The best walks and hikes around Palmer

The West Butte Trail offers a quick escape into Alaska's stunning landscape, starting with a gentle gravel path winding through dense spruce and alder forests. Soon, the path transforms into a steeper singletrack, challenging you with numerous stairs and switchbacks as you climb towards the open, rocky summit. From the top of Bodenburg Butte, you're treated to expansive 360-degree views, sweeping across the Matanuska River valley, the Knik Glacier, and the majestic Matanuska Peak. This easy 1.1-mile (1.8 km) hike gains 647 feet (197 metres) in about 42 minutes, making it a high-reward option.

You'll find the trailhead conveniently located about 10 minutes from Palmer, with a paved parking lot available. There's a $5 parking fee, which directly contributes to the trail's upkeep. The trail is open year-round, but if you plan a winter visit, remember to bring ice cleats for potentially slippery sections. It's a popular spot, so consider an early start to enjoy the views with fewer crowds.

Bodenburg Butte is an iconic landmark in the Mat-Su Valley, formed by glacial activity, and its isolation amidst flat farmland enhances the sweeping views. Despite its easy rating, the stair-intensive second half provides a good workout, making it an excellent option for families and visitors new to hiking in Alaska. It's often described as the "easiest hike up a 'mountain'" in the valley, offering a significant Alaskan hiking experience without being overly strenuous.

The Crevasse Moraine Trail offers a diverse hiking experience through rolling boreal forest and gravelly moraines, providing a true taste of Alaskan wilderness. You'll navigate a mix of flat sections and steep hills, with some trails wide and groomed, and others twisting singletracks, all while enjoying views of the Mat-Su Valley and surrounding peaks like Lazy Mountain. This moderate 7.6-mile (12.2 km) hike, with 354 feet (108 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 3 hours and 14 minutes, making it a rewarding outing for many skill levels.

Planning your visit requires a Mat-Su Borough parking fee or permit at the trailhead, so come prepared. Given the potential for unreliable cell service, it's wise to download an offline map before you go. The trail system is multi-use, popular for mountain biking and even groomed for cross-country skiing in winter, but autumn offers particularly vibrant fall foliage for hikers.

Part of the larger Matanuska Greenbelt, the Crevasse Moraine Trail system is notable for its extensive network of interconnected paths, offering various loop options. Its unique terrain, shaped by retreating glaciers, features distinct ridges and depressions, and it's even possible to spot wildlife like eagles. The system's origins on landfill contribute to its evolving and varied landscape.

The Matanuska Peak Trail offers a journey through diverse Alaskan landscapes, starting in open forest before opening up into the dramatic Matanuska Peak Bowl, a glacial cirque framed by jagged peaks. You'll then ascend through alpine tundra, eventually reaching the 6,119-foot summit with its spectacular sweeping vistas of the Matanuska Valley, Cook Inlet, and the snowy ridges of the Chugach Mountain Range. Expect a very steep and strenuous climb over scree and boulders in the final miles, making it a rewarding challenge for experienced hikers.

This trail is rated as moderate, covering 4.1 miles (6.7 km) with a substantial 2815 feet (858 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 47 minutes. Be prepared for varied terrain, including a rerouted section due to past erosion, and follow cairns in higher elevations. Always carry sufficient water and supplies, and practice bear safety, especially in areas with limited visibility. The trailhead offers parking, but arriving early is recommended.

What makes Matanuska Peak Trail truly stand out is its accessibility as one of the highest official trails in Southcentral Alaska, allowing hikers to reach a 6,000-foot-plus peak in the Anchorage bowl area. The route provides a unique transition from forest to alpine and talus fields, culminating in panoramic views that include distant Mount Marcus Baker. It's a notable destination for those seeking a significant high-altitude hiking experience.

The Old Glenn Highway Bike Path offers a wonderfully accessible escape into the Alaskan landscape, primarily following a paved surface that makes for a smooth and enjoyable journey. You'll find yourself immersed in scenic views of the Matanuska River and the impressive Chugach Mountains, with the Old Glenn Highway Foot Bridge providing a particularly striking vantage point over the river. The path is mostly flat with gentle changes in elevation, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.

Planning your visit to the Old Glenn Highway Bike Path is straightforward, as it's a multi-use trail welcoming hikers, cyclists, and even snowshoers in winter. It's a fantastic option for families and is dog-friendly, so everyone can come along. With no specific permits or fees mentioned, you can easily access this route from various points between North Eagle River and Peters Creek, making it a convenient choice for a spontaneous outdoor adventure.

This 5.4-mile (8.7 km) route, with its minimal 17 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, is rated as moderate but feels quite easy, typically taking around 2 hours and 12 minutes to complete. Beyond its scenic beauty, the Old Glenn Highway Bike Path offers a glimpse into the region's history, traversing areas that were part of the original Matanuska Colony Farmlands. It also serves as a quieter alternative to the main Glenn Highway, providing a more immersive natural experience away from traffic, and connects to other attractions like the Matanuska River Park.

The Palmer-Moose Creek Railroad Trail offers a rugged, immersive hike along an old railway bed, tracing the Matanuska River's edge. You'll traverse through dense cottonwood, birch, and spruce forests, with occasional scenic glimpses of the braided river and the majestic Chugach Mountains. This difficult 16.3-mile (26.3 km) route, featuring 630 feet (192 metres) of elevation gain, is a full-day commitment, typically taking around 6 hours and 49 minutes to complete, and is best for hikers who enjoy a challenging, less-maintained path.

Planning for this trail often involves shuttle arrangements, as it's best experienced as a point-to-point hike. Many recommend starting from the Moose Creek Day Use Area to optimize the views as you progress. Be ready for sections with significant erosion and washouts, which can be muddy or rocky, especially after heavy rainfall, so sturdy footwear and careful navigation are essential.

What makes this trail particularly interesting is its rich history; it follows a corridor once used by the Alaska Railroad, with remnants like old tracks still visible. The Moose Creek end also holds cultural significance for the Ahtna people, known as “Tsidek' etna',” with interpretive signs sharing their connection to the land. It's one of the few relatively flat, yet challenging, long-distance options in Southcentral Alaska.