Matanuska Peak

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.

Matanuska Peak
Matanuska Peak (left) from near Palmer
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[1]
Geography
Matanuska Peak Location in Alaska
Interactive map of Matanuska Peak
Location	Matanuska-Susitna Borough Alaska, United States
Parent range	Chugach Mountains
Topo map	USGS Anchorage C-6
Climbing
Easiest route	trail, class 2 scrambling

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Matanuska Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and mild summers.^[5] 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.

Gallery

• 
  Matanuska Peak and Lazy Mountain

See also

• Alaska portal
• Mountains portal

• List of mountain peaks of Alaska
• Geology of Alaska