Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge

The feel

The refuge was created in 1975 and protects 28,800 acres of coastal and freshwater wetlands, tidal sloughs, mudflats, lakes, streams and upland birch forests. Land subsidence of 2 feet or more in the 1964 earthquake turned dry grassland into wetlands.

In spring, tens of thousands of migrating ducks, geese, swans and shorebirds stop here to refuel, and many waterbirds stay to nest. Reflections Lake sits at Glenn Highway milepost 30.6, with a backdrop of the Chugach Mountains.

What to expect

What it is

A 28,800-acre state game refuge of wetlands, tidal sloughs, mudflats, lakes and upland birch forests on Knik Arm.

Time

The Scout Ridge Nature Trail is a 1 1/4-mile loop back to the parking area.

Crowds and best time

Bird numbers peak late April to early May, and migration runs from early April to late May. Cottonwood Creek is the most popular site.

Parking

Reflections Lake has a small parking area at Glenn Highway milepost 30.6. Cottonwood Creek is off Hayfield Road, 1 1/4 miles from Fairview Loop Road.

Kids

The Scout Ridge overlook is an easy 400 yards on a surfaced trail suitable for wheelchairs.

Hazards

Tides, strong currents, high winds and submerged gravel bars make the Knik River suitable only for experienced boaters with local knowledge.

Season and access

Access roads receive minimal maintenance and are not plowed in winter, so they may be impassable at times. The Rabbit Slough road may be impassable to 2-wheel drive vehicles when wet.

Mingo says

Time your visit from early April through late May, the window when migration brings birds through. Aim for the peak of the migration if you want the most birds on the flats.

Before you go

• Carry a license and tags for all hunting and fishing.
• Reach Rabbit Slough from the Trunk Road exit at Parks Highway milepost 35.5.
• Fish the lower 1 mile of Cottonwood Creek only on Saturdays and Sundays, 5:00am to 10:00pm, and not from April 15 to June 14. King salmon are excluded.
• Call (907) 861-2112 for the refuge.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.