Lindsey’s Ourtdoorsy Guidebook
Hiking
Take a stroll around Independence Mine if you have kids, or venture onto one of the many trails nearby if you have the legs for it. The lodge has decent food and a spectacular view. Gold Cord Lake is a terrific short hike from the Independence Mine parking lot, takes about 30 minutes to reach the lake if you're a good walker/hiker. For something more strenuous, try Skyscraper trail from the top of the summit road (little pull-out on the right as you crest the pass), or Marmot Peak from a little lower down the road at a big parking lot with restrooms. You really can't go wrong up here. But PLEASE leave no trace of trash or dog poo wherever you go. This is our local gem and we want to keep it that way.
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Hatcher Pass Lodge
Gold Cord RoadTake a stroll around Independence Mine if you have kids, or venture onto one of the many trails nearby if you have the legs for it. The lodge has decent food and a spectacular view. Gold Cord Lake is a terrific short hike from the Independence Mine parking lot, takes about 30 minutes to reach the lake if you're a good walker/hiker. For something more strenuous, try Skyscraper trail from the top of the summit road (little pull-out on the right as you crest the pass), or Marmot Peak from a little lower down the road at a big parking lot with restrooms. You really can't go wrong up here. But PLEASE leave no trace of trash or dog poo wherever you go. This is our local gem and we want to keep it that way.
The Butte is both a town and a geological landmark. Its a rocky nub left over from a glacier receding through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Hiking Bodenburg Butte is a quick and satisfying way to spend a couple hours. You have two ways up, a dirty pell-mell side and a maintained stairstep side. Go up and down both sides if you want! I prefer the Borough-maintained stair side for efficiency. You'll get a spectacular view from the top and a panorama of the entire Valley that really can't be beat. It's windy up there, so keep that in mind and take a windbreaker or layers.
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Butte
The Butte is both a town and a geological landmark. Its a rocky nub left over from a glacier receding through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Hiking Bodenburg Butte is a quick and satisfying way to spend a couple hours. You have two ways up, a dirty pell-mell side and a maintained stairstep side. Go up and down both sides if you want! I prefer the Borough-maintained stair side for efficiency. You'll get a spectacular view from the top and a panorama of the entire Valley that really can't be beat. It's windy up there, so keep that in mind and take a windbreaker or layers.
Once in a lifetime experience! Even the less experienced can enjoy this one. It's a bit of a drive, 100 miles up the road, but well worth it. Go to glacieraccess dot com to hook up with the guides that officially work at the glacier. Everyone else has to get permission. They will give you an experience appropriate to your level of ability. Wear comfortable but robust shoes!
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Matanuska Glacier
30820 West Glenn HighwayOnce in a lifetime experience! Even the less experienced can enjoy this one. It's a bit of a drive, 100 miles up the road, but well worth it. Go to glacieraccess dot com to hook up with the guides that officially work at the glacier. Everyone else has to get permission. They will give you an experience appropriate to your level of ability. Wear comfortable but robust shoes!
City/town information
If you want a quaint but cool Alaskan town experience near Wasilla, possibly with a great view of Denali, head to Talkeetna. There are plenty of good eateries. I recommend Denali Brewing, in either of their locations, or The Roadhouse (if it's open). Great local art and shops to peruse. It can be overrun during the summer, so be prepared for lots of people. Shoulder seasons are a little better. To avoid crowds, go to Flying Squirrel Bakery or the Denali Brewing location on the Talkeetna Spur Road, instead of in downtown.
130 polecane przez mieszkańców
Talkeetna
If you want a quaint but cool Alaskan town experience near Wasilla, possibly with a great view of Denali, head to Talkeetna. There are plenty of good eateries. I recommend Denali Brewing, in either of their locations, or The Roadhouse (if it's open). Great local art and shops to peruse. It can be overrun during the summer, so be prepared for lots of people. Shoulder seasons are a little better. To avoid crowds, go to Flying Squirrel Bakery or the Denali Brewing location on the Talkeetna Spur Road, instead of in downtown.
Palmer was originally built as a government farming colony. Some of my family members were imported from the midwest to establish this town and it still has a "hometown" feel with a few farms still working. Visit the main street for good shopping and grab food from Turkey Red or Vagabond Blues or one of the food trucks that are often around. You can picnic at the community garden next to the visitor center or go down on the Matanuska riverbed just East of town towards the Butte. If you want a hike, try Lazy Moose for a reasonable stroll, or the more strenuous option of Lazy Mountain if you really need to gain some elevation fast. They have the same trailhead.
48 polecane przez mieszkańców
Palmer
Palmer was originally built as a government farming colony. Some of my family members were imported from the midwest to establish this town and it still has a "hometown" feel with a few farms still working. Visit the main street for good shopping and grab food from Turkey Red or Vagabond Blues or one of the food trucks that are often around. You can picnic at the community garden next to the visitor center or go down on the Matanuska riverbed just East of town towards the Butte. If you want a hike, try Lazy Moose for a reasonable stroll, or the more strenuous option of Lazy Mountain if you really need to gain some elevation fast. They have the same trailhead.
If you have a day and a lot of ambition, this is a cute little gem of a town that's 2 hours away. There are some hiking trails here, like Hope Point, and a great music venue at Creekbend. Check their schedule. The drive here is beautiful along Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet.
28 polecane przez mieszkańców
Hope
If you have a day and a lot of ambition, this is a cute little gem of a town that's 2 hours away. There are some hiking trails here, like Hope Point, and a great music venue at Creekbend. Check their schedule. The drive here is beautiful along Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet.
Porady dla podróżnych
Co spakować
ALWAYS HAVE LAYERS!
Alaskan weather is super unpredictable. Always have a few extra layers, even if you don't think you'll need them. Carry a backpack to stuff them in and just don and doff as the temperature fluctuates. I always have a light base layer, a fleece or long-sleeved shirt, a vest, and a puffy jacket at the very least. A windbreaker or rain jacket is a bonus. An extra pair of footwear is usually a good idea too, especially if you're exploring trails.
Lastly, it seems weird, but SUNSCREEN AND BUG DOPE! There's really no ozone layer up here so you'll burn pretty easy on a sunny day.