Chuqilintnu Trail, also known as Wasilla Creek Boardwalk Trail, is a 1,600-foot trail that follows a boardwalk through the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge in Wasilla, Alaska.
Chuqilintnu (chew-quwa-lint-naw) means fermented fish in Dena’ina.
This trail is rated as very easy and it’s one of the easiest family-friendly hikes in Wasilla, and it can be used year-round.
In this post, I’m going to share how to hike Wasilla Creek Boardwalk Trail in Wasilla, Alaska.
Wasilla Creek Boardwalk Trail Summary
Traditional Land: Dena’ina (Visit Native-Land.ca to identify whose land you live, work, and play on.)
Distance: 0.6 miles roundtrip
Time: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 10 feet
Difficulty: Very Easy
Dogs: Yes
Quick Tips
- Keep an eye out for wildlife
- Pack a picnic or a book
- Boardwalk has no railings
Wasilla Creek Boardwalk Directions
Wasilla Creek Boardwalk Trailhead is located 39 miles north of Anchorage.
- From Anchorage, head north on the Glenn Highway
- In Wasilla, take the Trunk Road exit
- Cotinue onto S Trunk Road
- Take a right onto E Nelson Road
- The trail will be on your left
Hike Chuqilintnu / Wasilla Creek Trail
Wasilla Creek Trailhead
The Wasilla Creek Trailhead is located in Wasilla, Alaska. Once you arrive at the trailhead, there is a small parking lot, which is free to park in.
You will find a small dirt trail to the left of the other trail signage. This is the start of the trailhead and it will take you through a birch and spruce forest for a short distance until you reach the beginning of the boardwalk trail.
Wasilla Creek Boardwalk
There’s something so fun about boardwalk trails. The Wasilla Creek Boardwalk starts off as a wooden boardwalk and eventually turns into a metal-grated boardwalk.
I loved walking underneath the canopy of trees, and look forward to going back when the fall colors really start to pop.
As you continue along the boardwalk, you will follow a section of Wasilla Creek until you reach the viewing platform.
Keep in mind that the boardwalk doesn’t have any railings and it floats above the wetlands. So, be careful and watch your step.
Wasilla Creek Viewing Platform
At the end of the Wasilla Creek Boardwalk Trail is a small table, which would make a great place to have a picnic or read a book. The area is currently fenced off to help with the restoration of this area.
Make sure to look for wildlife here as I saw a pair of swans flying above me.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in the Mat-Su Valley, then I definitely recommend checking out this hiking trail in Wasilla.
It’s an easy, family-friendly trail, and you’ll probably have the whole place to yourself!
Other Hikes in Wasilla
If you’re looking for more hikes in Wasilla, check out Scout Ridge Loop, Swan Lake Loop, and Wasilla Creek Wetlands Trail.
Happy hiking!
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Do you have any questions about hiking Wasilla Creek Boardwalk Trail in Alaska? Let me know in the comments.
