The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Gateway

The Long Lake Loop in Alaska offers a delightful mix of scenery, guiding you through serene forests and alongside open farm fields. You'll enjoy diverse conditions, from singletrack paths to farm roads, all while soaking in beautiful views of prominent peaks like Pioneer Peak, Matanuska Peak, and Lazy Mountain. It's a great way to experience the Matanuska Greenbelt's natural charm without committing to an all-day trek.

This easy 4.2-mile (6.7 km) hike involves 203 feet (62 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 1 hour and 46 minutes. While generally accessible, be prepared for some moderately hilly sections and potential mud if you visit in the spring. The trail provides options for both gentler and steeper ascents, allowing you to choose your preferred challenge. It's a solid choice for a rewarding outing that won't leave you completely exhausted.

Part of the Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area, this loop is known for its varied terrain and scenic vistas. It's a popular spot for locals seeking a quick escape into nature, offering a taste of Alaska's rugged beauty within easy reach. The combination of forests, fields, and mountain views makes it a standout option for those looking for a diverse and engaging outdoor experience in the Gateway region.

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 Long Lake Loop and Connector Trail offers a fantastic journey through Alaska's Matanuska Greenbelt, blending peaceful forest singletrack with open trails alongside the UAF Matanuska Experiment Farm fields. You'll enjoy scenic views of Pioneer Peak, Matanuska Peak, and Lazy Mountain, with the sparkling Long Lake often in sight. The Connector section adds a bit of excitement with its 'fun and rocky' segments and bouldery outcrops, providing a varied and engaging experience.

This moderate 7.3-mile (11.8 km) hiking route, with 267 feet (81 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 3 hours and 4 minutes, is easily accessed from multiple trailheads, including Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area. While generally straightforward, expect potentially muddy conditions in spring or after heavy rain. It's a popular choice for a casual day hike, offering a good workout without being overly strenuous.

Part of a larger 30-mile trail network, this system is known for its accessibility and diverse natural features. Keep an eye out for wildlife and wildflowers, and if you visit in autumn, you'll be treated to spectacular fall colors. The trail's passage through the UAF Matanuska Experiment Farm fields also offers a unique glimpse into local agricultural research, reminding visitors to stay on marked paths.