Witnessing the aurora borealis is a mesmerizing experience that draws travelers from around the world to Alaska. While Fairbanks often takes the spotlight for aurora viewing, the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley offers equally captivating displays with fewer crowds and easier access.
Nestled in the heart of the Mat-Su Valley, Palmer provides an ideal base for aurora enthusiasts. From nearby alpine passes to serene river valleys, the region boasts numerous dark-sky locations perfect for Northern Lights viewing.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best spots near Colony Suites to catch the aurora, optimal viewing times, photography tips, and reliable forecast resources to ensure a memorable experience.
Before chasing the lights, you’ll want to know where, when, and how to maximise your chances. In the Mat-Su Valley—home to Colony Suites Alaska—prime viewing spots stretch from alpine heights to riverside flats. Aurora season runs from mid-August through mid-April, with peak activity between 10 pm and 2 am under clear, dark skies. Reliable forecasts from the UAF Geophysical Institute, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, and real-time apps will guide you to the most active nights. Pack a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a wide-angle f/2.8 lens, tripod, and warm layers: you’ll be ready to capture vibrant green, purple, and red curtains dancing over snow-draped mountains.
Understanding the Aurora Borealis
An overview of what causes the Northern Lights and why the Mat-Su Valley is a prime location for viewing.
The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, is a natural light display resulting from charged solar particles colliding with Earth’s magnetic field. This interaction emits vibrant colors—typically green, pink, and violet—that dance across the night sky.
Alaska’s high latitude places it directly under the auroral oval, making it one of the best places on Earth to witness this phenomenon. The Mat-Su Valley, with its minimal light pollution and expansive northern horizons, offers excellent conditions for aurora viewing, especially during periods of heightened solar activity.
Best Times to View the Northern Lights
Insights into the optimal seasons and times for aurora viewing in the Mat-Su Valley.
Aurora season in Southcentral Alaska spans from late August to mid-April, aligning with longer nights and clearer skies. Peak viewing typically occurs between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., when geomagnetic activity is most intense.
While winter months offer the darkest skies, early autumn and late spring can also provide stunning displays, especially during strong solar storms. Monitoring aurora forecasts and choosing nights with minimal moonlight can further enhance visibility.
Best Viewing Spots Near Colony Suites
Top local dark-sky havens within a short drive of Palmer.
Hatcher Pass
About 30 minutes northwest of Colony Suites, Hatcher Pass sits at ~3,500 ft elevation with minimal light pollution. The winter parking lot below Independence Mine State Historical Park remains accessible when the upper road closes, offering sweeping alpine vistas and unobstructed northern horizons.
Knik River Valley
East of Wasilla, the broad floodplain of Knik River Valley is free of snowdrifts, making gear setup easy even after heavy snowfall. The Chugach Mountains frame the sky, creating dramatic reflections in frozen river channels.
Denali State Park Overlooks
Drive north along Parks Highway to Denali State Park’s overlook pullouts for views of the Alaska Range silhouette—on clear nights, you may even spot Denali’s peak under the aurora. Check winter road status before heading out.
Palmer Hay Flats & Old Glenn Highway
Just 15 minutes south of Colony Suites, the Palmer Hay Flats Wildlife Refuge and fields along the Old Glenn Highway offer quick escapes from town lights. Reflection Lake’s viewing tower is a local favourite for unobstructed panoramas.
Aurora Forecast Resources
Tools and websites for predicting and tracking aurora activity.
- UAF Geophysical Institute Aurora Forecast: KP-index maps and probability charts, updated daily.
- NOAA SWPC 30-Minute & 3-Day Forecasts: Real-time Ovation Prime model predictions and space-weather outlooks.
- Planetary K-Index: SWPC’s near-real-time Kp values indicate geomagnetic storm strength and equatorward auroral extent.
- Explore Fairbanks Aurora Tracker: Live all-sky cameras and three-day forecasts for interior Alaska.
- Aurorasaurus: Citizen-science reporting platform to get crowd-sourced sighting alerts.
Photography Tips
Gear, settings, and composition advice to capture the aurora.
Camera & Lens: Use a DSLR or mirrorless with manual controls and a 14–30 mm f/2.8 lens to capture wide scenes.
Camera Settings:
- Focus: Manual at infinity, fine-tuned for sharp stars.
- ISO: 800–1600 to balance brightness and noise.
- Shutter: 5–25 seconds depending on aurora speed; shorter for fast-moving curtains.
- Shoot RAW: Preserve dynamic range for post-processing.
Composition: Frame against local landmarks—mine ruins at Hatcher Pass or braided rivers in Knik Valley—for depth. Use a red-light headlamp to preserve night vision.
Practical Tips & Safety
What to wear, road‐check, and weather considerations.
- Dress in Layers: Merino base, insulated mid-layers, waterproof shell, warm boots and gloves for sub-zero temps.
- Road Conditions: Monitor Alaska DOT&PF winter road reports—secondary roads may close quickly after storms.
- Sky Cover: Pair aurora forecasts with National Weather Service cloud-cover predictions to avoid wasted trips under overcast skies.
- Safety: Bring a fully charged phone, extra batteries, snacks, and emergency kit in case of vehicle issues on remote roads.
With these insights, you’re ready to chase the aurora from Colony Suites Alaska. Keep your forecasts bookmarked, your camera primed, and warm layers on standby—those dancing lights await!
