Tag - Scenery

If you get a chance to stand on top of the Butte (a fairly easy, short hike just outside of Palmer), try to imagine how different your vantage point would have been way back when it was surrounded by glacier ice. Two main glaciers carved out the Mat-Su Valley long ago. Though they've obviously...

Aurora season begins

October 18, 2023 by Casey Ressler
They were out this morning, and that wasn't the first time this season by any means! With the return of starry night skies comes a new season - aurora watching. Every fall and winter, eager aurora seekers are able to find this celestial wonder dancing across the sky in the Mat-Su Valley. As our...

Signs of the Seasons

September 13, 2023 by Justin Saunders
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...
For many, the journey is just as important as the destination, and RVing to Alaska is a bucket list trip that can seem imposing to plan at first. Thanks to an online company founded by a Mat-Su husband and wife team, however, planning has never been easier. Stacey and Gary Quimby founded RVing to...

Fall drives

September 1, 2020 by Casey Ressler
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...
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...

Virtual puzzle

April 29, 2020 by Casey Ressler
Can't visit the Mat-Su Valley because you are stuck at home? No problem! We'll come to you, and give you something to do to break up the monotony! The Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau has created eight virtual jigsaws featuring noteworthy scenes, attractions and activities from around the Valley....

Boaters Paradise

July 19, 2018 by Casey Ressler
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...
The Nancy Lakes State Recreation Area is one of the crown jewels of the Alaska State Parks system and offers visitors a multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities, from canoeing and kayaking to fishing, birding, wildlife viewing and hiking. The area is located off the Parks Highway (Hwy. 3) near...
Visitors can now get a live look-in on what's happening in Denali State Park, thanks to a new webcam at Kesugi Ken Campground. The camera went live last week, and will allow visitors to see the Alaska Range and Denali on a clear day, from the campground's parking lot. You can view the webcam HERE....