NOTE: CACHE IS NOT ON OR UNDER THE TOWER STRUCTURE!
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A steel observation tower rises 30 feet above the landscape at the northwest corner of the mile-long Reflections Lake loop trail. Completed in 2016, the $300,000 accessible structure marked the end phase of a recreational renewal of the Reflections Lake area. This tower provides incredible year-round aviary and wildlife observation opportunities. SPECIAL NOTE: Dogs are welcome here on the refuge, but they MUST BE ON LEASH - by law.
Beginning in 2005 the nonprofit group Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats began a cleanup and rehabilitation project that transformed the area from an ad-hoc dump into the beautiful recreation destination site you see here today. An ongoing partnership between the state Department of Fish and Game and Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats oversees the 45 square mile Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge where this observation tower is located.
Reflections Lake is a unique place for observing the stunning scenic views found near the head of Cook Inlet. The area includes a salmon-sheltering estuary at the mouth of the Matanuska River and a former hay-growing grassland that subsided to marsh after the 1964 Good Friday earthquake. It is home to an incredible variety of wildlife ranging from shorebirds and raptors to the occasional black and brown bear, as well as the often-seen moose. This particular site in the refuge is undoubtedly one of the most singularly beautiful places for a one mile stroll on flat terrain in southcentral Alaska!
This cache was placed during a planning session conducted by volunteers from GeocacheAlaska! Inc., who use the Reflections Lake trail to introduce elementary school children from the Mat-Su School District to the joys associated with playing the get-outside game of geocaching. During the site visits, students learn ethical outdoor behaviors such as Leave No Trace and CITO, while acquiring outdoor navigation skills and experiencing how geocaching gets them closer to bird viewing and wildlife watching opportunities. Advocacy and education efforts of this local nonprofit are supported by membership dues. Learn more about this local geocaching organization at www.gcak.org and see more information about geocaching in Alaska!