Mat-Su Valley Blog

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...

Today kicks off National Travel and Tourism Week, and, in the face of a global pandemic, it takes on a much different tone. While we can't welcome our guests in person, we can still celebrate the Spirit of Travel and all the positive things the tourism industry provides to our community. Communities...

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...

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...

The Mat-Su Valley has always been known as the agricultural hub of Alaska, with giant cabbages, potatoes and carrots being some of the best known products. In the last few years, however, peony farming has become a major part of the growing scene, with their giant, blooming flowers appearing on...

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...

Alaskans love summer, for good reason. But don't sleep on fall - there's a ton of great activities going on in the Mat-Su Valley in late September and early October. Here are five of our favorite things to do once summer is over, but winter is still a month or two down the road: 1. Take a hike....

Reserving a public-use cabin in the Mat-Su Valley just got easier and more convenient. The Alaska State Parks are now offering online reservations for all Mat-Su area public-use cabins, as well as spots at two popular campgrounds. The new system was put in place a few weeks ago. The public-use...

The Mat-Su Valley is a recreational boater's paradise, with opportunities to paddle a kayak or canoe around almost every bend in the road. A fast-growing national trend, stand-up paddleboarding, is also a great way to enjoy the lakes of the Mat-Su Valley. There are several state recreational areas...