Mat-Su Valley Blog

At this time of year, we often get asked, "Is Hatcher Pass open, even though there's not much 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 that leads...

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...

Many of us have already seen and photographed them this season. That's right, they're back! With the return of starry night skies comes a new season - aurora watching. Every fall and winter, eager aurora chasers are able to find this celestial wonder dancing across the sky in the Mat-Su Valley. As...

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...

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...

April 22 is celebrated as Earth Day around the world, a time to reflect on the importance the environment has on our surroundings. And as we quickly transition from winter to summer, now is a perfect time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors to refresh yourself. Our Alaska State Parks system...

Every spring, thousands of migrating raptors are funneled through a passage between the Mat-Su Valley's great mountain ranges in the Glacier View area. Fields of lingering snow reflect that brilliant northern sunlight upward, casting a glow on the passing birds of prey that fill the skies from March...

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...

No doubt, I'm writing this a bit late. I'm sure we've all noticed already that the days are shortening and the temperatures have been slowly dropping lately. Perhaps there are few more obvious reminders that Alaska's preparing for another glorious winter, but there are still other indicators that...

Ask any Alaskan, and they know June 21 is the summer solstice - with 22 hours of functional daylight in Southcentral Alaska, and total darkness not achieved for days. In Talkeetna, for example, the official sunrise is at 4:05 a.m. and the official sunset is exactly at midnight. During those four...