Discover the tranquil 3-mile hiking trail at Settler’s Bay Coastal Park near Wasilla, Alaska. This easy walk offers stunning coastal views, gentle elevation, and a chance to connect with local wildlife in a protected natural setting.
Discover the tranquil 3-mile hiking trail at Settler’s Bay Coastal Park near Wasilla, Alaska. This easy walk offers stunning coastal views, gentle elevation, and a chance to connect with local wildlife in a protected natural setting.
Book with Revel Treks and Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Revel Treks and Tours · Wasilla, Alaska
Located just outside Wasilla, Alaska, Settler's Bay Coastal Park offers a refreshing escape into nature, ideal for hikers looking for an easy yet captivating trail experience. This 3-mile stroll guides you through 295 acres of protected land, where gentle elevation gains keep the hike accessible for almost everyone. The park is part of a conservation effort by the Mat Su Borough and the Greatland Trust, preserving stunning coastal terrain and native Alaskan flora. Initial trails began appearing in 2019, with ongoing development of accessible paths designed to accommodate hikers of all skill levels, including wheelchair-friendly gravel walkways and mountain bike tracks.
The hike itself is straightforward, with about 500 feet elevation gain, making it perfect for families, beginners, or those seeking a peaceful outing without strenuous climbs. You’ll wind through shaded forests, cross soft earth trails cushioned by pine needles, and enjoy wide-open views along the coastal edge. Settler’s Bay is home to spruce and birch trees alongside sheltered wetlands where migratory birds often pause. During your 2-hour trek, keep your eyes peeled for signs of otters near the water’s edge or the distant call of bald eagles overhead.
Your guide from Revel Treks & Tours, a local outfitter known for wilderness first aid-trained leadership, delivers a safe and informative journey through this scenic park. The group size stays intimate with a maximum of ten people, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience. Trekking poles and ice cleats are available to borrow if needed, and snacks or refreshments are encouraged, though warm drinks are provided after the hike back at the trailhead.
The park’s location near Wasilla means you can easily pair this hike with other outdoor activities in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough—a hub known for big-sky wilderness and rugged rivers. This route stands out as an accessible introduction to Alaska’s outdoors, combining natural beauty with thoughtful trail design and community stewardship.
While dogs aren’t permitted on this particular tour to protect local wildlife, the rich landscape and tranquil waters offer a serene environment for reflection and exploration. Plan to dress in layered clothing to adapt to Alaska’s unpredictable weather and bring your camera for views during the golden hour, when light paints the coastal scenery in unforgettable hues.
Settler’s Bay Coastal Park embodies the balance of conservation and outdoor recreation, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a relaxed day in Alaska’s wild heart, right outside Wasilla.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal elevation makes this approachable for beginners.
Yes, children 12 and older are welcome, and the easy terrain makes it a family-friendly outing.
For this event, dogs are not permitted to protect the local wildlife.
Snacks and water are not provided, so bring your own, though warm drinks will be served after the hike.
Yes, Revel Treks & Tours offers trekking poles and ice cleats to borrow if needed.
Groups consist of 2 to 10 people to ensure personalized attention from guides.
Trips rarely cancel due to weather—come prepared to hike in rain or snow for a true Alaskan experience.
The land was donated by the Greatland Trust as a conservation easement before trail development began in 2019.
The park maintains sustainable trail design with plans for ADA-accessible paths, showing commitment to environmental stewardship.
Revel Treks and Tours, based in Palmer, Alaska, offers guided outdoor experiences and cultural tours across the Matanuska Valley and nearby mountain areas. Specializing in private guided adventures and community outings, Revel Treks creates personalized itineraries for half‑day and full‑day guests, tailoring routes to interests such as scenic hikes, farm and brewery visits, and historical walks. Local guides share glaciology insights, regional history, and flora and fauna identification while leading hikes to landmarks like Bodenburg Butte, Eska Falls, and trails in Hatcher Pass and Eklutna Lake. Trips include private half‑day and full‑day guide services, an interpretive Hike + History to Bodenburg Butte, a full‑day Hidden Waterfall Hike to Eska Falls, a Historic Palmer Walking Tour, mellow Valley hikes paired with brewery stops, and a mix of community hikes and field trips suitable for varying abilities. Revel Treks works with local partners for behind‑the‑scenes visits and community‑sponsored hikes, connecting visitors with regional stories and sustainable outdoor practices. Group and individual bookings are arranged to match participant goals, from relaxed scenic walks to challenging elevation gains. The business highlights personalized attention, route selection based on conditions, and guides who prioritize interpretation and guest comfort. For travelers seeking guided hiking, local history, and curated outdoor days in Palmer and the Talkeetna Mountains, Revel Treks and Tours provides a range of factual, place‑based experiences delivered by knowledgeable local guides. Reservations and trip details are available through their booking channels directly.
Book with Revel Treks and Tours