Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16–59 °F | 46–68 °F | 14–57 °F | 7–28 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Matanuska Experimental Farm, 1 mi away, elevation 172 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Stocked Fishing Lakes Near Palmer Alaska — Multiple Stocked Lakes Including Matanuska Canoe Irene and Long Lakes, Campground With Fire Pits, Hiking and Biking Trails Connected to Matanuska Greenbelt, Formerly Kepler-Bradley State Recreation Area, Mile 36.4 Glenn Highway, Palmer Mat-Su Valley Alaska
Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area is a state recreation area near Palmer, Alaska, at mile 36.4 of the Glenn Highway in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Formerly known as Kepler-Bradley State Recreation Area, the park features multiple stocked fishing lakes including Matanuska Lake, Canoe Lake, Irene Lake, and Long Lake, a campground with designated fire pits and picnic facilities, an extensive network of hiking and biking trails connected to the wider Matanuska Greenbelt trail system, canoe and kayak access on sheltered interior lakes, wildlife viewing for moose, waterfowl, and bald eagles, and spectacular views of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountain ranges.
Matanuska Lakes is the Mat-Su Valley’s backyard fishing and trail park — a cluster of stocked interior lakes just off the Glenn Highway that draws locals and visitors year-round. The interconnected trail system links into the Matanuska Greenbelt, offering miles of hiking and biking through boreal forest and wetland habitat.
The lakes are regularly stocked by Alaska Department of Fish and Game, making them reliable fishing destinations for rainbow trout and landlocked salmon. Canoe Lake lives up to its name as an ideal flatwater paddling spot.
Things to Do
- Fishing — stocked lakes: Matanuska, Canoe, Irene, Long
- Hiking/Biking — trails linked to Matanuska Greenbelt
- Canoeing/Kayaking — sheltered interior lakes
- Camping — campground with fire pits
- Wildlife viewing — moose, waterfowl, bald eagles
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mile 36.4 Glenn Highway, near Palmer, AK |
| Former Name | Kepler-Bradley State Recreation Area |
| Lakes | Matanuska, Canoe, Irene, Long |
| Trails | Connected to Matanuska Greenbelt |
| Camping | Campground with fire pits |
| Fish Species | Stocked rainbow trout, landlocked salmon |
| Managed By | Alaska State Parks (DPOR) |
| Coordinates | 61.5997° N, 149.1139° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area?
Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area near Palmer, Alaska contains multiple stocked lakes including Matanuska Lake, Canoe Lake, Irene Lake, and Long Lake. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game regularly stocks the lakes with rainbow trout and landlocked salmon. The park also offers hiking and biking trails connected to the Matanuska Greenbelt, canoe and kayak access, camping with fire pits, and wildlife viewing. Formerly known as Kepler-Bradley State Recreation Area, it is located at mile 36.4 of the Glenn Highway.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: Finger Lake State Recreation Site and Hatcher Pass East Management Area are both a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Camping at Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area cannot be booked online; Alaska State Parks lists no reservable sites for this park. Cabins and campsites that can be booked are listed at reservealaskastateparks.com. As of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 9 feet required in developed facilities (campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, swim beaches, boat ramps).
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide pet ban on beaches; swim beaches count as developed facilities where the 9-foot leash rule applies.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- In the backcountry leashes are not required but pets must remain under voice control; in trapping areas (e.g. Chena River SRA) leashing is strongly advised for dog safety.
Are dogs allowed at Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area?
Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.alaska.gov. More: Alaska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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