Author: Justin Saunders

Justin is our marketing and communications manager and he loves birding in Alaska. He can tell you all about resident and migratory birds in The Mat-Su Alaska, but be warned. He may not know when to stop.

Holiday Tree Tour

December 10, 2024 by Justin Saunders
Here's an exciting holiday event for everyone from the avid cross-country skier to the casual trail enthusiast! On December 23 from 4-7p.m., the Mat-Su Ski Club is hosting a tour of beautifully decorated trees along the Pioneer Loop trail at the Government Peak Recreation Area. Famous for its world...
It's just like clockwork. As 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 their...
This is such a fun time of year in the Mat-Su Valley. Fall colors are popping everywhere, the harvest is in, and everyone is in the mood to celebrate the changing seasons! Here are a few events taking place in the Valley this fall. Make plans to come out and enjoy the festivities! 1. Rebarchek...
Every year, more and more visitors are choosing to come to Alaska's Mat-Su Valley after the summer season. I guess the secret's out; this place is absolutely unbelievable during the winter months! You might be wondering what would motivate so many people to brave the shorter days and colder...
There is no shortage of scenic drives in the Mat-Su Valley. Hatcher Pass promises rushing water and rich history. The highway north to Denali State Park has some of the best views of North America's tallest peak. The Glenn Highway, with epic glacier views, is even a national scenic byway! There's a...
The Glacier View region contains one of the Mat-Su Valley's greatest gems. Matanuska Glacier is the largest road accessible glacier and there are a variety of ways to explore it from a highway side overlook with interpretive signs all the way to a winter trek into one of its frozen drainage tunnels....
I recently took a canoe trip down the Little Susitna River (Little Su) in the Mat-Su Valley. Getting out into nature always recharges my batteries and the Mat-Su Valley has "chargers" to spare when it comes to natural beauty. I'm often hiking the trails or photographing the abundant wildlife around...
In 1984 President Reagan declared July to be National Ice Cream Month. He even went a step further and designated the third Sunday in July as National Ice Cream Day. Sounds like a "sweet" idea to me! If you're a huge ice cream fan, you probably already have this holiday on your radar. If you're an...
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...
The Mat-Su Valley have been hard at work for the past two years preparing to host the 2024 Arctic Winter Games. It's difficult to believe that the week of the Games is finally just around the corner. If you're able to visit the Valley for the Arctic Winter Games, you're in for a real treat. The...