Matanuska Peak

Matanuska Peak is a mountain summit located in the Chugach Mountains, in Matanuska-Susitna Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. The mountain is a major landmark in the Matanuska Valley, situated east of Palmer, and north-northeast of Pioneer Peak. The nearest higher peak is Frontier Peak, to the southeast. Matanuska Peak's name was officially approved in 1969 by the United States Geological Survey, and derives from the Matanuska River, a native name on maps since 1897. "Matanuska" is derived from the Russian term for the "copper river people". The Matanuska Peak Trail is a five mile one-way hike with 5,670 feet of elevation gain and minor scrambling. The months June through October offer the most favorable weather and snow-free trail conditions to climb this peak. The Matanuska Peak Challenge is a strenuous race run in August each year.

Climate

Based on the Köppen [climate classification], Matanuska Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and mild summers. Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. Precipitation runoff from the peak drains into tributaries of the Matanuska River, which in turn is a tributary of the Knik River.