Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, often called the Mat-Su Valley, covers a large region north of Anchorage, Alaska, characterized by a diverse landscape that ranges from river valleys and agricultural land to towering mountain ranges including the Talkeetna, Chugach, and Alaska Ranges. Significant federally protected areas within the borough include parts of the Denali National Park and Preserve, the Chugach National Forest, several wilderness areas such as the Susitna River basin, and Wild & Scenic River segments including the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers. The region features a subarctic climate with long snowy winters and short, cool summers, supporting boreal forests dominated by spruce, birch, and aspen, alongside alpine tundra ecosystems. Wildlife includes moose, Dall sheep, black and brown bears, wolves, and diverse bird populations. Indigenous Athabaskan peoples have long inhabited the area, and historic gold mining and homesteading left cultural traces. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn by expansive trail networks, whitewater rafting, fishing rivers rich with salmon and trout, ski pursuits both cross-country and backcountry, and driving scenic highways such as the Glenn and Parks Highways. Iconic landmarks include Matanuska Glacier, one of the largest accessible glaciers in Alaska, and the scenic viewpoint of Hatcher Pass, which offers both summer hiking and winter backcountry skiing. The borough lands provide varied recreation for all seasons and a gateway to Alaska’s natural grandeur while balancing resource use and conservation.
