Tag - Nature

Aurora season begins

October 18, 2023 by Casey Ressler
They were out this morning, and that wasn't the first time this season by any means! With the return of starry night skies comes a new season - aurora watching. Every fall and winter, eager aurora seekers are able to find this celestial wonder dancing across the sky in the Mat-Su Valley. As our...
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...

Signs of the Seasons

September 13, 2023 by Justin Saunders
No doubt, I'm writing this a bit late. I'm sure we've all noticed already that the days are shortening and the temperatures have been slowly dropping lately. Perhaps there are few more obvious reminders that Alaska's preparing for another glorious winter, but there are still other indicators that...
Ask any Alaskan, and they know June 21 is the summer solstice - with 22 hours of functional daylight in Southcentral Alaska, and total darkness not achieved for days. In Talkeetna, for example, the official sunrise is at 4:05 a.m. and the official sunset is exactly at midnight. During those four...

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...
You’ll never again forget the details from your favorite Southcentral Alaska hikes, thanks to a new log book published recently by Anchorage’s Andrea Leydon. Leydon just released “Southcentral Alaska 100 Hikes Challenge Logbook” which includes popular trails around Southcentral, including the Mat-Su...

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....

Let's Go There

September 23, 2020 by Casey Ressler
We all need something to look forward to again. And nothing is more exciting than planning that next perfect getaway. The one that can’t get here soon enough. Because the journey begins the moment we decide to go somewhere. Anywhere. It’s time to feel that feeling once again. Let’s get inspired. And...

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...
Don't have a weekend to devote to hiking? That's not a problem in the Wasilla and Palmer area, as there are several great hiking opportunities just minutes from town. Here are our five favorites: 1. Hatcher Pass This is an easy choice! There are countless ways to explore Hatcher Pass, and there are...