See just how close you are to Alaska’s wild spaces
One of the most surprising things about flying into Anchorage, Alaska, is just how close one really is to the state’s rugged wilderness. Anyone who’s flown into Alaska’s largest city can tell you that one minute you’re traveling over stunning mountain peaks and glaciers that seem to go on forever, and the next, the captain comes over the intercom to say it’s time to descend into Anchorage, city lights blinking in the distance.
For travelers spending any time in Anchorage, access to all of Alaska’s most popular activities is just minutes away, including a helicopter excursion with Outbound Heli Adventures. Located less than an hour from downtown Anchorage, Outbound Heli’s home base is in historic Palmer, and a quick flight from miles and miles of wild Alaska.
How do guests reach the Outbound Heli Adventures base?
There are three ways to reach our headquarters in Palmer. One option is to drive yourself (directions can be found here) north on the Glenn Highway, then Old Glenn Highway, following the curves of the Knik River. Along the way, look for moose browsing in the meadows and along the roadsides and stream beds. A third option, and one very handy for travelers visiting without a rental vehicle, is to book round-trip transportation aboard Outbound Heli’s clean and comfortable Sprinter van. We will pick up and drop off anywhere in Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, or Wasilla, so enter a pickup location in your reservation when booking.
How long are Outbound Heli flights, and can we land and walk around?
Scenic flights last one hour, depending on your particular interest and advice from the pilot, who is always looking out for wildlife, great glacier views, and, of course, your safety. Looking for a quick trip? Try the Scenic Sampler for a look at glaciers, blue pools, waterfalls, craggy mountain peaks, and wildlife. Have a bit more time and want to dive deeper into the beauty of Alaska’s glaciers? The Knik Glacier Explorer flight is 90 minutes in duration and adds a glacier landing, where guests are able to take a walk along the icy surface or take a complimentary polar plunge in the summer months! Our popular Chugach Explorer is a one-hour, 50-minute adventure with up to three glacier landings in unique locations, making it a winner with photographers seeking diverse landscapes and backgrounds. Guests can even request a “doors off” experience to capture a birds-eye photograph. This adventure also includes the complimentary summer season polar plunge.
For those who like to combine adventure with a helicopter scenic flight, try a half (four hours) or full (six hours) trek into the area’s glacial surfaces on a Glacier Trekking adventure. Explore the deep crevasses, towering ice walls, and stunning blue ice formations of mighty Knik Glacier. You’ll trek on the glacier’s surface past crystal blue pools and unique ice formations. In the winter, land at the toe of the glacier and witness towering ice walls and icebergs.
Those wanting to put boots on the ground without too much strenuous effort have the option of the Helicopter Hiking adventure, a four or six-hour excursion tailored just for you. Choose between a dramatic ridgeline traverse or a gentle, sloping tundra walk in one of three locations: Chugach Mountain range, Hatcher Pass, or Pioneer Peak ridge.
Will we have time to do other Anchorage-based activities and an Outbound Heli flight?
Absolutely! The Chugach Explorer, Knik Glacier Explorer, Prince William Sound Spectacul-AIR, and Scenic Sampler are all three hours or under in length, which means there’s plenty of time to explore other Matanuska Valley area activities either before or after your flight.
Our team is always happy to help make recommendations for Anchorage museums, attractions, and restaurants as well!
