Alaska Northstars

06/06/2026

Well, we were hoping to have to have one last launch to today at the Knik River sandbar, but as most of hopefully know by now, the way to the site has been blocked by a stream. So the launch for today, June 6th, has been canceled. Given the wind and the dust, hope for a launch ch may have been vain anyway.

05/25/2026

Today’s launch is a GO. I intend to be on site around 12:30 for set up. Actual alunch should start around 1 P. See you there.



A NOTAM has been logged ( ZAN 05/168) from 1P to 5P, ground to 5000 feet. The river is rising now and in the next month or so will cover the bar for the rest of the summer, so this might be our best chance for a launch.



We will have both rail and rod launchers so will be able to launch whatever you bring. Anything (legal) is welcome. We will have some small stuff to loan if you don’t have anything yourselves.



The launch site is located on the north west side of the Knik river bridge on the Old Glenn Highway south of Palmer. It is accessed from the public access lot next to the campground. After getting into the lot, go back south next to the highway to the river. There is an intermittent slough, reported dry now, which must be crossed to get onto the bar itself. The best route west to the launch point is usually pretty close to the river edge, follow the ruts. The launches are normally about ½ mile west of the slough crossing. We are usually pretty obvious.

05/23/2026

All:



Due to weather, today’s launch has been rescheduled to Memorial Day, Monday May 25.



A NOTAM has been logged ( ZAN 05/168) from 1P to 5P, ground to 5000 feet. The river is rising now and in the next month or so will cover the bar for the rest of the summer, so this might be our best chance for a launch.



I will send out a final go/no go email by 9AM on Monday morning. Or earlier if the weather situation changes.



We will have both rail and rod launchers so will be able to launch whatever you bring. Anything (legal) is welcome. We will have some small stuff to loan if you don’t have anything yourselves.



The launch site is located on the north west side of the Knik river bridge on the Old Glenn Highway south of Palmer. It is accessed from the public access lot next to the campground. After getting into the lot, go back south next to the highway to the river. There is an intermittent slough, reported dry now, which must be crossed to get onto the bar itself. The best route west to the launch point is usually pretty close to the river edge, follow the ruts. The launches are normally about ½ mile west of the slough crossing. We are usually pretty obvious. Call me at number below if you have problems.





Wayne Robinson

President Alaska Northstars NAR 726

Send a message to learn more

05/22/2026

Hello All,

Last weekend turned out to not be a good weekend for a lot of folks, so we're trying again this weekend. We've scheduled a luanch for this Saturday, May 23rd from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Knik River sandber. If we do have to cancel for weather, we've scheduled an contigency launch for Monday, May 25th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Hopefully the weather will cooperate for one of these days.
Looking forward to seeing you out there.

05/16/2026

Hello All,

Due to a lack expressed interest the launch that we had scheduled for tomorrow, it will be postponed until next Saturday, May 23rd. To those who were planning on joining tomorrow, we apologize and do hope that you'll be able to join us next weekend.

Thanks for you understanding.

Send a message to learn more

05/15/2026

Hello All,

I've activated the waiver for the Knik Sandbar for this Saturday, May 16th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Ref: NOTAM # 05/122

Attached is a map to the launch site. The water seen on the map isn't currently there and path to the site is clear; just follow the tracks.

The go/no go call will be made by 10:00 am Saturday morning.

Hope to see you out there!

12/17/2025

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11/29/2025

I have a clear view from my of Pioneer Peak and the wind is almost non-existant. Any dramatic change in the weather aside, I'm calling today's launch a "GO".

Hope to see you out there,

Shawn C.

11/27/2025

Good Evening All,

We are intending to hold a launch on Saturday, November 29th from noon to 4 pm, weather permitting of course. A "Go/ No Go" call will be made by 9:30 that morning. Attached is a map to our Knik River Launch site; the water that is shown to be blocking the way to the site is not currently there. That said, it is a bit off the road, so bringing out your custom low-rider is not advisable. Hope to see you all out there.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Shawn C.