Contributed by Taylor Raftery
Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation
Whether you’re hitting the trails for the mud and the berms, or transporting the whole family to moose camp, late summer and early fall are great times to explore the Mat-Su on your ATVs. The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation staff have put together a list of Mat-Su motorized and multi-use trails to get you out exploring the mountains.
While you’re out enjoying all the wonderful trails the Mat-Su has to offer, remember to be respectful of other users on the trail and at the trailhead so everyone can enjoy.
Scan the QR code to access trail and park information on the free-to-use OuterSpatial Trail app developed by the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, Mat-Su Borough, and Alaska State Parks. Free app download is available on the App Store and Google Play.
Eska Falls: The Eska Falls Trail is a classic ATV ride and is appreciated by locals and visitors. The Eska Falls Trail traverses gorgeous scenery as you make your way through spruce and aspen forest before emerging into alpine tundra on the final approach to the Falls. A newer non-motorized hiking trail departs from the same trailhead as the motorized route.
Directions: From Sutton go north on Jonesville Mine Road for two miles. The road turns to gravel. Slipper Lake Road will be on your left. Continue north to the first fork in the road and veer left. Stay left at each fork for the next 1.75 miles. A short walk to a cul-de-sac marks the start of the trail. Tight parking spaces are here. Keep in mind that the hiking trail ends when it intersects with the ATV trail. The ATV trail leads to Eska Falls. You can also park at Slipper Lake.
Craigie Creek Trail: If you're looking for a trail with great scenery in a historical setting, Craigie Creek Trail is the place. The trail is an old gravel/rock mining road that travels 4.5 miles from near Hatcher Pass Road to Dog Sled Pass and Schroff Lake above. The elevation gain of 1,400’ is gradual at the beginning but the increases the last mile to the 4,200’ level at the pass and lake. The Craigie Creek area is rich in mining history which you can see by remnants of buildings and equipment along the trail.
Directions: From downtown Palmer take the Glenn Highway (Hwy 1) North for two miles. Turn left onto Palmer Fishhook Rd drive 8.5 miles, and turn left to stay onto the Fishhook-Willow Rd (this road is only open during the summer). Drive five miles, trailhead will be a pullout on the right.
Purinton Creek Trail: The Purinton Creek Trail is a 9-mile, wide trail leading from the Glenn highway. This is a popular hunting trail in the fall and is used year-round for recreation. The trail navigates steep rolling hills through tundra. The trail is often muddy, with deep 4-wheeler ruts, but pleasant in dry weather. The parking area is a wide pull-off at mile 91 of the Glenn Highway.
Rippy Trail: This multi-use trail offers lovely views of Pioneer Peak, Knik Arm and Knik Glacier and nearby wetlands. While the trail is near residential neighborhoods, it is not usually crowded. Just after crossing the metal bridge across Jim Creek, the Chain Lakes Trail continues onward, while the Rippy trail splits into a turnaround loop. This area is a premier salmon, bird and wildlife habitat
Directions: From downtown Palmer take E Arctic Avenue towards the Old Glen Hwy and the Butte. Take the old Glenn Highway 2 miles, and then turn left onto E Maud Rd. Continue on E Maud Rd for 2 miles, until it becomes Maud Rd Exd and continue for 2.5 miles. The Rippy Trail starts after the shooting range at a curve where the road turns south down to Jim Lake.
Chase Trail: This scenic multi-use trail follows the Alaska Rail Line north of Talkeetna and is an access route for Chase community residents. The trail begins as a flat, gravel trail from Chase Trailhead and continues across a scenic bridge over the Talkeetna River just above where it merges with the Susitna River. The bridge limits vehicles or equipment to 45 inches wide. ATVs, hikers, and bikers frequently traverse this trail, which becomes increasingly hilly and muddy several miles in. The Chase Trail starts in Downtown Talkeetna, near the intersection of the Talkeetna Spur Rd and E 2nd St, near the Talkeetna Airport.
The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation is a local 501(c)3 non-profit with offices in Palmer Alaska. The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation mission is driven by the hard work and generosity of volunteers, partners, funders, and grantees who understand that beautiful parks, open spaces, and well-maintained trails are at the very foundation of a physically, mentally, and economically healthy community. If you are interested in learning more about our work, applying for grant funding for a trail or park project, or want to learn about how you can support trails and parks in the Mat-Su, please visit www.matsutrails.org. Get monthly trail, park, and event recommendations straight to your inbox by signing up for our e-news!
We’ll see you on the trails!
