Scout Ridge Hike Recap: TrailMates Explore a Hidden Gem in Wasilla
- Megan Militello
- Jun 7
- 2 min read
A Welcoming Start on Scout Ridge
On Saturday, June 7th, TrailMates took on the charming Scout Ridge trail in Wasilla. This 45-minute loop hike began with incredible views of the inlet and a warm group ready to explore. I (Megan Militello) had the honor of leading this short and sweet adventure. What made this day extra special was that most of our hikers were joining a TrailMates event for the first time—and many hadn’t heard of this hidden gem before!
The trail’s first half was rooty but nothing too technical, which made it the perfect spot for getting to know new folks and learning how new members navigate our website and RSVP process. I even made a few notes for future improvements to make TrailMates hikes even better for everyone.
Rainy Days and Blooming Roses
Even though it was a rainy day, the flowers along the trail showed us that Alaska summer is on the way. Wild roses, their petals glistening with raindrops, lined the path in bright pink bursts. These colorful signs of the season gave us a sense of renewal and excitement for all the warm adventures to come.
We finished the loop faster than expected, so we kept the spirit of adventure alive by extending the fun! We followed the road down to another parking lot and crossed a charming bridge over Cottonwood Creek. The views of the hay flats and the distant mountains were stunning, even if the wind and mud tried to slow us down a bit.
At our group photo spot, we paused to share our “rose, bud, and thorn”—a TrailMates tradition where everyone shares a highlight, a hope, and a challenge from the day. It’s a simple but powerful way for us to connect, reflect, and build our community spirit.
A Big Group, A Small-Group Feel
Back at the cars, some of the group didn’t want the adventure to end and decided to do another loop—because that’s what TrailMates is all about! Pushing a little further, sharing gratitude, and finding joy in the unknown.
As one participant shared with me:
“I didn’t even know this trail existed—it’s amazing how many gems there are in our backyard. And I loved meeting people who are here for the same reason: to explore, connect, and feel good together.”
The gratitude and excitement from the group was clear from the beginning. Each of you took a chance—joining a new group, hiking a new trail, and opening up to strangers. That’s what makes TrailMates so special. 💛
Join Us for More Alaska Group Hikes
We’re so glad you joined us at Scout Ridge in Wasilla, and we can’t wait to share more hidden gems and group hikes around Alaska. Check out our upcoming hikes on the TrailMates Events Page—we’d love to see you out there!
Want to support what we’re building?
If you’d like to help keep these events going and make the outdoors more accessible, consider making a small donation to TrailMates. Your support keeps the community strong.
Get TrailMates Gear
Show your TrailMates spirit on the trail! Check out our gear, including hats, shirts, and stickers, to help support future hikes and spread the word about our growing community. Visit the TrailMates Shop to grab your gear.
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