Scenic Drives and RV Trips

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Knik-Goose Bay Road Scenic Drive

Take a trip back in time to the once bustling trade center of Knik, Alaska, which once served as a major supply point for the Alaska interior during pre-Anchorage days.

Called home by many famous Alaska mushers, the Knik area is often referred to as the "Dog Mushing Center of the World." In fact, the first 15 miles of Knik Road are now designated as the Joe Redington Sr. Memorial Trail in memory of this famous Alaska musher who was instrumental in organizing the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Several public and private tent and RV campgrounds are located along this drive.

Where to Begin

Pick up Knik-Goose Bay Road in Wasilla at mile 42.2 of the Parks Highway.

What to Do

The official Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters are located at mile 2.2 of Knik-Goose Bay Road. View Iditarod memorabilia, photos and footage, pick up souvenirs and take a thrilling summer dog sled ride. Open year round in Wasilla, admission is free. www.iditarod.com

Settle in at Lake Lucille Park campground, an 80-acre public park located at the end of Endeavor Street. The campground includes 59 tent and RV spaces for tents, including two pull-thru spaces, non-motorized lake access, a boardwalk and fishing deck, restrooms, trails, fire pits and more. www.matsugov.us/RecServices/parks.cfm

At mile 4.1, follow Fairview Loop 1.9 miles to access the northern part of the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge. When the road makes a 90-degree turn follow the gravel side 1.5 miles to an observation deck for views of this 45-square mile complex of forest, wetlands and lakes that support a major calving and wintering ground for the Mat-Su moose population. Head back to Knik-Goose Bay Road. www.palmerhayflats.org/aboutus.html

Further down the road at mile 8.1, Settlers Bay Resort offers great views of Cook Inlet and is home to a magnificent 18-hole golf course. With the long daylight hours, summer tee times can range from 6 a.m. until nearly midnight. Stop by Settlers Bay Grill for a casual dinner with a magnificent setting, open Wednesday through Sunday. www.settlersbaylodge.com

At mile 13.9, turn toward Knik Lake and the Knik Museum and Sled Dog Musher's Hall of Fame. Operated by the Wasilla-Knik Historical Society, famous dogs and dog mushers are honored here for their contributions to dog team travel and sled dog racing. The Museum occupies one of the two structures remaining from the Alaska Gold Rush era (1897-1917). Open summers.

When Knik-Goose Bay Road forks at Mile 17, stay to the right and follow Point Mackenzie Road 12 miles to the Little Susitna River and some of the finest wild Alaska salmon fishing in Southcentral Alaska. A public campground and boat launch are home to a number of fishing guide services.

Pavement ends on Knik-Goose Bay at mile 19.5, another junction point. After this point, four wheel drive is highly encouraged for navigating the steep, rough road to Goose Bay State Game Refuge, a 10,880-acre refuge. There are no developed public-use facilities.