Mat-Su to Valdez
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Photo By: Michael DeYoung
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Hikers overlook scenic Horsetail Falls near Valdez
Explore the state like a true Alaskan -- by riverboat, back road, on foot and by ferry. From the Mat-Su Valley to Valdez, experience a pioneer culture of gold mining, glacier trekking, fishing and wilderness adventure.
Day 1 Wasilla
Fly into Anchorage, rent a car or RV and drive 45 miles north to Wasilla, home of the world famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Visit Iditarod Headquarters for a sled dog ride and a glimpse into Alaska's unique Iditarod history.
Day 2 Wasilla - Palmer
Driving north on the Parks Highway, take an "off the beaten path" road to Hatcher Pass and Independence Mine State Historical Park. Unpaved roads and a slow pace add to the adventure, so look for wildlife and old gold mines nearby. Take an alpine tundra hike or lunch at a mountain lodge. Continue to Palmer.
Day 3 Palmer - Glennallen
Travel north on the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway to visit the Musk Ox Farm and Matanuska Glacier, Alaska's largest road accessible glacier.
Day 4 Glennallen - Copper Center
Enjoy one of the area's many recreational activities, from hiking and river running to fishing. From Copper Center, stop at the visitor center for a view of the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains, located in one of the nation's largest national parks. Spend the night in Glennallen or Copper Center.
Day 5 Copper Center - Valdez
Take the Scenic Byway south, and stop to view Worthington Glacier, accessible just off the highway atop Thompson Pass. Once in Valdez, take a day cruise in Prince William Sound to Columbia Glacier, the second largest tidewater glacier in North America, or take a guided river trip through historic Keystone Canyon past towering waterfalls.
Day 6 Valdez
Valdez is a premier fishing destination. Book a full or half day charter or fish right from shore. Have a relaxing meal at a local restaurant or pull into a picnic site to grill your own fresh catch of the day. Or get acquainted with the city's rich gold rush history by touring its historical museums and scenic trails.
Day 7 Prince William Sound - Whittier - Anchorage
Ride the Alaska Marine Highway/ferry, through Prince William Sound to Whittier. Drive through the longest combined vehicle-railroad tunnel in North America on your way back to Anchorage.
Day Add-on Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
For a great adventure in the largest national park in the country, take the Edgerton Highway and McCarthy Road turnoff for an exciting drive on a 93-mile paved/gravel road to the old mining towns of McCarthy and Kennicott. Stay overnight.