Mount Susitna

Mount Susitna is a prominent peak standing on the western bank of the lower Susitna River, roughly 33 miles northwest of Anchorage. Its streamlined form creates a distinctive silhouette that dominates views across the Knik Arm from nearby communities.

The mountain took shape during the Pliocene ice age, roughly 2 to 6 million years ago, when glacial forces sculpted its distinctive form. These geological processes created the streamlined peak recognized today.

The Dena'ina people called this mountain Dghelishla, meaning Little Mountain, and the river name refers to a sandy landscape that early travelers encountered.

This summit is best observed from Elderberry Park and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, both providing clear sightlines across the Knik Arm. Clear weather offers the most rewarding views of the peak's distinctive form.

From certain viewpoints, the peak's silhouette resembles a reclining woman, which prompted geologists to study it as a roche moutonnée—a distinctive glacial formation. This visual quality has made it a memorable landmark for those crossing the water.