When I took this shot I was standing at the base of the Knik Glacier looking to the North. The Knik drainage, just East of Palmer, is a large valley loaded with moose, sheep, bear, mt. goat, and arctic giraffe. OK, just kidding about the giraffes, but I could almost guarantee a sighting of the other four animals in an hour flight. The Knik is a very user friendly valley when the wind is not blowing 100 mph.
I live at Sheep Mt. on the Glenn Hwy. from May to September and that is where I do the majority of my flying. Sheep Mt. is only 100 miles north of Anchorage on the Glenn Hwy (designated scenic byway). The Knik Drainage (pictured above) is nearer Palmer which is only 40 miles North of Anchorage. We fly the Knik on a regular basis. So, if your transportation is limited, the Knik is an option that might be easier for you. My personal preference is Sheep Mt. because of the added remoteness. Plus Sheep Mt. has a couple of the best restaurant/lodges around. For more information on lodging see my wife’s backpacking website at backpackak.com