• Willow, Alaska is north of Anchorage and prides itself on being the "Recreation Capital of Alaska." It is often chosen as the starting point of the Iditarod Dog Sled Race because it usually has sufficient snow when other locations, such as Wasilla, do not. Founded and established by gold miners, Willow soon became a hub for trails such as the Talkeetna Trail and the Double Ender Sled Trail. Today, snowmobilers use the network of trails, along with hikers and cross country skiers. Despite deep snows in winter, Willow does not suffer the brunt of winter's cold as do other towns in the Matanuska Valley. Summers are warm and pleasant. Snow-capped Mount McKinley can be seen in the distance and Denali National Park is a five-hour drive away.
  
  

Eagle Quest Cabins

• These rustic "camping cabins" are cozy and minimalist, with three twin beds upstairs and a pull-out futon downstairs. Each cabin has a mini-refrigerator and a microwave. Bathrooms, showers, washers and dryers are all available nearby. They are open year-round and offer guided camping along the Iditarod route, ice fishing, cross country skiing and dog sled rides. There are even sleigh rides in a Santa-type sleigh pulled by a snowmobile for moose viewing. Eagle Quest Cabins are pet friendly and offers home-cooked meals.
  
  

Sheep Creek Lodge and Cabins

• Located at the confluence of the Susitna River and Sheep Creek, Sheep Creek Lodge and Cabins has lodge accommodations and nine one-room cabins with a queen bed and twin bunk beds. Located at mile 88 along the Park Highway, the Lodge was established in 1972 and has grown to iconic status. The rustic log cabins are minimalist dwellings with a small front porch and a rain overhang. Other amenities available are an on-site restaurant and lounge, coffee and ice cream bar, package liquor store and a gift shop.
  
  

Nancy Lake Cabins

• These public-use cabins are located inside the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. The cabins are very rustic, mostly small insulated frame buildings with sleeping platforms, tables, shelves, chairs or benches and a wood stove for heating only. Firepits outside are intended for cooking purposes. The Nancy Lake Recreation Area hosts thirteen of these cabins that are accessible only by foot or canoe in the summer and by snowshoe or snowmobile in the winter. There is a fee for use and reservations may be made online at the Alaska State Parks website.