BIRDING IN PALMER
When it comes to birding, Palmer offers a vast array of locals. Virtually all of the trail systems allow for bird sightings throughout the year. From eagles to swan, waxwings to ptarmigan, you can’t go wrong birding in Palmer.
Birding Locations
This 1.6 mile trail is fully paved and perfect for people of all ages. Though just outside Palmer, it offers a variety of activities such as disc-golf, running, biking, and even Nordic skiing in winter.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department of click on the website link above.
Part of a 30+ mile network of trails in the Matanuska Greenbelt, it cuts through the forest in a loop just over a mile long. These dirt trails are dotted with about 100 signposts to help with navigation and provide hours of exploration.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
The Crevasse-Moraine trail system features over 6 miles of interconnected trails and is is open year round. These trails run along what was once a glacier bed and ranges widely in difficulty from trail to trail.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
This 4+ mile trail takes you up Eska Peak to spectacular views of the Chugach Range. The trek crosses through woodland and lush alpine growth before reaching the falls and peak respectively.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
This 16 mile (round trip) trail follows the Little Susitna river up to it's headwaters. One of four major trails in Hatcher Pass, north of Palmer, it has a gradual incline for the first few miles before becoming much steeper. It is open to hiking, biking, and skiing, and you can even do a little gold panning along the way.
For directions and additional information, please click on the website link above or alaska.org/detail/gold-mint-trail.
Government Peak offers popular summer hiking trails just north of Palmer. The Main trail to the peak can be daunting, though it offers some of the best views of the area all the way to the Knik Glacier. Multiple trails for biking and horseback riding also traverse the area. Note that the parking area is open from 8 AM to 8 PM, so be careful not to get locked in.
For directions or additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
In the peak winter months Government Peak features 9 miles of combines trails for skiing, skijoring, sledding, snowshoeing and more. Take in the sights as you adventure along the Chugach mountains just north of Palmer. Note that the parking area is open from 8 AM to 8 PM, so don't get locked in.
For more information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
Two trails, the Lazy Moose Trail and Lazy Mountain Trail, are the primary ascent of the mountain. The former is a longer, winding trail with moderate slopes and an easier climb, while the latter is much shorter and more difficult as it offers the straightest path to the peak. From the top you can see the Chugach and Talkeena Ranges.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
A beautiful, non-motorized trail that follows an old railroad bed along the Matanuska River. The trail can be started either from downtown Palmer, or Moose Creek, and runs approx. 6 miles from end-to-end.
For additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Sustina Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.
A rugged, mountainous trek for the experienced outdoors-man. This 12 mile trail ascends to over 6,000 feet above the Valley. While you can complete this hike over a single day with enough planning, it is encouraged you make camp and spread it out over at least two. The climb is challenging and requires firm knowledge and safety skills to complete; however, the views from the top are one of a kind.
For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Borough Community Development Department or by clicking on the website link above.
This trail, approximately 9 miles round trip, follows an old mining road in Hatcher Pass. You will hike over 2,000 feet of elevation gain and witness the tarn that feeds Reed Lake, gorgeous waterfalls, the lake itself, and Reed Creek flowing down the mountain.
For directions and additional information click on the website link above or alaska.org/detail/reed-lakes-trail.
If you're looking for a quick, middling difficulty hike with phenomenal views of Palmer and the surrounding valley, you cannot beat the West Butte Trail. Situated only 10 minutes outside the city, this trail traverses the 800+ foot Bodenburg Butte and is maintained by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. It features several benches, a shaded ascent, and is topped by a view Lazy Mountain, Pioneer Peak, Matanuska Peak, the Knik Glacier, the Talkeetna Range, and more.
For additional information, contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or by clinking the website link above.
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