Palmer-Moose Creek Railroad Trail is a 12.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Palmer, Alaska that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Nice, easy trail. Looks challenging beyond the end of maintenance, but it was easy to a point and then really looked too challenging for a casual walk.
Great. Washed out in some Spots but passable. Mostly flat but great day hike.
I loved this trail! It’s very easy to maneuver and great for a morning walk with your dog or just a good hike in general. The trail goes for miles so depending on how adventurous you feel the choice is yours. If you go far enough you can explore remnants of old boxcars! There are an amount of mosquitos, but the view of the river is beautiful I highly recommend this trail!
The first mile or so was great! But then there were several “washed out” sections of the trail due to landslides. These crossings were pretty hairy. At mile 1.8, the washout was about 30-40 feet across. It was barely passable on foot (and not possible to do so very safely, even then), but there was no way to get our bikes across it. So we had to turn around. These areas were past a sign that said “trail maintenance ends” - so I guess no one will be repairing these sections? Disappointing because it was beautiful.
I don’t think I would categorize this as a “hike” simply due to the fact that there is next to no elevation gain/loss, but it is a very nice nature walk. The trail travels over the top of some old abandoned train tracks with portions of rail still exposed and various derailed train cars for viewing as you pass by. At several points along the trail, you can exit and walk on the MatSu riverbed. Recommended for a pleasant, low impact stroll.