Mat-Su Valley Blog

If you're looking for a last-minute gift that will be sure to be appreciated, consider the gift of adventure this holiday season. Giving the gift of travel and adventure is a unique, memorable gift that creates memories that will last a lifetime. Years down the road, the recipient won't remember...

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...

Pink salmon are far from the most desired salmon in Alaska's streams, but they also provide a great opportunity to get out and test your hand fly fishing in Susitna Valley streams. Last week, I was joined by a college friend from 25 years ago who wanted to do some Alaska salmon fishing. We loaded up...

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....

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...

A hidden gem in the Valley's trail system is also one of it's newest - Settlers Bay Coastal Park, just eight miles from Wasilla. The 295-acre Settlers Bay Coastal Park features something for nearly every outdoor recreationalist - hiking trails, mountain biking, views of the Chugach Mountains and the...

Right beside one of the busiest highways in Alaska, the Glenn Highway, you'll find peace and serenity at Reflections Lake, which is one of the Mat-Su Valley's hidden gems. The lake is located at the Knik River Access ramp just north of Palmer on the Glenn Highway. Despite it being right beside the...

At this time of year, we often get asked, "Is Hatcher Pass open, even though there's no snow in Wasilla?" The answer is YES! And to be honest, it's a great time to visit one of Alaska's most scenic places. Hatcher Pass remains open year-round, although with a few caveats. The road over the pass...

Spring has come unusually early in the Mat-Su Valley, and everyone is bustling with activity as temperatures hit the mid-50s as early as mid-March. As news reports of a blizzard hitting the Midwest hits the airwaves, Alaskans are doing things like getting their golf game tuned up this April. One...

The Knik River Valley is one of the Mat-Su Valley's hidden gems, and the recreation opportunities are endless. The Knik River Valley is accessible by Knik River Road, off the Old Glenn Highway. At the end of the road is Knik River Lodge, which has amazing views of the Chugach Mountains and Knik...