Scout Ridge Loop

The feel

Scout Ridge is an easy forested loop above the Palmer Hay Flats, through birch forest, along parts of Cottonwood Creek and past a forested pond. The covered overlook looks over the wetlands to the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, and it is an easy 400 yards from the parking area.

Moose and bears graze in the flats below. In spring, late evening walks along the trail may bring hooting great gray owls.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop of about 1 to 1.3 miles, rated easy, through birch forest. The first 400 yards to the overlook are surfaced and suit wheelchairs; beyond it the trail is much less wheelchair-friendly.

Time

About 0.5 hour.

Crowds and best time

The small lot can fill up quickly on a nice summer afternoon.

Parking

A small lot off a marked turnoff along Hayfield Road, 1¼ miles from Fairview Loop Road. The trail begins at the kiosk on the edge of the upper lot.

Fees and passes

No parking fee.

Kids

Rated easy.

Hazards

Moose and bears are in the area. Waterfowl hunting is very popular in the refuge during fall.

Bathrooms and water

The Cottonwood Creek access has accessible bathrooms.

Season and access

Open all year.

Mingo says

Walk it in spring, when migration at the Cottonwood Creek wetlands runs from early April to late May. Peak numbers come late April to early May.

Before you go

• Arrive before the afternoon on a nice summer day, since the lot is small.
• Turn off at the marked refuge access on Hayfield Road.
• Expect hunters on the refuge in fall.

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