Mat-Su Valley Blog

With summer here, it's time to dust off those hiking boots and map out a summer of adventure. Hatcher Pass is an ideal location for families to enjoy a day of hiking and exploring the great outdoors. With its scenic views of the Talkeetna Mountains, alpine meadows, glaciers, and crystal-clear...

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...

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...

The Alaska State Fair has ended, and with it, the summer is drawing to a close. The Mat-Su Valley has had a fantastic summer, and it's turning into a beautiful fall as well. Before the snow hits, make sure you get out and enjoy one last memorable hike. Whether it's an extended backpacking trip or a...

People travel for a variety of reasons - to learn about other cultures, to enjoy new foods, to take adventures and even for medical tourism. A growing trend that is having a positive impact on local communities, however, is "voluntourism," the act of volunteering for a cause while traveling. Often,...

Thanks to the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, a wide range of Mat-Su area trail maps are available in a convenient smartphone app. OuterSpatial is available for both iOS and Android platforms. It is a national app, but delivers localized content based on user's location. For the Mat-Su Valley,...

This week, the Alaska Great Land Trust held a celebration after buying the Butte, a popular hiking destination, ensuring the area remains open to public use. That's great news, because it is a gem in the Mat-Su Valley. If you haven't hiked the Butte yet, make your plans now - you won't be...