Long Lake Loop

The feel

The dirt track winds through birch, aspen and white spruce with Long Lake beside you, and it opens to views of Pioneer Peak and Lazy Mountain. It sits in the Matanuska Greenbelt, a network of trails with several trailheads.

You may see moose, and bears are rare but have been seen in the area. In winter the loop is popular for cross-country skiing. Parts of the loop cross land of the Matanuska Experiment Farm; stay off the farm fields.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop of 4.3 miles, rated easy, on dirt track through forest. Gain is 298 to 551 ft.

Time

1.5 to 2 hours.

Crowds and best time

April through October is the best window, and the loop is open all year.

Parking

Trailheads at Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area, Crevasse Moraine and Kin-Win.

Fees and passes

A day or annual parking pass is required at Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area and the Crevasse Moraine trailhead.

Dogs

Welcome, and may be off-leash in some areas.

Kids

Rated easy.

Hazards

Moose are around; bears are rare but have been seen. The dirt can get muddy in spring.

Bathrooms and water

Outhouses at the Long Lake trailhead. No drinking water is stated, so bring your own.

Season and access

Open all year. A fishing dock with handrails is 500 feet down a gravel pathway from the parking area.

Mingo says

Go from April through October, but wear waterproof boots in spring. The dirt track turns muddy then.

Before you go

• Bring a day or annual parking pass if you start at Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area or Crevasse Moraine.
• Stay on the trail where it passes the university farm fields.
• Pack waterproof shoes or boots for spring mud.

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