Visitor Guide
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Find lodging, dining, activities, attractions and more in each region of the Mat-Su Valley. More Info
Denali Bound
The Mat-Su is the Gateway to Denali National Park
It's no surprise Denali National Park is one of the top visitor attractions in Alaska - a place renown for its wildlife viewing, allure of the wilderness and of course North America's highest peak, Mt. McKinley.
But, you can also have a Denali experience right here in the Mat-Su Valley. The Mat-Su's northern boundary encompasses the south side of the national park closest to where Mount McKinley is located. The southern views of the mountain are down right impressive and more immediate with the mountain being only 50 air miles away from Mat-Su's town of Talkeetna.
Embark on a flightsee trip for an up close view of McKinley's lofty peaks and granite walls. Early in the summer you'll see mountain climbers dotted along the snow as they prepare to scale one of the world's most challenging mountains. Depending on the snow conditions, you may even be able to land at climbers' base camp.
The rivers also lend to excellent views of the mountain and the Alaska Range, located along the southern border of Denali National Park. A jetboat trip whisks you away through braided rivers and the most impressive vantage points for viewing McKinley from base to top. Or, take a slower pace on a scenic river float great for the entire family.
Many lodges and cabins in Talkeetna, Trapper Creek and Willow are located in prime viewing areas. Wake up to the sun streaking across McKinley's face in the morning. You may even find yourself lost in time as you watch the clouds play hide and seek with the mountain's peak.
Relax and plan to spend an extra day in the Mat-Su Valley as you journey to Denali National Park. Combining these two experiences will be the ultimate Denali experience.
For more information on services and options, visit our Denali Country.
Helpful resources
So you're planning a trip to Alaska and need some help getting started. You've come to the right place! More Info
Maps and more
Find Alaska Highway maps and mileage chart for distances between destination points within the Mat-Su… More Info
Great outdoors
Discover more about boating, rafting, fishing, flightseeing and how to get into the backcountry of… More Info
Denali Flightseeing
Alaska's majestic scenery appears magnified from a Cessna window and the vantage point makes for good… More Info
glaciers
You can see a glacier just about anywhere in Alaska. But in the Mat-Su Valley, you can actually get out… More Info
Alaska Rafting
Uncover hidden jewels only accessible by boat. Hover in rapids through canyons, see glaciers calve fall… More Info
Dining in Mat-Su
Fine dining to cafes and everything in between. Don't be surprised if your portions are Alaska-sized.… More Info
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Yahoo Mat-Su! Where Alaska comes to play
The Mat-Su Valley is your place for adventure. From flightseeing Mount McKinley to rafting the Matanuska River, excitement is right around every corner. Spectacular views abound, from mountains to glaciers to wildlife. Conveniently located 35 miles north of Anchorage, your Alaska experience begins when you get to the Mat-Su Valley. Spend a day exploring Hatcher Pass, test your luck fishing or take advantage of the bountiful hiking. The Mat-Su Valley - where Alaska comes to play!
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You'll find a wide variety of lodging options to fit your preferences and budget. Choose from comfo...
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View our online vacancy report.
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Looking for an event to attend? Our calendar of events will give you many options to choose from.
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Alaska adventure is everywhere in the Mat-Su Valley! Summer and winter you will find a wide variety...
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Three mountain ranges... 2,000 miles of trails... thousands of lakes... hundreds of miles of rivers...
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Choose from fine dining to down home cafes and everything in between. Many of these restaurants use...
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Mark the occasion of your Alaska visit with a special keepsake that tells the story of your adventu...
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Alaska winters are spectacular in the Mat-Su Valley. Alpenglow sunsets over Denali, winter ice fish...
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Check out our brand new Visitors Guide!