Joy G's review is bang-on!…read more There is so little info (beta, as we say in climbing) about this hike, that I'm shocked it is actually marked on google maps. (the previous map-marker was off, I put in a fix, you should be able to navigate to this spot from Yelp now) Not only is the trailhead marked, so is the trail! (on google maps, NOT in real life) I did this on a frigid winter day. The (very short) road to the trailhead is not plowed, so use good judgement if you don't have good: tires, clearance, etc. (but it's so short, you can park on a pullout and walk in) There is no sign marking this trail either. Most of the falls was under snow when I was here. The falls were at least partially frozen underneath. Still, this is a nice place to go. It's shockingly short and feels shockingly remote. I'll be back in the summer, I wonder how far up you can wade?

I have no idea why, but Pioneer Falls is one of the best kept secrets in the valley. People who've…read morelived here their whole lives have never heard of it, it's not in any guidebooks, it doesn't have an address, and the sign is so inconspicuous it's like they WANT you to miss it. The falls is absolutely lovely and is very very close to the road, but not visible from the road. From the little parking lot, it is a Very short walk to the base of the falls. The walk to the base is an easy walk less than a city block's distance the should be accessible to anyone on foot. The falls is (guessing here) is probably about 800 feet, but cannot be viewed in its entirety from any one vantage point. The trail isn't maintained, but if you have good footwear and a walking stick if you like, you can leapfrog over rocks and fallen logs up a few hundred feet (less than a half mile) to the widest part of the falls. At this point you can go no further because the canyon walls close in. I would LOVE to see these falls from above. We did find ourselves in need of bandaids after this little jaunt due to bare legs and leaping over fallen logs. I've got crappy knees and the was also one little spot I had to scooch down on my but because if I had tried to step down I probably would have blown out my knee (hence why I use a walking stick ) I think most people wouldn't have this issue though. These falls are exceptionally beautiful in my opinion, second in the Anchorage area, only to Thunderbird Falls. However, I wouldn't make the trip to the Valley solely for the falls, since it's such a short little hike. I suggest if you drive out that way, visit other nearby sites such as Knik River Public Use Area, Eklutna Tail race, the reindeer farm, Pyrah's U-pick, or Austin Helmers Pioneer Ridge Trail. Enjoy.

If you are looking to put your feet in the water, throw a ball for your dog, or wonder around the…read moregreat outdoors without over exerting yourself, then this is your place. Nice views of the lake, and easy to follow trails. I didn't see a place for us to pay to park.

Lovely quiet hike with a lot of "bang for your buck" - a short walk with beautiful views of the…read morelake, mountains, and trees. We stopped here to break up our drive from Anchorage to Talkeetna and it was well worth it!

Good place overall to go kayak around a smaller lake. The lake is close to the highway so you can…read morehear all of the highway noise so its not as peaceful.

We stopped by here on our way to Denali, it is was a random stop but turned out to be absolutely…read morebeautiful. We were here on Thursday afternoon and there was no one here. We had the lake to ourselves. The area around the lake was clean, there are plenty of picnic tables, bbq pit and kids play area around as well. They also have a boat launch area on the other side. Tip: Come here during week day to enjoy the quaint lake, 'cause when we stopped by on our way back on Saturday, the place was fully packed.

The campground, day parking, lake, and trail are AWESOME! Every year I'm shocked at how much lower…read morethe lake sits. This is a great hiking spot and lake adventure destination. It's wonderful how close it is to town and yet so full of Alaskan wilderness. Love it.

This is a great campground that is close enough to Anchorage but the lack of cell phone reception…read moremakes you feel off the grid. Let that be a warning to hard partyers who decide to drink and play with their campfire. There are plenty of good camp sites, but only one great one and I'm not telling which one it is. Favorite time to come is when it's late fall, very few people, and the stars come out late at night; It's hard to tell that you are only 30 miles from Anchorage when the light pollution does not interfere with star gazing. There are a lot of great features to Eklutna that make coming here a real treat. Would come again.

