing. I’ve been on a handful of kayak tours before, but this one went far beyond the generic rundown. Alaska is wild, and many of the animals that call it home are unfamiliar to most travelers. Derek explained different scenarios we might encounter and how to stay safe in each one, which gave me extra confidence before we hit the water.
One thing that really stood out to me was the additional optional gear. At the launch site, we were offered extras like gloves, hand warmers, snacks, and water, little things that make a big difference in comfort when you’re paddling for hours. It was such a happy surprise and showed that this company truly goes above and beyond to take care of their guests.
Kayaking Across Jim Lake
Our launch point was Jim Lake, and the moment we pushed off the shore, I knew this was going to be a special tour. The lake itself is medium-sized, but that morning it felt magical. The water was perfectly still, acting like a mirror for the mountains in the distance. With the sun shining overhead, the entire scene looked like a painting.
Paddling across Jim Lake was serene and peaceful. It took us a few minutes to find our rhythm, but once we did, we were gliding across the surface with ease. The only sounds were the occasional bird chirping or the splash of a fish breaking the surface. For me, it felt like the perfect way to start my day in Alaska.
Portaging to the Next Waterway
After crossing Jim Lake, it was time to portage our kayaks to the next waterway. I’ll be honest, I’d never portaged a kayak before and thought it might be tough, but it wasn’t nearly as hard as I imagined. Even though the kayaks were inflatable, they still had some weight to them, and I needed a little help from our guide. She was more than happy to jump in and lend a hand, which made the process quick and easy - it also added to the adventure!
One of the things I really appreciated about these inflatable kayaks was how much more comfortable they were compared to others I’ve used. Sitting in them felt way less cramped, and it was easy to move my legs around or shift positions whenever I needed to. You could even sit on your knees if you wanted a change. That extra comfort made a big difference over the course of the morning and allowed me to focus more on the scenery than on my seat and legs.
Entering Knik River
After the portage, the landscape shifted, and the paddle felt more adventurous. We started in a narrow creek that soon spilled into the braided section of the Knik River. This part was so much fun! We had to navigate through some shallow spots, winding sandbars, and unexpected twists. Our guide, Danika, did her best to navigate the shallows, but we still got stuck a few times. Instead of being frustrating, it turned into a fun new experience. We laughed our way through the braided piece, treating it more like an obstacle course than a setback. This part of the river changes daily, making it the most interesting area for everyone, including the guides.
Eventually, the braided section opened up into the main Knik River. Rounding a bend, I was surprised to see Knik Glacier in the distance. It felt like a sneak peek of what was to come since we had a helicopter tour planned there the next day. Catching a glimpse of it from the water added to the sense of awe and made the entire paddle feel even more special.
The Guide Experience
Our guide for the day, Danika, was absolutely amazing. Her energy was contagious: fun, upbeat, and clearly passionate about the area. She also had the perfect voice for guiding. She was loud enough that we could hear her even when we were trailing behind, which isn’t always the case on outdoor tours.
It ended up being just my boyfriend and me on the tour, which made it feel even more personal. Danika kept things exciting and interesting the entire time, mixing in fun facts about the area and pointing out details about the local wildlife. She struck the perfect balance of being professional while also making us feel like we were kayaking with a friend. And while you can easily opt to rent kayaks and go out by yourself, you get so much more with a guided tour - plus, you know you’ll be safe if you encounter any wildlife that you’re not prepared for.
Why I Loved This Kayak Tour
The overall experience was far more surreal than I expected! I went in thinking it might be just another average kayak outing, but between the pristine setting and the thoughtfulness of Adventures by True North, it completely exceeded my expectations.
This tour is perfect for families with older kids, adventurous couples, or travelers who’ve kayaked at least once or twice before. You don’t need tons of experience, but since it’s on the longer side, I wouldn’t recommend it for total beginners.
Other Tours & Experiences with Adventures by True North
While the half-day kayaking tour in Palmer was a highlight, Adventures by True North has some awesome additional options that are perfect if you want to expand your outdoor experience.
Full-Day Kayak Tours - For people who want more time on the water, they offer full-day paddling options. It means you go farther, see more, and get a deeper connection to the landscape.
Snowshoeing Tours in Winter - When the snow falls, the trails transform. If you’re visiting in winter, their snowshoe treks are peaceful and beautiful, letting you explore pristine snow-covered terrain without needing prior snowshoe experience.
Sauna & Cold Plunge Year-Round Experience - Relax in a mobile Finnish-style sauna and take a cold plunge in water fed by glacier meltwater. If you want something restorative after paddling or hiking, this option gives you a memorable reset.
Kayaking in Palmer with Adventures by True North ended up being one of the highlights of my Alaska trip. From the peaceful start on Jim Lake to the fun challenge of navigating the braided Knik River, it was the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Add in a knowledgeable and energetic guide, high-quality gear, and thoughtful extras, and it’s easy to see why this company stands out!
If you’re looking for kayak tours in Palmer, this is the one I’d recommend without hesitation. It’s a fantastic way to experience Alaska’s wild beauty, even if you’ve only got half a day. And if you’re visiting during a different season, Adventures by True North also offers snowshoeing trips in winter, and a sauna and glacier-fed cold plunge experience year-round.
For more ideas on things to do in Palmer, check out my guides to 4 Days in Palmer, Alaska, Bluewater Basecamp at Eklutna Lake, and Exploring Matanuska Glacier. Together, these will help you plan an Alaska trip that goes far beyond the usual stops!
Happy travels!
-Tess
Looking for more information about Alaska? Check out these articles!
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!