Matanuska River Park: A winter wonderland
Location: Palmer, Alaska - the Matanuska River Park Campground is easily accessible from the downtown Palmer area. Visitors can park at the bridge on the Old Glenn Highway, at the River Park Campground entrance or the entrance by Sherrod Elementary School on Gulkana St.
Overview: This page offers highlights about the River Park trails in the winter time.
Elevation gain: <300’ of gain in this trail system. There are some rolling hills, but nothing of note.
Mileage: About 2 miles of trails
Terrain: The trail system is generally wide-berth with good visibility. Walkers and bikers have the opportunity to access the Matanuska River gravel bar during some winter seasons depending on where the main river channel flows and freezes (it varies every year). The trail stays in boreal forest, but offers glimpses of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains at various points.
Parking: This is a Mat-Su Borough maintained trail and campground. During the winter months, no parking fees as there are not fee collection points in the parking areas outlined above. If you want to support the work that the borough does to maintain this trail system, consider purchasing an annual pass.
Guide notes:
During the winter months this trail system generally stays quite packed. Locals use the trail frequently, so snowshoes are not normally required for travel.
During heavy snow years moose tend to use this area for grazing.
Accessible year round.
