Matanuska Peak | |
---|---|
Highest point | |
Elevation | 6,093 ft (1,860 m)[1] |
Prominence | 993 ft (303 m)[1] |
Parent peak | Frontier Peak (6,250 ft) |
Isolation | 2.09 mi (3.36 km)[1] |
Coordinates | 61°36′13″N 148°53′06″W / 61.60361°N 148.88500°W[1] |
Geography | |
Location | Matanuska-Susitna Borough Alaska, United States |
Parent range | Chugach Mountains |
Topo map | USGS Anchorage C-6 |
Climbing | |
Easiest route | trail, class 2 scrambling |
Matanuska Peak is a 6,093 ft (1,860 m) 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 7.5 mi (12 km) east of Palmer, and 10 mi (16 km) north-northeast of Pioneer Peak. The nearest higher peak is Frontier Peak, 2.1 mi (3 km) to the southeast.[1] 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.[2] "Matanuska" is derived from the Russian term for the "copper river people".[3][4] 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.