Take a hike

MAT-SU — Valley residents not afraid of getting their feet dirty have plenty of options for hiking into spring.

Many of the area’s most popular hiking trails are now free of snow and ice, and with each passing sunny day, more terrain becomes available. However, it’s a good idea to remember that spring break-up can mean mud, so hikers need to be ready for a variety of conditions when they plan a day hike.

There are numerous hiking trails in the Palmer-Wasilla area currently suitable for hiking, though some are more ready than others. Here’s a rundown of some of the more popular area trails, and what hikers can expect when they head out into the wilderness.

Crevasse Moraine

Located off the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, this extensive network of trails is currently in good shape, with the only ice or snow remaining only in isolated low-lying areas. Some trails are still a bit muddy, but most provide good footing and these trails are probably the best bet for hikers looking for a good, early-season walk through the woods.

The Mat-Su Borough maintains nearly seven miles of trails in the system, which can be accessed by taking Loma Prieta Drive at Mile 2 of the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. Well-marked with numerous on-trail maps, the trails are easy to follow and good for all ranges of hikers. Terrain in the system ranges from flat to steep, and offers good views of Susitna and Matanuska Peaks. More adventurous hikers can follow trails that connect into the Long Lake Trail and lead to the Kepper-Bradley lakes area outside of Palmer.

Lake Lucille Park

Flat and easy, these trails cut through spruce and cottonwood trees that line the banks of Lake Lucille. The 1.6 miles of trails are currently somewhat muddy in shaded areas, but easy to navigate and a good bet for hikers with small children. The trail winds through the park and provides good views of the still-frozen lake, as well as the Talkeetna Mountains.

To reach the park, take Knik-Goose Bay Road approximately two miles out of Wasilla to Endeavor Street (just past the Iditarod Trail headquarters) and follow the road to the trail head.

Matanuska River Park Trails

Similar to Lake Lucille, these trails wind through a mix of campgrounds and forest, with good views of the Matanuska River and the Chugach Mountains. The park entrance is not yet open, though hikers can easily access the trails by parking outside the barrier and walking into the park.

Trails are flat and easy to hike, although currently still somewhat muddy with some areas of ice in shady areas and closer to the river. Still, these trails are currently one of the best bets for those looking for a nice, quick day hike through easy terrain.

To reach the park, take the Old Glenn Highway out of Palmer for approximately one mile. There’s a large sign alongside the road marking the park entrance.

West Butte Trail

Late-season snows have left this northwest-facing trail quite muddy and slippery in several spots. Typically one of the more popular day hikes in the area, a trip up the West Butte trail is currently a bit of a challenge. Hikers hoping to tackle the 900-foot monolith should be advised that cleats or a good walking stick are a good idea until trail conditions firm up.

A moderate hike to the top, the West Butte trail winds through switchbacks that eventually lead to the top, which gives excellent views of the entire Matanuska River Valley. Although this borough-maintained trail does have some traction mats in place to help hikers up, these mats are currently full of wet, slippery mud, and some of the best footing is along the sides of the trail. Hikers with small children should be advised that the trip back down is currently quite difficult because of the slippery terrain, and those looking for an easy day hike may want to avoid this trail until things dry out.

To reach the West Butte Trail, take the Old Glenn Highway out of Palmer 5.5 miles to Bodenburg Loop and take a right. Drive half a mile to Mothershead Circle and follow the road to the trailhead. Hikers should be advised that the first part of the trail cuts through private property, so be sure to stay on the designated trail only.

East Butte Trail

Because it faces south and gets plenty of sun, his privately-maintained trail is currently in much better shape than its counterpart to the west, and footing along the steep trip to the top is as good as it gets. Much steeper than the borough’s trail, the East Butte is a leg-burning trek that’s made worthwhile by excellent views of Pioneer Peak, as well as the chance hikers have to watch the horses that often graze just off the main trail.

A difficult hike, the trail is nonetheless appropriate for all ranges of hikers. Those with small children may want to avoid the steepest slopes by taking an old horse trail that switches back and around some rocky slopes. To find the horse trail, veer left just past the barbed wire that separates the horse pasture from the main trail, and follow the switchbacks the rest of the way.

To reach the trailhead, take the Old Glenn Highway out of Palmer to the second Bodenburg Loop and take a right at the stoplight. A parking lot can be found about .7 miles down the road, just before you get to the reindeer farm.

Lazy Mountain/

Matanuska Peak

Muddy, wet and snowy, these trails might be best left until after break-up. In fact, Bruce Paulson with the Mat-Su Borough’s land management division said the borough is keeping a close eye on the Lazy Mountain trailhead, and it’s a good bet the trail will be closed soon to help cut down on erosion caused by hikers slogging up the muddy trail.

“During break-up period we will close some of the trails just because some of the conditions are susceptible to damage,” he said.

Hikers have been heading up Lazy Mountain lately, but only those experienced in difficult hikes should give the 3,720-foot peak a shot during this time of year.

Likewise, Matanuska (Byers) Peak is not yet near its summertime form, and hikers tackling this 6,119-foot peak should be familiar with the area before heading out. Snowshoes and winter survival gear are a must.

Reach both trailheads by heading out of Palmer on the Old Glenn Highway to Clark Wolverine Drive. Take a right where the road forks and follow it up the the parking lot, which has a picnic table and good views of Palmer and the Matanuska Valley.

Contact Matt Tunseth at 352-2265 or matt.tunseth@frontiersman.com