Nestled in the heart of Southcentral Alaska, Wasilla is more than just a charming small town it’s the ultimate basecamp for exploring the breathtaking Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley. With its central location, scenic drives, and access to some of Alaska’s most iconic destinations, Wasilla offers the perfect blend of convenience and adventure.
If you’re looking to make the most of your trip, exploring the Mat-Su Valley from Wasilla, Alaska is an excellent way to experience glaciers, wildlife, mountains, and small-town charm all without the stress of constant packing and unpacking.
Why Choose Wasilla as Your Base?
1. Central Location and Easy Access
Wasilla sits just 45 minutes north of Anchorage, giving you quick access to the entire Mat-Su region. Whether you want to head west towards Hatcher Pass, north to Talkeetna, or east to the mighty Matanuska Glacier, Wasilla offers a strategic starting point.
Here are some approximate driving times to popular destinations:
- Hatcher Pass: 30 minutes
- Palmer: 15 minutes
- Knik Glacier: 1 hour (plus off-road transport or guided tour)
- Talkeetna: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Matanuska Glacier: 2 hours
- Denali National Park Entrance: 3.5–4 hours
Rather than staying somewhere remote and spending hours backtracking, Wasilla allows you to branch out in all directions then return to a comfortable place to relax.
2. Ideal for Both Summer and Winter Adventures
One of the best things about staying in Wasilla is how well it works for year-round travel.
- Summer: Enjoy long daylight hours for fishing, hiking, ATV adventures, and scenic drives. This is the perfect season to explore Talkeetna, take a glacier boat tour, or go flightseeing over Denali.
- Autumn: Witness Alaska’s incredible fall colours across the tundra, with fewer crowds and cooler weather ideal for photography and hiking.
- Winter: Snow sports are everywhere from snowmobiling and skiing in Hatcher Pass to dog sledding tours and northern lights viewing.
3. Convenience of Modern Amenities
Travelling in Alaska is all about balancing adventure with comfort. Staying in Wasilla gives you access to grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, so you can easily stock up on supplies between excursions.
If you stay at Susitna Suites, you’ll have:
- Free on-site parking – perfect for those with rental cars or RVs
- Keyless check-in – making late arrivals or early departures stress-free
- Spacious suites with kitchens – ideal for cooking breakfast before heading out on a long day trip
These features make it easy to come and go as you please, giving you more time to enjoy Alaska instead of worrying about logistics.
Top Things to See & Do from Wasilla
Here’s a look at some must-do adventures you can access from your Wasilla base:
- Hatcher Pass & Independence Mine: Stunning mountain views, gold rush history, and wildflower-filled trails.
- Knik Glacier Tours: Take a thrilling airboat or helicopter tour to see one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers.
- Talkeetna: A quirky Alaskan town known for flightseeing tours, river trips, and artsy shops.
- Matanuska Glacier: Experience glacier trekking with a guide an unforgettable bucket-list adventure.
- Wasilla & Palmer Attractions: Visit the Iditarod Headquarters, Palmer Musk Ox Farm, or local breweries for a taste of Alaskan culture.
Sample Weekend Itinerary: Exploring the Mat-Su Valley from Wasilla
Here’s a suggested two-day itinerary to maximise your stay:
Day 1:
- Morning: Drive to Hatcher Pass for a scenic hike or visit Independence Mine State Historical Park.
- Afternoon: Head to Palmer for lunch and explore the Musk Ox Farm or Reindeer Farm.
- Evening: Return to Wasilla, enjoy a local dinner, and relax at Susitna Suites.
Day 2:
- Morning: Take a Knik Glacier tour (airboat or helicopter) or head towards Talkeetna for flightseeing.
- Afternoon: Stroll through Talkeetna’s historic downtown, grab a coffee or local brew, and browse artisan shops.
- Evening: Drive back to Wasilla and enjoy a sunset over Wasilla Lake.
This itinerary balances outdoor adventure, local culture, and plenty of time to unwind.
Tips for Visiting the Mat-Su Valley
- Book in Advance: Glacier tours and flightseeing trips can sell out in peak summer.
- Pack Layers: Alaska’s weather can change quickly bring waterproof gear and warm clothing.
- Plan Your Drives: Summer road construction can cause delays, so allow extra time for travel.
- Check for Wildlife: Moose and other wildlife are often spotted near Wasilla keep your camera ready!
Final Thoughts
Wasilla isn’t just a stopover it’s the smart choice for travellers who want easy access to all corners of the Mat-Su Valley. Its central location, modern conveniences, and proximity to world-class adventures make it the perfect hub for a weekend getaway or a longer stay.
With Susitna Suites providing free parking, keyless check-in, and comfortable suites, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time creating unforgettable Alaskan memories.
