Redpoll Ramble Loop

The feel

A winding gravel loop through paper birch and white spruce in Settlers Bay Coastal Park, with glimpses of the mountains through the trees. The park is 295 acres, most of it non-motorized conservation area, off Knik-Goose Bay Road outside Wasilla.

From the bluff, the Chugach Mountains lie to the south and the Talkeetna Mountains to the north, and a viewing platform looks over Knik Arm. Interpretive panels name the peaks and wildlife in English and Upper Cook Inlet Dena'ina.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Gravel loop of 2.1 miles with about 42 ft of gain, through paper birch and white spruce.

Time

About 1 hour.

Parking

Two trailhead lots, an East lot and a West lot.

Kids

Rated easy.

Bathrooms and water

Pit toilets at each trailhead parking area.

Season and access

The trails are groomed in winter as snow conditions allow.

Mingo says

Plan a winter visit if you like groomed trails, because the borough grooms them whenever snow permits. Grooming is an effort and not a guarantee, so check the snow before you drive out.

Before you go

• The park and trails are off Knik-Goose Bay Road outside Wasilla.
• Use the East lot or the West lot; pit toilets are at both.
• The first formal trails were built in summer 2019, and the park offers a mix of easy gravel paths and mountain bike single-track.

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