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3 0 The Alaska Pioneer Anchorage to Mat-Su & Valdez Explore the state like a true Alaskan – by riverboat, back road, on foot and by ferry. From Anchorage to the Mat-Su and on to Valdez, experience Alaska's pioneer culture of gold mining, glacier trekking, fishing and wilderness adventure. DAY 1 Anchorage - Wasilla Fly into Anchorage and experience the many shops, museums and art galleries. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the scenic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, accessible from downtown, or take a hike in Kincaid Park. Rent a car or RV and drive 42 miles (67 km) north to Wasilla, home of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Visit Iditarod Headquarters for a sled dog ride and learn about Alaska's unique 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. 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 some of the tallest peaks in North America, located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest national park in the United States. 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 ompson Pass. Once in Valdez, take a day cruise to visit Columbia Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in Prince William Sound, 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. 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. 2-DAY ADD-ON Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve 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 (150 km) paved/gravel road to the old mining towns of McCarthy and Kennicott. Stay overnight. Matanuska Glacier, Glenn Highway Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage Valdez