Chickaloon, Alaska - Population: 292
History: The village was named for the Chickaloon River, after Chief Chiklu. It was established around 1916 in this coal-rich region as the terminus of the Matanuska Branch of the Alaska Railroad.
Location: Chickaloon is located within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, northeast of Sutton at Milepost 76 of the Glenn Highway. Chickaloon is located on the Chickaloon River, on the Glenn Highway, 26 miles northeast of Palmer in the Talkeetna Mountains. It lies at approximately 61° 47' N Latitude, 148° 28' W Longitude (Sec. 25, T020N, R005E, Seward Meridian). The community is located in the Palmer Recording District. The area encompasses 47 sq. miles of land and 1 sq. miles of water.
Chickaloon is surrounded by the Talkeetna Mountains, the Chugach Mountains and flanked by the mighty Matanuska River, making this small community a beautiful little getaway. Central to great fishing, area attractions, the Matanuska Glacier and river rafting adventure, Chickaloon is a beautiful, out-of-the-way place to explore Alaska from.
Access: By road via the Glenn Highway, about 35 miles northeast of Palmer.
Things to do: Chickaloon is the staging area for a number of outfits that run river rafts, ranging from easy, scenic floats to whitewater adventure. Several companies also provide guided glacier hikes on nearby Matanuska Glacier. Fishing opportunities abound in the many nearby rivers and lakes.
Accommodations: Several bed and breakfasts, one lodge, cabins, campgrounds and most services. King Mountain State Recreation Site is within a mile and is a pleasant area on the banks of the Matanuska River. The campground has 22 campsites, picnic shelter, fireplaces, picnic tables, water and toilets. There is a spectacular view of King Mountain as well.
Source: State of Alaska, Department of Community and Economic Development.
