With a land mass larger than California, Texas and Montana combined, Alaska is the largest state by area but one of the smallest in terms of population. It is often referred to as the “last frontier”, partly because of its distance to the lower 48 and partly because a vast majority of its land remains isolated and unchartered. If outdoors and reconnecting to mother nature amuse you, pack your gears and head on, and you’ll never be disappointed. Off-the-beaten path, so they say.
Alaska is a destination for peace, tranquility and everything fresh. But as enormous and expansive as it is, where, how and when do you even start? Well, it all depends on preference. If a picture-perfect winter with freezing temperatures and an amazing northern lights experience is what you’re after, I suggest planning a trip between November and March. Skiing, snowboarding, snow machining, tubing, ice fishing, kayaking, ice climbing and snowshoeing are some ice sports activities the whole family can feast on in this winter paradise. If you want to be mesmerized, head north and witness a powerful show of dancing waves of light, pulsating through the skies in vibrant hues of colors, a natural occurrence known as the aurora borealis or northern lights. I suggest booking a guided tour to achieve a greater success of seeing one.
On the contrary, if endless daylight, sparkling green foliage and uninterrupted trekking are what you’re craving for, then June to August are the months to consider. We went in mid-June, which in my opinion was a perfect time to go sightseeing and enjoy most activities. You have 19 hours of daylight with mild chilly temperature that is perfectly comfortable. Plants and trees are in bloom, the summits are visible and the outdoors are more accessible.
Anchorage, being the trailhead to Alaska is a good way to start. It is in fact perfect, especially if you only had one chance to visit as it is a one stop destination offering an ideal combination of Alaskan heritage, natural wonders and urban comfort. You can go backpacking one day, submerge yourself in the wild on another, practice your skiing skills at the beautiful Alyeska Ski Resort the next or simply relax and enjoy a laid back moment at one of the beautiful lake parks in Chugiak on any given day.
A visitor will never run out of things to do in Anchorage. Historic parks, scenic trails and stunning lakes, there are plenty to choose from. Get up close and personal with the wild. Hop on a guided tour for an icy exploration in one of 60 breathtaking glaciers within 50 mile driving distance. Practice your swing skills in one of the iconic hilly golf courses offering picturesque views and flawless fairways. Taste the flavors of Alaska and dine in one of the fine restaurants offering the freshest seafoods. Drive the panoramic highways, head on to Whittier and pass through Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a single lane railroad tunnel connecting Anchorage and Whittier. The tunnel is shared by both cars and trains and is controlled by a sophisticated computer system that directs traffic at regular intervals. For those who want to plan ahead, schedules are available to check online.
Whittier is a tiny quaint city, about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. They call it a community under one roof because all 200 something residents live in a 14-story structure called the Begich Towers, where they have all their basic necessities conveniently located in one and the same building -- a post office, a police station, a laundromat, a convenience store, a little market, a small church and even a little clinic. Some may find this interesting, most may consider it bizarre, with boundaries being almost non-existent. But despite its small size and perceived peculiarity, its natural and historical beauty has always been evident by the charming views that surround it. So yes, a brief detour into this oddly interesting city will definitely be an experience worth adding into your travel resume.
A unique activity historical to Alaska is gold panning. Crow Creek Mine in Girdwood is the route to take. The commute is minimal but could be a bit challenging and intimidating due to the isolated, narrow, unpaved and at times slippery roads. Don’t get discouraged... remember, courage can lead to great achievements. Crow Creek is not just a place to pan gold. It’s a very charming property nestled in a beautiful mountain setting, offering an abundance of greenery, a refreshing free flowing lake, scenic hiking trails and an antiquated village-like scenery. Guests are free to explore the 126 year old grounds once they pay the entrance fee, which is very nominal, considering the daily maintenance it takes to keep the place always in perfect shape. Additionally, the property also features a campsite and an area that can be rented for weddings and other events. Advance reservations are always required. Monday nights in summer are for live music along with food and drinks. Everyone is welcome to join…for a price, needless to say.
The Eagle River Trail in Chugiak, a mere 15 minute drive from Anchorage is another notable attraction to check. A $5 fee is mandatory when parking your vehicle. There is a cute cabin like visitor center where you can get information, use the restroom, purchase some necessities and souvenirs or simply relax a little after returning from your hike. The trails are pretty easy and family friendly. Your eyes will be rewarded with a spectacular view of flora in perfect hues of green. There’s a nice walking deck that leads to a viewing platform where you can sit leisurely, take photos or possibly spot some jumping salmons. The sight of Harp Mountain with its summit still partially covered in snow during the early summer is another heartwarming incentive that any visitor would find difficult to resist.
If you want a glimpse of some ancient Russian Orthodox tradition, swing by Eklutna Historical Park where you will find more than a hundred tiny wooden colorful houses that were built to cover burial sites. They are the size of a large dollhouse designed accordingly to represent the person’s family, some complete with porches and windows. There are two small churches that stand side by side in front of the park, both known as St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church or Eklutna chapel, one was built around 1894 and a newer version was built in 1962.
Other attractions and places of interest to consider are Exit Glacier, a moderate 2 ½ mile hike with scenic valley views, Thunder Bird Falls, a short trail that leads to a dramatic view of a 200 foot waterfall, Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary where you can possibly have wildlife sightings, Portage Glacier, which can be seen up close by taking one of those one hour boat cruises from Portage Lake, the Alaska Botanical Garden for some beautiful blooms and foliage and the Alaska Zoo for some bird and wildlife exploration. I could go on and on, but the bottom line is go see for yourself and experience its wonders and rich history firsthand.
All these of course do not come without a warning for possible dangers – a slippery terrain, falling rocks, inclement weather. Alaska is home to a diverse species of wildlife and harmful plants. An encounter with one can well possibly turn into a catastrophic or fatal injury. It goes without saying, always exercise extreme caution whenever and wherever. Remember to check for potential hazards and avoid wandering around without company. Better be safe than sorry. But then again, no single place on earth is bulletproof. Awareness is the key. So don’t ever let these stop you from coming, exploring and enjoying the great outdoors that is Alaska.
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