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 here, and a float trip that gets me off my feet and brings the wildlife to me was a no-brainer!

Avid paddlers can put a canoe or raft into the Little Su River at mile 57 on the Parks Highway. The meandering course of this gentle river offers very few technical challenges. There can be occasional shallow sections and on the corners a tree or two may extend over the water and act as "sweepers." For the most part, this is a very relaxing experience. Several bends in the river present reddish-brown sand and pebble beaches that are perfect stops to stretch your legs or have a picnic. Multiple primitive camping sites can be found along the way, as well. Even the Nancy Lake Canoe Trail connects with this route. That means you can portage off stream and head into the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area for a fun night in a public use cabin.

Though the Little Su winds all the way to the Cook Inlet, paddlers will choose to take out at the Little Susitna River Public Use Facility Boat Launch and Campground, about 45 river miles downstream from the Parks Highway. This trip promises peace and quiet, beautiful woodland scenery, wildlife viewing, and I haven't even mentioned the fishing yet! The Little Su is a popular river for anglers when the salmon are running. Visitors can take guided fishing trips along this river, enjoy the scenery, and take home a delicious fresh catch without ever touching a paddle.

The Mat-Su Valley is rich with unforgettable river experiences like this one. Whether it's fishing, rafting, kayaking, motorized vessels, or an exhilarating  whitewater adventure, make time to explore Alaska's waterways during your next adventure in the Mat-Su Valley!