Parks Hwy about 2 miles from Glenn Highway exchange, to Fairview Loop then onto Hayfield Road to Refuge access sign.
Wide open spaces of this flat, easy trail bring to full awareness the vast expanse of this 20,000 acre Refuge. Uncountable wetland ponds and the upper reaches of Knik Arm estuarial waters bring thousands of migrating birds through this local jewel on the Pacific Flyway. April and May offer wonderful opportunities to view huge flocks of Trumpeter Swans and Snow Geese. Sandhill cranes, Canada geese and gulls from faraway arrive here to establish their summer nesting grounds. A summer weekend fishery is popular for this anadromous salmon stream.
In the winter time it is safer to park at the upper parking lot as the hill is steep and many people have been unable to get back up the hill if they don't have 4-wheel drive or good snow/studded tires.
If you venture across the Cottonwood Creek bridge onto the trails, wear high boots or waders and be mindful of the tides. (Add 45 minutes to 1 hour to the Anchorage tides.) REMEMBER: TIDAL MUDS CAN BE TREACHEROUS; TIDAL CHANGES OCCUR RAPIDLY.
Trailhead improvements are ongoing. Contact Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats at alaskans@palmerhayflats.org for more information or to help with these improvements.
Congratulations to cavyguy for the FTF!!
