ROBERT DeBERRY/Frontiersman.com
The Roadhouse in Talkeetna is a great place to enjoy lunch while visiting the northern Mat-Su Community.
Talkeetna — Gateway to Mount McKinley
Talkeetna is located about 14 miles up the Talkeetna Spur Road, which begins at Mile 98.7 of the Parks Highway. The small town is nestled in the shadow of Mount McKinley and at the confluence of the Susitna, Talkeetna and Chulitna rivers. The fish-filled rivers and North America’s highest peak draw a crowd of visitors each summer who use the river and hire airplane guides for sightseeing, camping, fishing and hunting. Talkeetna is famous throughout Alaska as the home base for those brave enough to climb the 20,320-foot Mount McKinley. On clear days, it is difficult to beat the scenic views available from this rustic community. Take a day hike or picnic along the
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banks of the Talkeetna or Susitna rivers. For a special treat, take a horseback riding tour for fantastic viewing of Mount McKinley. The best part about Talkeetna is the town is very pedestrian friendly. The end of the road is one big loop, and it’s best to park at one end and walk through downtown. This way, guests will not only see what the town has to offer, but will feel why it is so unique. The community also features restaurants and inns. The Talkeetna Roadhouse serves giant sourdough pancakes. Diners who order the Seward’s Folly at The West Rib Pub will know they went wrong when they see the monster burger. Mountain High Pizza Pie offers topping combinations not found anywhere else. To wash it all down, Talkeetna offers its own microbrewery called Denali Brewing Co. Downtown Talkeetna yields a variety of nightlife where bands and public events thrive. Charter operators offer jet-boat safaris on the Susitna and Talkeetna rivers. If a fast-moving riverboat tour isn’t what you have in mind, try a leisurely float instead. Natural history float trips, also narrated, allow you to explore the Talkeetna River at a calmer pace. The float trips are two to four hours long, offering another opportunity to view bears, eagles, beavers, moose, fox, fish and waterfowl, along with beaver dams, bear tracks and eagle nests. To get a listing of many of the charter operators and outfitters in the area, visit Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce’s website at talkeetnachamber.org, or call 733-2330.
Mat-Su Valley Summer Visitors Guide 2013
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