Besides April Bowl…read more(https://www.yelp.com/biz/summit-lake-state-recreation-site-april-bowl-trail-willow), this might be the most-trafficked trail in Hatcher Pass. (https://www.yelp.com/biz/hatcher-pass-state-recreation-area-fishhook?page_src=best_of_yelp) And that ain't a knock against it! In the summer, you'll find lush green lichen-infused granite rocks and other-worldly turquoise water. It also makes for a fun weekend backpacking trip. In the fall, you'll find bright orange and red tundra loaded with blueberries. In the winter you'll find fresh, bright-white snow ripe for XC skiing or snow shoeing. The terrain at the trailhead is pretty rough, I'd recommend NOT parking right at the trailhead unless you like the bottom of your car getting scraped. If you continue down Archangel road you: 1) Should have a high clearance vehicle, the road rapidly degrades. 2) Will access Archangel Valley (https://www.yelp.com/biz/archangel-valley-palmer) a great place to rock climb and/or pitch a tent. But, I digress. The hike itself is about 4.5 miles with about 1,600 feet of gain. It's fairly moderate but it does have a boulder field in the middle where there is no trail and you'll need to do some minor route-finding. It can get slippery if there is snow (right now). Make sure you take a pole in the summer, and some good waterproof boots (and probably gaiters) if there is snow in late fall. In winter, it might be a good idea to take skis or snow shoes.

Archangel Valley is incredible…read more Fern Mine? Just alright. It's classic Alaska: Step 1: mine leaves rusty equipment and questionable shafts. Step 2: instead of cleaning up/restoring area, make it a "historic" mining area. Step 3: Profit? The "other" mine in the area is much more interesting. If you've made it down to this mine, feel free to hike the trails through lush foliage or set up a tent at the perfect spot. Don't waste too much time at the mine though. NOTE: a high-clearance vehicle is REQUIRED to get here. If you don't know if you have a high-clearance vehicle or not: you don't. Stay away or your car will get TRASHED.

At the terminus of Archangel Road in Hatcher Pass country lies a very cool abandoned mining route…read morethat leads to Fern Mine. Fern Mine was actively mined from 1922 to 1951 and produced about 44,000 ounces of gold. Mining relics are scattered all over the property, including a Caterpillar generator and cooking utensils. It really is a cool site and if you keep going, there are winding paths that line Archangel Creek. About a mile past the mine there is a free-use cabin with bunks, even a (yucky) working outhouse. I actually intended to do the Reed Lakes Trail, as its trailhead is on Archangel Road. However we passed the trailhead to see what was at the end, and low and behold, you get to Fern Mine. A website that provides more info: http://www.alaskahikesearch.com/hikes/Archangel.htm

This is a terrific spot for enjoying the lake in a hot summer's day…read more The water is crystal clear (except in the swimming area where all the dirt has been kicked up). - There are several campgrounds. - There is a picnic area with grass and space to throw a football. - There is a beach area (gravel type) for swimming. - There is a boat launch and parking for around 8-10 trucks and trailers. - There is a dock. - There is limited parking AND IT DOES FILL UP. On those hot summer weekends, expect there to be a full parking lot and the possibility of waiting for a spot to park. - There is a camp host that walks around and checks the cars for the fee receipts. Make sure to pay or have your state parks decal displayed.

What an incredible experience whether you're local or a tourist! Our guides Megan and Jonathan were…read morereally sweet! The horses can handle anything. If I come back to Alaska I am going back for more horse adventures!

Ignore your first impression as you drive into the stables. Once you see the horses and staff you…read morecan see how much these animals are loved and cared for. And watch out for the cats, there are a lot of them and they are all over wanting your attention. We did the 90 minute ride and it was absolutely breathtaking. The forest was beautiful, the dunes of glacial till were beautiful, the river was beautiful, the mountains around us were beautiful, I think you get the picture. You will not regret going on a ride here, and you will remember it for a very long time.