Community Hike: Matanuska Peak Bowl on Sept. 21
An intermediate to challenging hike in the Chugach Mountains
About
Where:
We’ll meet at the Matanuska Peak trailhead between 7:45AM and 8AM and start our hike promptly at 8AM.
🥾 Mileage: Approximately 6 miles (About 3 miles up and 3 miles return) 🥾 Elevation Gain: About 2,800 feet 🥾 Estimated Hiking Time: About 5 hours
About the hike and what to expect:
The Matanuska Peak trail begins with a steep climb through boreal forest. After about 2 miles, the trail arrives above tree line in the upper McRoberts Creek Valley. The valley offers stunning views of peaks in the Matanuska Bowl. We will be hiking the Matanuska Peak trail and the McRoberts Creek trail (old Mat Peak trail) during the hike. Hikers can expect an elevation gain of approximately 2,800 feet over about 3 miles. A picnic table is located in the bowl and marks the start of the ascent to the Matanuska Peak summit.
The trailhead is a very small Mat-Su Borough trailhead at the end of Smith Road in Palmer. Participants are responsible for paying applicable parking fees if they do not have an annual Mat-Su Borough parking pass. Annual permits can easily be purchased online here or by visiting the Borough office in downtown Palmer.
Maximum group size of 10 hikers. Must be 12 years or older to participate unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
We ask folks to leave their 4-legged friends behind for this trip. Thanks for understanding.
What's included
- Local Wilderness First Responder trained guide with a permitted commercial guide service
- Trekking poles (if needed)
- Post-hike lemonade or hot drink (weather pending)
What to bring
- Comfortable & worn in tennis/trail shoes or hiking boots
- Trekking poles (as desired)
- Warm layers (including hats, mittens, scarves, as needed)
- Rain gear
- Water and snacks as desired
Cancellation
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