
Base Camp Palmer & Matanuska Valley - Tour 825
A wilderness vacation based one hour from Anchorage.

Base Camp Palmer & Matanuska Valley - Tour 825
A wilderness vacation based one hour from Anchorage.

Base Camp Palmer & Matanuska Valley - Tour 825
A wilderness vacation based one hour from Anchorage.
- Home
- Alaska Vacations
- Vacation Packages
- Base Camp Palmer & Matanuska Valley - Tour 825
Trip Overview
You don't have to go far to go remote in Alaska. This Palmer base camp trip takes travelers who want an escape into the backcountry on a shorter four-night itinerary. You'll stay at the beautiful Knik River Lodge, a road-accessible wilderness retreat with private cabins. The lodge is home to a local's favorite restaurant that sources all its ingredients from area farm. The complete vacation package includes one night in Anchorage and three nights at cabin resort in Palmer, daily activities, and a premium 4x4 rental car. The trip starts and ends in Anchorage.
Trip Highlights
- Spend three nights in a private cabin at a backcountry lodge just one hour from Anchorage.
- Meet sled dogs atop a glacier on a helicopter sightseeing tour.
- Watch evening alpenglow (or maybe northern lights in autumn) from your cabin's deck.
- Take a drive to Hatcher Pass for a self-led walking tour of the historic Independence Mine.
Why Pick This Trip
As we all adjust how we travel in pandemic times, base camp itineraries provide visitors an opportunity to experience Alaska with care. You'll stay in fewer separate hotels and limit the amount of time spent traveling between destinations without sacrificing the big landscapes, big wildlife, and big adventure of Alaska. In this itinerary center your experience at a backcountry lodge less than an hour away from Anchorage.
What's Included
Here is everything that is included. Remember, we can easily add or remove services so this vacation package is the perfect fit for your party.

Anchorage | 4 Days
Drive the Denali Highway, Dalton Highway, and more remote Alaskan roads standard rentals can't go with this four-wheel-drive SUV rental out of Anchorage. Learn More >

Anchorage | 1 Night
Just minutes from the Anchorage airport and lively Lake Hood Seaplane Base, this comfortable hotel offers recently renovated rooms, three restaurants, and a spacious waterfront deck. Learn More >

Anchorage | Depart 9:00 AM | 3 Hours
See the sites of Anchorage by bike on this three-hour guided cycling tour along the city's famed Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Learn More >

Anchorage
Explore the art, languages, beliefs, and ways of life of five distinct indigenous Alaskan cultures at the state's premier educational and cultural facility. Learn More >

Palmer | 3 Nights
Featuring 22 private cabins on a remote hillside overlooking the Knik River Valley, this lodge is known for both its accessibility to Anchorage and the quiet backcountry experience it provides. Learn More >

Palmer | Depart 10:15 AM | 1 Hour
Fly to a sled dog camp high up Colony Glacier on this bucket-list trip departing less than an hour outside of Anchorage. Learn More >
Itinerary
Read on for a day-by-day breakdown of this tour package. Click on an item to get started, and be sure to contact us if you have any questions.
Arrive into Anchorage and pick up your premium 4x4 rental at the airport. Check in to your nearby hotel near the Lake Hood Seaplane Base, Anchorage's floatplane base and hub for bush planes. Overnight Anchorage.
Kick off the day with a dose of fresh air on a morning bike tour along Anchorage's Coastal Trail. The views are notable on this guided trip, whether of nearby mountain ranges or resident moose. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center before you leave Anchorage, then enjoy an easy drive north to the Knik River Lodge. Check into your private cabin.
Today you'll glimpse true remote wilderness on a helicopter tour down the Knik River Valley. Added bonus? You'll land on a glacier. Even better? You'll be visiting a sled dog camp to meet a whole lot of happy pups and learn a bit about Alaska's mushing heritage. Enjoy spectacular glacier and alpine views on the return helicopter flight.
The day is yours to create your own adventure. Our suggestion? Take a drive to nearby Hatcher Pass and hike through the Independence Main State Historical Park. On your way there, stop at the small farm town of Palmer to pick up some locally made snacks and beverages. When you return to the lodge, take the afternoon to the explore private hiking trails around the property. Enjoy a final overnight in this serene destination.
Bid adieu your private Alaska cabin and return to Anchorage.
Map
Here is our general tour map showing all the destinations we offer. You can see a larger version here.
Rates and Dates
The prices below will give you an idea of approximately how much this trip will cost. Keep in mind your actual price will likely vary based on your departure date, availability, and any modifications you make. You can use one of the links below to request an exact quote for your party, or price the trip yourself if you prefer using our My Trip feature.
Single | Double | Triple | Quad | Child | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tour Price | Single: $2,549 | Double: $1,621 | Triple: $1,348 | Quad: $1,219 | Child: $607 |
Taxes & Fees | Single: $308 | Double: $162 | Triple: $116 | Quad: $94 | Child: $16 |
Total | Single: $2,857 | Double: $1,783 | Triple: $1,464 | Quad: $1,313 | Child: $623 |
The columns above represent room occupancy. For example, "Double" means two adults sharing one room. The "Child" rate shown is based on an 11 year old sharing a room with two adults. |
Single | Double | Triple | Quad | Child | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tour Price | Single: $2,135 | Double: $1,414 | Triple: $1,220 | Quad: $1,123 | Child: $607 |
Taxes & Fees | Single: $281 | Double: $149 | Triple: $108 | Quad: $87 | Child: $16 |
Total | Single: $2,416 | Double: $1,563 | Triple: $1,328 | Quad: $1,210 | Child: $623 |
The columns above represent room occupancy. For example, "Double" means two adults sharing one room. The "Child" rate shown is based on an 11 year old sharing a room with two adults. |
Options & Upgrades
As a summer base camp package, this itinerary is just a start! We can easily add or remove services to create a trip ideal for you. Want to spend more time exploring the wilderness of Knik River Valley? Switch to a heli-hike tour. Eager to see more of Alaska culture? Add a trip to the Anchorage Museum. You can also change your rental to a standard vehicle for a budget-friendly option.

Anchorage
One of the 10 most visited attractions in the state, this world-class museum is located in the heart of Alaska’s busiest city. Learn More >

Anchorage
When flexibility and freedom is a must, opt to travel by rental car. Rates available for compact, midsize, full size, and minivans. Learn More >

Palmer | Depart 10:15 AM | 4 Hours
Combine the thrill of a helicopter flight with the freedom of remote alpine hiking on this four-hour active adventure out of Anchorage. Learn More >
Package Detail
- Tour ID 825
- Price From $1,414 + Tax
- Duration 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Start / End Anchorage / Anchorage
- Departure Dates Daily from 5/21/2021 to 8/30/2021
- Travel By Rental Car
- Tour Type Self Guided
- Destinations Anchorage, Palmer

Next Steps
Select an option to book or get more details. Questions? Give us a CALL or CONTACT US online.