TrailMates Halloween Singles Hike at Matanuska Lake: Fall Colors & New Connections

Sara Burda
Nov 1
2 min read

People in colorful costumes pose under a wooden gazebo. Two dogs are in front. The setting is outdoors with bare trees visible.

A Beautiful October Afternoon at Matanuska Lake

TrailMates co-hosted the 4th Annual Singles Halloween Hike at Matanuska Lake State Recreation Area and it was the perfect way to wrap up October. Even with the clouds hanging low over the lake, hikers showed up ready for connection, fall air, and a relaxed afternoon outside. Costumes, fleece layers, and easy conversation set the tone! There was no weird pressure, no awkward energy… just people getting outside, meeting new faces, and enjoying Alaska in a way that felt genuinely fun.

The 2.8-mile loop around Matanuska Lake offered gentle elevation and sweeping fall views, making it an approachable trail for all experience levels. Christina, our hike leader, set a welcoming tone from the start—reminding everyone that TrailMates hikes aren’t about pace or performance, but about community and shared experience.

People in colorful costumes, including animals and characters, walk outdoors on a gravel path with dogs. The mood is festive and joyful.

After the group photo (with plenty of costumed smiles), we set off around the lake. The sound of crunching leaves and distant laughter filled the air—a perfect reminder of why we do this every year.

A Big Group That Still Feels Personal

We had a solid turnout, but conversations naturally broke into smaller clusters—talking about favorite coffee spots, winter training plans, other trails people want to explore next. It never felt rushed or forced… just easy.

“This event is one of my favorites every year,” Christina said. “People show up as they are. No pressure. That’s why it works.”

For many, this hike has become fall tradition. It’s less about dating… and more about connection with nature, with people, and with yourself.

Campfire Vibes + Autumn Chill

After the loop, the group circled up at the lakeside picnic area where a campfire was already going. S’mores, hot dogs, cider, folding chairs… the simple stuff that instantly makes strangers feel like friends.

People having a picnic by a lake in a wooded area. They're dressed warmly, preparing food on a table. Mood is festive with colorful attire.

As the light faded, conversations got deeper. A few people talked about why they needed this reset. Others just laughed about costumes and favorite Alaska hikes.

“I just wanted a fun, low-pressure way to get outside. And this was exactly that.”

These are the kinds of moments that recharge you—and remind you why time outside matters. Fresh air + community is honestly one of the most underrated mental health tools we have.

Why Events Like This Matter

TrailMates was built on a simple belief: nature creates connection. Real connection. Not small talk and scrolling. On trail, you don’t need forced ice-breakers. You just start walking and conversations happen.

A group of costumed people hikes a forest trail in autumn. Leafless trees and a lake set the backdrop. They appear joyful and playful.

Join Us on Future TrailMates Adventures

If you missed this one—no worries. We’ve got hikes running all year with all different experience levels.

👉 Check our events page for what’s coming up next.

Whether you show up solo or come with a friend, you’ll always be welcomed here.

Support the Mission

TrailMates is volunteer-led + community driven. Donations help us continue offering inclusive hikes, outdoor experiences, and accessible connection across Alaska.

💚 Support TrailMates and help keep these events alive

Community is built step by step on trail—not online. Here’s to more hikes, more laughter, and more shared moments outside.

See you soon on the next one.