Top Adventures in Palmer
Hike Lazy Mountain
My sister and I with her dog did this great adventure after completing a Star Wars marathon and being pretty lazy on the couch. We wanted to get up and move our bodies, so we decided to check out this summit hike that ironically was named Lazy Mou...
5.6 miles
3000 ft gain
Hike the Pioneer Ridge-Austin Helmers Trail
Starting at less than 200ft above sea level, the trail starts off steep and never lets up. It climbs through forest until you are at about 2000ft. The trail gets muddy as the ground thaws and becomes very slick. The vegetation thins out as the ele...
9 miles
5000 ft gain
Hike to Alaska's Mint Hut
Start your adventure by driving 1.5 hours north of Anchorage to the Gold Mint Trailhead about 20 mins away from the town of Palmer. Pay for parking, there is a day fee and a camping (choose either depending on your ambitions).
This trail can be b...
9 miles
2500 ft gain
Hike the Gold Mint Trail
Hiking through this valley really shows off the amazing landscape of Alaska.The trailhead starts at mile 13.7 on Hatcher Pass Rd. There is a big parking lot ($5 for a day pass). The trail has mile markers for the first 5 miles and is fairly well g...
16 miles
Explore Eklutna Lake
This beautiful lake is fed by Eklutna Glacier.
There is so much to do here:
Rent bikes or kayaks (bring your own too). Info about renting is here. Walk or bike along the trail that wraps around the lake Hike Twin Peaks TrailIf you want a mor...
Hike the Twin Peaks Trail
The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains that host a variety of interesting wildlife. If you look closely, it is not uncommon to see a Dall's sheep or two on the mountain side. At the western edge of the lake, you will find the parking lot ...
2.6 miles
1800 ft gain
Explore Independence Mine State Historical Park in Hatcher Pass
If you've only got time to do a few things when in Alaska, make sure you visit Independence Mine State Historical Park in Hatcher Pass. It is open year round, and beautiful no matter the season. You can easily spend the entire day exploring the mi...
1.5 miles
Hike to Thunderbird Falls
Thunderbird Falls is just 1 mile from the parking area off the Glenn Highway. The trail starts off with climb but quickly levels off. It skirts the Eklutna Canyon through a birch forest with viewing decks overlooking the cayon and falls.The trail ...
2 miles
175 ft gain
Hike Reed Lakes, AK
The trail head starts at the small unpaved parking lot which is free, (it was very full though because of berry picking). The trail starts off wide and flat as you walk through a beautiful valley surrounded by trees and giant granite mountain peak...
18 miles
1850 ft gain
Hut to Hut Across Alaska's Talkeetna Mountains
Cooling temps and changing colors often prompt us to squeeze in one more trip. And in the mountains of Alaska, it really is a squeeze. The time from peak fall colors to the first snow cover can be as short as a week. This autumn we chose to expand...
31 miles
4800 ft gain
Explore the Knik Arm's Ice Fields
Alaska's Knik Arm has an impressive tide. When out, the mudflats appear, and in the winter, massive, beautiful pieces of ice are left behind. The ice fields provide a great place for an easily accessible adventure. The ice chunks, coupled with the...
0.5 miles
Hike Mt. Baldy in Chugach State Park
Nestled in the mountains behind Eagle River, AK is Mt. Baldy. The hike to the top is an excellent choice if your time in Alaska is limited. The trailhead begins at the end of a spacious parking lot, which also offers some impressive views if any m...
3 miles
550 ft gain
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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Anchorage, Alaska
Crow Pass Cabin
Overview Crow Pass Cabin is located about 500 yards off the Crow Pass Trail, which follows part of the former supply route for the Iditarod Trail. The trail is popular destination for its historic ...From $75/night
