“Rotary Falls” named at Government Peak

WASILLA — Valley Rotarians have a landmark to call their own these days after the Alaska Historical Commission recently approved the naming of “Rotary Falls,” a previously unnamed waterfall on the south side of Government Peak.

The initial development of the Government Peak Recreation Area’s ski and bike loops involved quite a few hours of bushwhacking and trail clearing, and in the process opened up more access to the 100-foot waterfall visible from the existing Government Peak trail.

According to Palmer Rotary Club member and Rotary Assistant District Governor LaMarr Anderson, while the new trails were professionally designed and cleared, hours of volunteer work went into improving the area — and much of that was done by Valley Rotarians. Anderson noted that the water flow continues down the mountain as Government Creek and bisects the Susitna Loop trail.

Wasilla Sunrise Rotary Club past president Dan Kennedy led the two-year effort to name the falls, which honors the Sunrise, Palmer, Wasilla, Susitna and Eagle River clubs, according to Anderson.

“The Mat-Su Ski Club was heavily involved in developing these trails and quite a few members are also Rotarians,” Anderson said. “And we always encourage members to get involved with these kinds of projects.”