Category - The Great Outdoors

Outside there are clear signs of warmer days ahead, but there is still plenty of snow and the lakes remain quite frozen. Those with a passion for Alaska's scenic water bodies and peaceful streams can find this time of year just a tad frustrating. The days may be warming up, but the raft is still...

Christmas Gift Ideas

December 6, 2023 by Casey Ressler
If you're still looking for some gift ideas that are sure to be appreciated, consider the gift of adventure this holiday season. Giving the gift of travel and adventure is a unique, memorable gift that creates memories that will last a lifetime. Years down the road, the recipient won't remember...
It's just like clockwork. When the snow finally reaches the lakes and fields of Mat-Su Valley's Glacier View area, massive flocks of snow geese take to the skies and start heading southward. This is just one of many bird species that spend their summers in Alaska and swing through the Valley on...
For many, the journey is just as important as the destination, and RVing to Alaska is a bucket list trip that can seem imposing to plan at first. Thanks to an online company founded by a Mat-Su husband and wife team, however, planning has never been easier. Stacey and Gary Quimby founded RVing to...

Explore State Parks

January 12, 2022 by Casey Ressler
Make 2022 the year you explore more of the Alaska State Parks. It's a world-class parks system that includes lakes, rivers, campgrounds, public use cabins and much more. Now that the calendar has flipped to the new year, don't forget to get your annual Alaska State Parks parking pass so you can get...
Pink salmon are far from the most desired salmon in Alaska's streams, but they also provide a great opportunity to get out and test your hand fly fishing in Susitna Valley streams. Last week, I was joined by a college friend from 25 years ago who wanted to do some Alaska salmon fishing. We loaded up...

Earth Day

April 22, 2021 by Casey Ressler
April 22 is celebrated as Earth Day around the world, a time to reflect on the importance the environment has on our surroundings. Now more than ever, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, we realize how Alaska's amazing natural beauty is so important to our well being, both physically and mentally....

Fall drives

September 1, 2020 by Casey Ressler
There is a crispness in the air, as summer slowly says good-bye to the Valley. Now is a great time to explore the Valley and take a scenic drive that bursts with color. One of our favorite drives is the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway, from Palmer north all the way to Lake Louise. It truly lives...
A hidden gem in the Valley's trail system is also one of it's newest - Settlers Bay Coastal Park, just eight miles from Wasilla. The 295-acre Settlers Bay Coastal Park features something for nearly every outdoor recreationalist - hiking trails, mountain biking, views of the Chugach Mountains and the...
Right beside one of the busiest highways in Alaska, the Glenn Highway, you'll find peace and serenity at Reflections Lake, which is one of the Mat-Su Valley's hidden gems. The lake is located at the Knik River Access ramp just north of Palmer on the Glenn Highway. Despite it being right beside the...