Waterfront takes its straightforward name from its location along the Matanuska River near Sutton, a small community of approximately 900 residents located 15 miles northeast of Palmer on the Glenn Highway in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. The beach sits near Sutton, a historic coal mining town that developed beginning in 1919 when the Alaska Railroad station at the junction of Chickaloon branch and Eska spur was named after local homesteader Sutton, serving mines that produced coal for the railroad and military. In 1905, geologist G.C. Martin explored the area reporting an estimated 61 square miles of coal deposits including high-grade bituminous coal, leading to extensive mining operations with about 17 coal mines operating in the Matanuska Valley. The Eska mine located northwest of Sutton produced 150 tons per day from 1917 to 1920 as one of Alaska Territory's largest coal producers, and in 1921 a huge coal washing plant was constructed at Sutton by the Alaska Engineering Commission. The Jonesville mine continued operating until 1968, after which the railroad closed and mining ceased, leaving today's residents to enjoy the scenic location and solitude of rural community life along the Matanuska River. The Matanuska River flows from Matanuska Glacier in the Chugach Mountains, carrying glacial silt creating distinctive gray water characteristic of glacier-fed rivers throughout Alaska.
Recreation along the Waterfront provides access to the Matanuska River flowing through spectacular mountain scenery where the Chugach and Talkeetna mountain ranges create dramatic vistas. The river supports salmon fishing including king salmon, silver salmon, and pink salmon during runs from June through September, plus Dolly Varden char and Arctic grayling. The glacial silt-laden water creates challenging fishing conditions but productive runs attract anglers throughout summer. Wildlife watching yields moose browsing along riverbanks and forests, black bears foraging particularly during salmon spawning seasons, and brown bears occasionally visiting from surrounding wilderness. Bald eagles soar overhead and gather near productive fishing spots, ravens call from spruce trees, and diverse songbirds fill boreal forests during summer breeding seasons. Bird watching during spring and fall migrations yields waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors passing through the Matanuska Valley. The area provides access to hiking, camping, and exploring the scenic Glenn Highway corridor connecting Anchorage to Interior Alaska. Views capture the Matanuska River valley, surrounding mountains, and the transition zone between coastal and interior Alaska environments. Winter brings heavy snowfall, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and temperatures that can plummet well below zero reflecting Interior Alaska's continental climate influence. The rural setting provides peaceful contrast to nearby Palmer and Wasilla while maintaining access to Matanuska Valley amenities.
Dining near Sutton centers on Palmer, 15 miles southwest, where restaurants serve the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Turkey Red in Palmer leads fresh food dining committed to locally grown vegetables, organic ingredients, and traditional preparation methods creating farm-to-table experiences reflecting the agricultural Matanuska Valley established by New Deal colonists in 1935. Palmer Alehouse operates as a family-friendly neighborhood pub with 44 taps of local craft beers, burgers, sandwiches, and pub fare. The Noisy Goose Cafe serves massive portions with vegetarian-friendly options. Feather and Flour prepares breakfast and baked goods. La Fiesta Restaurant offers traditional Mexican dishes including enchiladas, tacos, and combination plates. Pho and Thai serves Asian cuisine. Fronteras Taqueria prepares Mexican street food. Sweet Gypsy operates a cafe with coffee and light meals. Reuben Haus serves sandwiches and deli fare. The Waterfront attracts anglers fishing the Matanuska River, residents of rural Sutton, history enthusiasts exploring coal mining heritage, and travelers on the Glenn Highway experiencing the scenic Matanuska Valley where coal mining history, spectacular mountain scenery, agricultural heritage from the 1935 colonization project, and access to wilderness create distinctive character in Southcentral Alaska's Matanuska-Susitna Borough north of Anchorage.
