Photos: Weaving through the lakes south of Palmer

Long Lake is one of the many bodies of water you'll see on a hike starting from Matanuska Lake — Long Lake is one of the many bodies of water you’ll see on a hike starting from Matanuska Lake

On a June jaunt starting at Matanuska Lake — six miles southwest of Palmer — fisherman, bicyclists and mosquitoes — the latter having a considerably annoying presence; pack your spray — are in full force on the trails weaving past several small lakes

The pools of water in the Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area were carved from glaciers some 30,000 years ago, according to a state description of the area. The page describes it more accurately as follows:

The lakes are located in depressions (old glacial crevasses) in between moraine ridges (eskers) formed by glaciers 30,000 years ago. Trails from the park connect to the Mat-Su Borough Crevasse Moraine Trail System, The University of Alaska – Fairbanks Farm, and the University of Alaska – Anchorage College campus.