Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge
Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge in Wasilla, Alaska, offers a natural and spacious environment for dogs and their owners to enjoy outdoor activities. The park is known for its expansive, open spaces where dogs can explore and play freely, providing an enjoyable experience for both small and large dogs. It features ample parking and shaded areas, making visits comfortable throughout the day.
Reviews
Palmer hay Flats is a must for any visitor coming to Alaska. It can be reached off of The Glenn Highway at the first Knik bridge heading towards Palmer called reflection Lake Trail.
Then can also be reached off of Fairview Loop Road called Cottonwood Creek or Palmer hay Flats. Very buggy this time of year. The wildflowers are beautiful & there may be salmon in the creek it is a weekend fishery only I would advise not fishing there at all. Unless you are a very experienced fly fisherman. Very heavy regulations and you have to play the tide game. Have a wonderful visit to Alaska. One of my favorite states but I live here. Be safe out there please.
This is reported as one of the best places near Anchorage to see the Northern Lights. It’s away from the city, so there’s no light polution. You could get pictures of the aurora reflected in the lake if it’s high enough in the sky.
Take the Knik River access exit and follow signs to Reflection Lake. This is NOT the default directions if you put in the Palmer Hay Flats Refuge into your GPS.
I’d recommend parking, and following the trail (the right branch at the lake) to the observation tower. It’s probably about 0.4 miles there. The tower has a low level at 6 feet, and stairs up to a higher platform at 30 feet. It gives a clear 270* view of the North sky. There’s also a bench you can sit at.
There’s a pit toilet at the trailhead/parking lot open year round. The parking lot only has space for a few cars, but was plowed when I visited end of December.
My husband and I recently stumbled across this refuge while exploring the Palmer/Wasilla area. It was such a great surprise. Beautiful views. There appears to be ATV trails here. Would be a really pretty place for a picnic on a nice day.
Great place to take photos for your family or senior pics. I love walking on the trails. Bring bear spray and carry personal protection. I have several friends who use the trails to exercise their dogs. It’s even great in the winter!
Very peaceful and beautiful. Tidal stream with baby salmon, aka salmon fry, and a wide range of birds. Wonderful views of the mountains.