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Matanuska River Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Running trail in Palmer, Alaska · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Matanuska River Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Matanuska River Trail
“Merges with other trails and offers a beautiful view of the river and mountains.”
“This is an easy trail with gravel across the entire route to the bridge.”
Great trail through giant cottonwoods, along river bluffs and through fields of fireweed.
We went on a beautiful walk with our old dog and 3 kids. It was easy and perfect for us!
Awesome little trail! Merges with other trails and offers a beautiful view of the river and mountains. Not too difficult either. Lots of twists and turns/ slight incline changes as it is also a biking trail (almost got hit). Would recommend to anybody looking for a pretty easy trail.
This is an easy trail with gravel across the entire route to the bridge. There are some more difficult spots if you want a really spectacular view, but medium at most difficult. I really enjoyed my time there and watching planes approach the airport for landing was cool.
Trail conditions & character
“There are some more difficult spots if you want a really spectacular view, but medium at most difficult.”
Plan your run at Matanuska River Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
Running trails near Palmer
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Palmer Rail Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
Open hiking trail featuring views of the Matanuska River, Lazy Mountain, and wildlife.
Lazy Mountain Trail Head
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Challenging hiking trail on a 3,720-ft. mountain offering views at the top.
Crevasse-Moraine Trailhead
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Community park with hiking trails and paths popular for biking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
West Butte Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 310 reviews
Hiking area featuring a trail and 500-plus steps that lead to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Wasilla Creek Boardwalk Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 100 reviews
Trail through the woods and marsh ending at a nice platform that overlooks mountains.