Getting out into nature is our M.O. here in The Mat-Su. In a region of glacier-formed river valleys abundant with pristine waterways, boating and fishing are popular modes of backcountry recreation for many locals. Speaking of locals, we’ve got our own short name for the Little Susitna River, a favorite waterway for paddling, fishing, and riverside hiking. The Little Su, as we call it, is one of The Mat-Su’s most versatile rivers.
You can access and view the Little Su at multiple locations in The Mat-Su, each one showing off a unique feature of this beautiful river. The experience you’re looking for and the activities that interest you could help you decide where to meet up with the Little Su.
Starting at the Gold Mint Trailhead in Hatcher Pass, hikers can explore the splashy cascades of the Little Su in these higher elevations. Giant mountain boulders divert flows and give this river a ton of character. The road out of Hatcher Pass traces along much of these upper river bends, offering brilliant photo opportunities at every mile.
In the community of Houston, at mile 57 on the George Parks Highway, a small park offers easy access to the Little Su where it crosses the highway. Having made its way out of the higher mountains, this is where the Little Su begins the more serpentine portion of its journey. The gentler flows introduce more promising fishing holes, too.
This is also the perfect place to put in a canoe or raft and float down to the next road access point. Such a trip requires overnighting along the river. Multiple primitive camping sites can be found along this stretch of river. The Nancy Lake Canoe Trail connects with this route, which means you could portage off river and head into the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area for a fun night in a public use cabin. The Little Su also intersects the Historic Iditarod Trail. Though that section of trail is no longer utilized in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, it is still frequented by skiers, dog mushing enthusiasts, winter fat bikers and more.
The Little Susitna River Public Use Facility Boat Launch, or Burma Landing, is the last road access point on The Little Su. This site is where through-paddlers will typically take out, but it is by no means the end of your Little Su adventures. Burma Landing is most popular among anglers looking to reel in a trophy Alaska salmon. Experienced fishing guides know every bend of the lower Little Su like the back of their hand.
Experiences on or along the Little Su are anything but little. Whether it’s the beautiful scenery, approachable paddling adventures, or a memorable fishing experience with the perfect Alaska backdrop, if you explore the Little Su it’s sure to become a big part of your Mat-Su experience.
