Take flight, or take a hike

This is always my favorite time of year -- when everything that was once green turns many shades of yellow and red. Not the white of winter or brown of breakup. And for a brief period you have a window of opportunity to get out and experience this beauty. By foot or flight, you can take in these beautiful fall colors before they fall to the ground.

Research reveals visitors to Alaska who participate in flightseeing give the activity a very high satisfaction rating.

"I have seen some passengers spiritually moved to tears from the beauty of flying around Mount McKinley," confessed Sandra White of Talkeetna Air Taxi.

With the added brilliant fall colors against the snow peaks and glaciers the beauty factor is increased. From the vast Alaska Range to Knik Glacier and Hatcher Pass, the Mat-Su Valley offers more flightseeing tours than any other region in the state. Talkeetna's location is only 50 air miles from Mount McKinley's summit, which makes it a popular flightseeing destination. The busy airport shuttles visitors on a variety of flight tours including glacier landings. Willow and Wasilla also host flightseeing operations that ferry passengers to drop-off fishing lodges or over a portion of the famous Iditarod Trail.

If you have never taken a flightseeing tour now is the time. Advance reservations are suggested. Here is a list of Mat-Su Valley operators: In Talkeetna, there is Doug Geeting Aviation, Hudson Air Services, K2 Aviation, McKinley Air Service, Talkeetna Areo Services, Talkeetna Air Taxi and Era Helicopter Flightseeing Tours. In Willow, try Denali Flying Service or Willow Air Service. In the core area, there are Bear Air in Wasilla and Last Frontier Air Ventures on the Glenn Highway at Mile 81.

When choosing a flightseeing tour you will have several choices. The destination and length of each flight plus how many seats are occupied in the plane will determine the cost. Putting a group together of family or friends and filling each seat will keep the cost per person at a lower rate.

If you are on a limited budget, experiencing the beautiful fall colors is as easy as walking out your door. The Mat-Su Valley is a hiker's heaven and fall foliage is a favorite time for hiking enthusiasts.

If you want to know the popular hiking spots in the borough, contact the Mat-Su Borough Parks and Outdoor Recreation Department at 745-9631 or call the Alaska State Parks Mat-Su Division at 745-3975.