Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area (formerly Kepler-Bradley) is a popular fishing, hiking and biking park. This popular state park comprises several trout and grayling filled stocked lakes by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, including Matanuska, Canoe, Irene and Long Lakes. Matanuska Lakes State Park is within easy driving distance of Anchorage located just north of the Glenn Highway at milepost 36.4, west of Palmer. The lakes are located in depressions (old glacial crevasses) in between moraine ridges (eskers) formed by glaciers 30,000 years ago. Trails from the park connect to the Mat-Su Borough Crevasse Moraine Trail System, The University of Alaska – Fairbanks Farm, and the University of Alaska – Anchorage College campus.
Fishing, camping, hiking, biking and horseback riding are the dominant activities. The Matanuska Lakes State Recreation site is managed by Great Holiday Campgrounds. For reservations and information, please call (907) 240-9797; reservations are accepted March-September.
Facilities:
- ADA Facility - Yes* Only Matanuska Lake and Kepler Lake*
- 6 Acres
- 6 Campsites
- Camping Limit - 7 days
- Day Parking
- Toilets
- Water
- Historical Sites
- Boat Lanch
- Picnic sites
- Picnic Shelter - ($60 per 4 hours)
- Canoe Rental - $45 per day (8 hours), $25 per half day (4 hours)
- Engine Restrictions - Only electric motors are allowed on Matanuska, Kepler, Canoe, Irene, and Long Lakes.
Activities
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Biking