Summer Water Trails in the Mat-Su

Contributed by Taylor Raftery

Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation

With all these long hot days there’s nothing better than hanging out on the lake to stay active and cool. The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation staff have put together a list of Mat-Su water trails to keep you busy on the water for the rest of the summer. 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.

7-Mile Canoe Trail: This delightful paddle traverses scenic waterways through the heart of Wasilla. One can begin at Finger Lake State Recreation Site, goes through Cottonwood lake, Cottonwood Creek, Upper Wasilla Lake, and Wasilla Lake itself, near the Parks Highway. This route is absolutely beautiful and centrally located. 

Directions: From Palmer take E Bogard Road toward Wasilla. After 5 miles, turn left at Finger Lake State Recreation Site.

Parking: Alaska State Parks annual or day parking pass required.

Lynx Lake Loop: The Lynx Lake Loop canoe trail travels through an eight-mile chain of lakes. Portages are well-marked with orange, diamond-shaped signs marked with a "P". Wet sections are covered with boardwalk. Beginning at the Tanaina Lake Canoe Trailhead at Mile 4.5 of the park road, the Lynx Lake Loop is an ideal weekend trip, although it can be paddled in a full day. A longer trip can be made by continuing south from Lynx Lake to Butterfly and Skeetna lakes before returning on the same route to rejoin the loop.

Alaska State Parks campsites and cabins are available for reservation along the canoe loop.

Canoes are available for rent from Tippecanoe Rentals in Willow. Call to have one waiting for you at the trailhead on Tanaina Lake (907-355-6687).

Directions: Nancy Lake State Recreation Area is a ninety minute drive north of Anchorage along the Parks Highway. To enter the recreation area, turn west onto Nancy Lake Parkway at Mile 67.3 of the Parks Highway. 

Parking: Alaska State Parks annual or day parking pass required.

Jim Creek Canoe Route: This delightful paddle starts at Jim Lake, continues through McRoberts Creek to Jim Creek, and ends at the Knik River! Committed paddlers can do the 6-mile route in a day, but there are many options for shorter paddles in the nearby Jim and Mud lakes.

Directions: From downtown Palmer turn right onto E. Arctic Ave. Drive 3.6 miles and turn left onto E. Maud Rd., drive 4-miles to the end of E Maud Rd.

Parking: No parking pass required for this location.

Talkeetna Lakes Park: Located two miles south of Talkeetna, this 1,040-acre park surrounds six lakes. Over the past 15 years, Talkeetna Lakes Park has developed to include over a dozen miles of well-maintained walking and biking trails, as well as a canoe portage route. Access is via the Comsat and Whigmi Trailheads.

Directions: From the Glenn Highway Interchange, stay on the Parks Highway for about 63 miles. Turn right onto the Talkeetna Spur Rd. To get to the Comsat Trailhead drive 12 miles down the spur road and turn right onto Comsat Road. Trailhead will be on your right.

Parking: This is a Mat-Su Borough Trailhead and requires a $5 single use day pass, or an annual parking pass.

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.

We’ll see you on the trails!