McRoberts Creek Trail

The feel

The first mile is a series of steep climbs over loose gravel, with occasional glimpses of the Matanuska River Valley below. Willow patches along the way are prime moose feeding grounds.

Around 1.4 miles you pass infrastructure for a non-operational hydroelectric dam, where the no trespassing signs are posted. At 1.5 miles the trail narrows and follows McRoberts Creek through dense alder patches. After roughly 2 miles the vegetation thins, and a final climb opens a clear view of Matanuska Peak and Lazy Mountain.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop of 6.4 miles with about 3261 ft of gain, rising from 520 ft to 3781 ft. Loose gravel at the start, alder along the creek, then thinner vegetation higher up. The trail often connects to the Matanuska Peak Trail, and the two meet again after approximately 2.2 miles. Rated hard.

Time

About 4.5 hours.

Parking

Small off-road parking for five vehicles at the end of Smith Road, east of Palmer off the Old Glenn Highway.

Dogs

Allowed on a leash.

Hazards

Steep, strenuous climbing. The ground is muddy and slippery after rain or frost. Moose and bears use the brush, so make noise where visibility is limited.

Season and access

Non-motorized and open year round, with snowshoeing in winter.

Mingo says

Choose a clear day, since the final climb is for the view. This is a strenuous loop for strong legs, with steep climbing in the first mile.

Before you go

• Check the Smith Road access before you go, since the trailhead has been closed due to development in the area.
• Respect the private property and no trespassing signs near the old dam at about 1.4 miles.
• Keep your dog on a leash, which is required on this trail.

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