Join us for a guided hike that combines outdoor adventure with learning. We’ll climb a local mountain while learning about the history and geography that make up the Mat-Su Valley.

 

EXPERIENCE:

Join us for a guided hike that combines outdoor adventure with learning. We’ll explore a glacial outwash plain, discussing what the landscape looks like today and how we can tell that glaciers were here long ago.

The Butte is a local favorite – a moderate hike with rewarding views. While visitors could opt to hike this landmark independently, our local guides will offer insight into the history of the area. From the geological transformation to the trees and flowers of the boreal forest – guests will immerse themselves in the story of Palmer.

For this hike, we will meet at the Palmer Visitor Center unless prearranged pick-up plans have been made. We will then travel about 20 minutes to the trailhead, with a stop along the way to see a glacial outwash plain. Once we arrive at our destination, we will give an introduction to glaciers.

Following the introduction, we will hike 1.5 miles up Bodenburg Butte, a local landmark with an 800-foot summit. At the summit, we’ll identify clues that tell us glaciers were here before and learn how the Butte exists in an otherwise flat valley. On a clear day we’ll enjoy views of the Knik Glacier, both the Knik and Matanuska rivers as well as the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains. We’ll descend the same trail for a total hiking distance of 3 miles. Then we will load back into the vehicle and return to the Palmer Visitor Center. Total trip time is 3-4 hours.

Please note: this hike has over 500 stairs. Hikers should be able to climb up and down stairs comfortably. We will move at a leisurely pace, taking breaks along the way.

 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Climb a local landmark.
Combine adventure and learning.
Learn about the glacial landscape of the region.
See a glacier from the top of a mountain.
Discover the history, flora, and fauna of the area.

 

 

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