Local’s Guide

Local’s Travel Guide to South Central Alaska!

At Adventures by North AK, our owners and staff live year-round in the beautiful Mat-Su Valley. Our staff is happy to share some of our favorite spots we have found while being here! Check out our favorite spots in our free travel guide below. We are also happy to help answer your questions about Alaska, so feel free to reach out to us at 907-691-8909 or reservations@adventurealaska.net 

Sincerely,
Derek and Heather
Owners/ Operators

Places to Stay in The Mat Su Valley

The Glacier Breeze – Tucked away in the Knik River Valley, the Glacier Breeze cabin is surrounded by amazing 360° views of the breathtaking Chugach Mountains! Use code TRUENORTHAK at checkout to receive a special discount. 

Scores B&B – Guests can expect a farm stay complete with farm animals, dirt, and garden workers of varying sizes of grandchildren. A piano studio complete with students is also happening during the winter months.

McKinley Birch Bed and Breakfast – Country log home. 8 miles from Palmer. Near the Bodenburg Butte. On the drive in you will see mountain vistas in nearly every direction. It’s beautiful.

Big Bear RV Park – is family owned and operated. Our clean and friendly campground has much to offer the Alaskan traveler. Centrally located in the heart of the Mat-Su Valley, just a few miles from both the cities of Palmer and Wasilla, (and only 37 miles from Anchorage). We provide a great location to set up and set out on day trips to explore the surrounding areas. Our park is a destination must for visitors and locals who wish to get out whether you’re RV or tent camping or needing a cabin getaway.

Wild Habitat Alaska – We are a short term rental management company whose mission is to provide travelers in Alaska with an authentic, cozy home base while also aiming to have a positive impact on our local community. We help to ake connections between travelerss and local artists & small businesses, bringing exposure to what makes our community unique while supporting the local economy.

Glacier Suites – Have the whole place to yourself at one of our cozy and energy efficient Glacier Suites locations. Our private ICF homes (some with Alaskan views) have 3 bedrooms + 2 baths, comfortable radiant heated floors, fully stocked kitchens, smart TV/wifi, ensuite laundry & more. They are also pet-friendly! Conveniently located for exploring the Mat-Su Valley & beyond, our vacation rentals are just 10 mins from the shops, dining & events in downtown Palmer while being extremely accessible to Hatcher Pass & the area’s main highway corridors.

Favorite Lakes

Finger Lake State Park – camping, swimming, boating, the start of the 7-mile canoe trip, picnics, watching planes

Wasilla Lake –  shallow and warm water lake with a playground, great for family and for an afternoon paddle

Reflections Lake – easy, one-mile walk around a lake, climb a tower overlooking the marshlands and the Knik Arm

Hikes/walks

Thunderbird Falls – fairly easy hike to the falls, you can stop at the overlook or continue to the base of the falls.

Old Glenn Hwy Bridge – walk along the old bridge and get views of the river and surrounding area, use caution with little ones since the rails are missing

Butte – amazing views of the valley, river, and glacier in the distance, doable with little ones just take your time on the stairs and don’t give up.

Hatcher’s Pass – Beautiful views, waterfalls, Summit Lake fishing or paddling, not a place to swim without a dry suit, paragliding, hikes, play in the snow, berry picking in the fall, Little Sustina River is super blue.

Tour Operators

Hatchers Pass Castle ATV Tours – Pilot an ATV that’s fully enclosed, on an exciting tour departing directly from Hatcher Pass. In summer, we’ll splash in Willow Creek, sling some mud then head to the top of Hatcher Pass where you will enjoy some panoramic mountain views of the Talkeetna mountain range. During the winter season, the UTV’s tires are swapped for snow tracks, turning the UTV into a mini snowcat. Led by an expert guide you’ll explore Alaskan snowy mountains landscapes and have a chance to see the northern lights. Hatcher Pass ATV Tours provide the best ATVs available in Alaska where all the machines are fully enclosed with heat. You’ll stay warm and dry no matter what the weather and explore Alaskan backcountry in style!

Revel Treks and Tours –Revel’s immersive, educational, experiences connect you to our community. We offer guided hiking trips, hiking packages, backpacking trips, history tours, and more, year round in Palmer Alaska. Trips are a maximum of five visitors, intentionally kept small to provide high-quality, educational experiences. Visitors can easily opt for a private guide if they prefer a more personal experience.

History

Independence Mine – Gold mine in Hatcher’s Pass, old buildings and artifacts, hikes, gift shop, pan for gold

Sutton – has a park with a history of coal mining and some artifacts

Iditarod Museum – Along the KGB, small display and gift shop

Eklutna Cemetery and Native Village – wander around the spirit houses, and learn a little about the first Russian settlers and the natives they merged with.

Palmer Museum – wander around the spirit houses, and learn a little about the first Russian settlers and the natives they merged with.

Animals

Reindeer Farm – in Butte, this is a great family-friendly activity to come by and see reindeer and Moose. 

Musk Ox Farm – in Palmer, a guided walking tour to see the Musk Ox and learn about them

Pyrah Farm – pick your own vegetables and see farm animals

Outside of the Mat Su Valley of Alaska

Seward Alaska Lodging, Shearwater Cove– Shearwater Cove Eco lodge, is a wilderness yurt located on Resurrection Bay of Seward Alaska. The owners are incredible hosts and have an amazing understanding of the area. We highly recommend them if you are traveling to Seward Alaska.

Homer Alaska Lodging, Lands End Resort– Whether you hail from the heart of Alaska or the far side of the world, Land’s End is the one place where Alaska’s mystique and most alluring attractions create a spell-binding symphony for the heart, soul and spirit. This lodging in Homer Alaska is a favorite stay while in Homer with amazing views of Kachemak Bay, where the road ends and adventures begin. 

Girdwood Spa, Alyeska Nordic Spa– Move between hot and cold pools surrounded by the stunning northernmost rainforest. Rest in saunas and steam rooms,  and complete your experience at the exfoliation cabin.