SIGHTSEEING IN PALMER

See What Makes Palmer Great

There are many beautiful opportunities for sightseeing in Palmer. Palmer lays at a scenic crossroads of the Matanuska Valley. Situated amidst verdant woodland, beside the mighty Matanuska River, dotted with farmland, and encircled by majestic mountain peaks, there is an incredible amount to see.

Featured Sightseeing Locations

Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours

Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours
Name
Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours
Website
https://youralaskavacation.com/
Phone
(855)722-4004
Address
3901 S Lindsey Cir
Palmer, AK 99645
Category
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Description

Explore Alaska Like a Local and ride off into Alaska’s wilderness with Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours. Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours offers Alaska vacations, packages and tours.

Eska Creek Falls

Eska Creek Falls
Name
Eska Creek Falls
Website
https://www.matsugov.us/trails/eska
Phone
(907) 861 - 8578
Category
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Description

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.

Gold Mint Trail

Gold Mint Trail
Name
Gold Mint Trail
Website
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/hatcherpass/hatcherpass.htm
Category
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Description

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 Summer Trail

Government Peak Summer Trail
Name
Government Peak Summer Trail
Website
https://www.matsugov.us/trails/gpra-summer
Phone
(907) 861 - 8578
Category
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Description

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.

Lazy Mountain Trails

Lazy Mountain Trails
Name
Lazy Mountain Trails
Website
https://www.matsugov.us/trails/lazy
Phone
(907) 861 - 8578
Category
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Description

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.

Matanuska Peak Trail

Matanuska Peak Trail
Name
Matanuska Peak Trail
Website
https://www.matsugov.us/trails/matpeak
Phone
(907) 861 - 8578
Category
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Description

This trail is just over 4 miles long from end to end and showcases phenomenal views of the Matanuska and Knik rivers, and of Cook Inlet.  The climb starts out easy, but increases in difficulty as you go, and you will certainly want to bring appropriate attire for changing weather.

For directions and additional information, please contact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Community Development Department or click on the website link above.

NOVA River & Glacier Adventures

NOVA River & Glacier Adventures
Name
NOVA River & Glacier Adventures
Website
https://www.novalaska.com/
Phone
(800) 746-5753 or (907) 746-5753
Address
38100 W. GLENN HIGHWAY
SUTTON, AK 99674
Category
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Description

Based out of Sutton, just north of Palmer, NOVA Alaska Guides has incredible experiences for everyone. Established in 1975, NOVA is Alaska’s oldest river rafting tour company under original ownership. Since 1975, we have accomplished many firsts in guided adventure travel in Alaska, including the first to offer commercial whitewater rafting on Alaska rivers and the first guided hikes on the Matanuska Glacier more than 25 years ago.

Our early wilderness trips included several first descents and trips through the newly formed National Parks and Refuges with organizations like National Geographic, Connaissance du la Mode and the National Audubon Society. Our expertise in this theater has grown over the years to include combination trips that offer mountain and glacier trips with river trips.

Pioneer Ridge-Austen Helmers Trail

Pioneer Ridge-Austen Helmers Trail
Name
Pioneer Ridge-Austen Helmers Trail
Website
https://www.matsugov.us/trails/pioneer
Phone
(907) 861 - 8578
Category
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Description

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.

Reed Lakes Trail

Reed Lakes Trail
Name
Reed Lakes Trail
Website
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/hatcherpass/hatcherpass.htm
Category
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Description

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.

 

West Butte Trail

Map provided by MSB Community Development Department
Name
West Butte Trail
Website
http://matsugov.us/trails/westbutte
Phone
(907) 861 - 8578
Category
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Description

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.