Eska Falls Trail

Eska Creek Falls Trail: 4.1 miles one way.

This amazing trail has one problem, getting to the trail.  I will give my best attempt to explain how to get to the start the new non-motorized trail constructed by the borough two summers ago.  (The old trail, which is still there too, was used by off road vehicles and was a muddy mess.)

The road to the trailhead is not maintained and very rough.  I recommend a vehicle with high clearance so you can avoid a having a long walk on a road before you get to the actual trailhead.

At milepost 61 on the Glenn Highway, just as you are coming into the town of Sutton, turn north (left if coming from Palmer) onto Jonesville Road and follow it for approximately 2.25 miles, passing the road to Eska Mine for a huge parking lot of rv/atv and a lake  which is the main way the road goes to the left.  Continue a short way on Jonesville Road passing over a small bridge over Eska Creek. Just ahead will be some houses with two driveways.  After that the road gets narrower and much rougher.  Proceed up the road about 150 feet it will have a slight Y with a little road that will look like a large ATV trail to the left.  TAKE THAT ROAD TO THE LEFT UP THE HILL.  The other goes to Coyote Lake Park (abandoned) If you see a sign that says Coyote Lake Park you missed the turn to the left. 

The rest of the "road" is unmaintained extremely bumpy and very washed out in places.  But, if you continue taking this road you will get to a place that has a sign (finally) that says right ATV and Left Hikers.  Park near this sign wherever you can get off the road.  It is possible to turn left and drive a bit farther up the road, but it's basically tire tracks through the woods at that point.  So find a place to park along side the road/trail and hike left or northwest.  You will soon get to a kind of a turn around area of the road.  Look for the trailhead sign where you will see four stairs down  It is an amazing hike from here on out.  

Trail Conditions General description:
The Eska Creek Falls Trail is a moderately steep hiking trail traversing the south slope of Eska Peak. It roughly parallels Eska Creek, located west of the trail. The trail heads north, climbing 1300 feet in just over 2.5 miles. The hike to the falls can be completed in about 2 to 3 hours. The first half of the trail travels through a forest of spruce and aspen, and then breaks out into tall grasses and willow. At about the 1600-foot elevation the trail clears the forest and starts to traverse alpine tundra. At this point, there are grand views of the Matanuska River valley. At the 2000 foot level the trail begins to head up the nose of a ridge east of the creek. It can be challenging at times and tends to be muddy and slippery after a rain or frost. Caution is advised.Very nice switchbacks and clear marking on the trail.  

You will get to the wide open place on the top of the tundra.  You usually get a clear view of the falls.  The rest of the trail is just in partnership with the ATV.  Don't head toward the creek, but follow the ATV trail to the falls.  Very hilly.