- Off-Road
What Wildlife Can You See From ATV in the Knik River Valley
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As you ride through the Knik Valley, you can spot Moose, Dall Sheep, Bald Eagles and more! Between the forested trails, river crossings, and open lakebed near the glacier, this stretch of the Mat-Su is a great place near Anchorage to catch a glimpse of Alaska’s wildlife, all from the seat of a side-by-side.
Where is the Knik River Valley?
The Knik Valley sits just north of Anchorage, about 45 minutes up the road near Palmer, Alaska. The Knik River flows through the valley, which winds down from the Knik Glacier and cuts through a mix of boreal forest, braided riverbanks, and open valley.
The Knik Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Southcentral Alaska. It can be seen from many viewpoints in the Knik River Valley. On a Full-Day Adventure you’ll reach the glacier lake and get an up close look at the glacier flowing from the Chugach Mountains.
What Wildlife Can I See On My ATV Adventure?
You never know exactly what wildlife you’ll see on any given day (that’s part of the fun), but a few species show up often enough that guests regularly ask about them:
Moose are the animal most guests hope to see, and for good reason — the Knik Valley’s forests and wetlands are prime moose habitat. Keep an eye out along the tree line and near the water crossings, especially in the early morning or evening. They may even share the trail with us or be seen crossing rivers!
Dall Sheep can often be spotted on the rocky slopes and mountainsides that frame the valley, especially as the trail opens up closer to the glacier. Bring your binoculars or a zoom lens — they tend to keep their distance up on the cliffs. Some days we’ll see them right off the trail!
Bald Eagles are a near-guarantee. They nest and hunt along the Knik River, and it’s common to see them soaring overhead or perched in the trees along the river.
Beyond the regulars, the valley is also home to ground squirrels or shrew darting along the trail, a variety of birds and swans, and the rare glimpse of bear or moose.
Why See the Knik River Valley by ATV?
A big part of why wildlife sightings happen so naturally out here is the way you’re experiencing the landscape. Riding an ATV gets you into wilderness that’s simply off-limits from the road — forested trails, river crossings, and open land that would take you days to reach on foot.
It also helps that our guides know the valley well. They know where wildlife may be, what time of day gives you the best odds, and how to approach wildlife respectfully so you get a great look without disturbing them. That local knowledge is the difference between driving past a great sighting and actually stopping to enjoy it.
Ride With Us in the Summer Season!
The Knik Valley is at its liveliest through the summer months, with wildlife out among some of the best scenery Southcentral Alaska has to offer. Whether you’ve got 90 minutes or a full day to spend, we’ll get you out into the valley, across the creeks, and on the search for Alaska’s wildlife!
