Mat-Su Valley Blog

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...

Getting there is half the fun when it comes to any destination along the Glenn Highway, which leads north out of Palmer. The Glenn Highway has been designated a National Scenic Byway for good reason - the views along the way are absolutely breathtaking, including mountains, glaciers and rivers. It's...

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,...

This weekend, there will be HOGS everywhere in the Mat-Su Valley, as the Harley Owners Group is hosting the 25th anniversary Last Frontier Rally here. More than 150 Harley owners are expected to attend this year's Last Frontier Rally, organizers said. They aren't just local riders, either - several...

With temperatures flirting with 50 degrees, it's easy to start dreaming of summer. Last weekend we had a booth at the Mat-Su Outdoorsman Show, and a couple with two boys came up and introduced themselves. They had moved to Alaska from Florida in October, and they asked a simple question - what...

The Iron Dog, the world's longest and most demanding snowmobile race, begins at Deshka Landing on Sunday, Feb. 17, as Pro Class riders set out in teams of two on a course that is 2,000 miles long. This year, 25 teams (two riders/team) will leave from the starting line at Deshka Landing. From the...

The U.S. Travel Association has named January 29 as "National Plan for Vacation Day" as a way to remind people to commit to taking their paid time off in 2019 and enjoying a vacation that rejuvenates, relaxes and restores. In 2017, American left 705 million paid vacation days go unused. According to...

Some of Alaska's best Nordic ski trails can be found just minutes away from Wasilla and Palmer, as the Government Peak Recreation Area boasts miles of groomed trails, many of which are lighted. The ski trails are essentially a series of loops, ranging in distance and difficulty, ensuring there is a...

Just because it's winter doesn't mean outdoor recreation comes to an end. There are adventures around every corner in the Valley, and a new program is designed to get people out and exploring the many opportunities to ski, snowshoe and fat tire bike this winter. The Winter Adventure Book is now...

Christmas is still 10 days away, but it seems that all must be under control for Santa. He was recently spotted in the Mat-Su Valley taking a break by fat tire biking and kayaking, two of his favorite activities. The jolly old man got in contact with Dan McDonough of Lifetime Adventures last week -...