Thunderbird Creek Directions
Close to Anchorage, But Don't Expect Much
Thunderbird Creek is about a 40-minute drive north of
Anchorage. From the North it is about a 20-minute drive from Palmer
or Wasilla. This is not a great fishing deskination but is a n easy
and scenic hiking destination.
Directions.
From Anchorage:
 1. Take the Glenn
Highway north.
2. Take the 
Eklutna Lake Road Exit (milepost 26.3)
3. Head East on
Eklutna Lake Road.
4. Turn right on
the Old Glenn Highway .5 miles.
5. Park at the trailhead
just south of the bridge.
From Palmer and Wasilla
Same as Anchorage
instructions, but take Glenn Highway south.
Access
The only access to Thunderbird Creek is the trailhead
just south of the 
Old Glenn Highway bridge. The directions above tell you how to get to
this point. From here you can hike the Thunderbird Falls Trail to the
limited fishable spots. Much of the land surrounding the river is private
land and high cliffs keep you away from the water in most areas.
Parking
There is a trailhead for the Thunderbird Falls Trail.
Facilities
Gas
The nearest available gas is 6 miles south on the Glenn
Highway in Peters Creek or further south in Eagle River. Gas is also
available in Wasilla,15 miles north up the Glenn Highway.
Food
Food is just like gas, either 6 miles south on the Glenn
Highway in Peters Creek or head twenty minutes north to Palmer or
Wasilla. Wasilla does have a lot of fast food choices. Think about
bringing a picnic and eating at the Eklutna Lake campground.
Lodging
There are hotels available in Wasilla, Palmer and Eagle
River. Also there is a 
campground at Eklutna Lake.
Other Area Fishing
Although Thunderbird Creek joins the Elklutna River,
this is not the greatest fishing location. However, it lies between
the Mat-Su rivers to the north and Anchorage waters to the south.
The best salmon fishing in the area (from a catch and eat perspective)
is at the Eklutna
Tailrace, just to the north of the river. Most of the waters in
the immediate area are glacial and poor to fair fishing. Consider
traveling up into the Mat-Su Valley or heading south to Either Ship
Creek or Bird Creek
for better fishing.
To the north are some fantastic possibilities in the Mat-Su Valley,
like Jim Creek.
Other Area Attractions
There are a few worthwhile things to see in the area
around the Tailrace. Closest would be the Athabascan community of
Eklutna.  The
Eklutna Historical Park preserves the heritage of the community.
There is a cemetery of traditional Spirit Houses here that are featured
in many guide books.
Also to the north are the towns of Palmer and Wasilla.
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