Home Destinations USA Alaska If You Like

If You Like

Mountains & Glaciers

Alaska has roughly 100,000 glaciers and ice fields covering more than 29,000 square mi, and 17 of the 20 highest mountains in the United States. Most of these awe-inspiring sights are in remote and inaccessible regions. However, with time, effort and, on occasion, a few bucks, these scenic wonders can be yours.

Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau. This drive-up glacier comes complete with visitor center, educational exhibits, nature trails, and, when the cruise ships are in town, lots of bused-in tourists. Don't let the crush of visitors dissuade you from stopping by, though—it's a great resource for learning about glacier dynamics and the natural forces that have shaped Alaska.

Mt. Roberts, Juneau. The tram takes you up the mountain and, if the weather cooperates, offers great views of the area. It's another cruise ship favorite, but at least you can have a quick beer as you soak in the scenery.

Glacier Bay National Park, Gustavus. Whether you view this natural wonder by air, boat, or on foot, Glacier Bay is well worth the effort and expense it takes to get there.

Portage Glacier, Anchorage. This glacier has been receding rapidly, but you can ride the tour boat Ptarmigan across the lake to view the face of the glacier. Keep an eye out for office building size chunks of ice falling into the water.

Exit Glacier, Seward. You can take a short, easy walk to view this glacier, or if you're in the mood for a challenge, hike the steep trail onto the enormous Harding Icefield. Scan the nearby cliffs for mountain goats and watch for bears.

Flattop Mountain, Anchorage. Drive to the Glen Alps parking lot in Chugach State Park, and take the short walk west to a scenic overlook—on a clear day the view sweeps from Denali south along the Alaska Range past several active volcanoes on the other side of Cook Inlet. Or follow the hikers to the top of the mountain for even more stunning scenery.

Mt. McKinley, Talkeetna. For the ultimate mountain sightseeing adventure, take a flight from Talkeetna and land on a glacier—if you're early enough in the summer, you can fly onto the Kahiltna Glacier where the teams attempting to summit the mountain gather.

Bicycling

The paved-road system is straightforward, and traffic is usually light. However, the road shoulders can be narrow, and people drive fast in rural areas. Unpaved highways are bikable but tougher going.

Anchorage, Alaska. Anchorage has an excellent bike-trail system. Biking this city is a good way to appreciate its setting as a metropolis perched on the edge of vast wilderness—but beware the occasional furry creature sharing the bike trail with you!

Denali National Park & Preserve. Take your mountain bike on the Alaska Railroad and bike Denali. Although the park road is largely unpaved, it has a good dirt surface and only light traffic.

The Interior. Fairbanks has miles of scenic bike paths along the Chena River. Most roads have wide shoulders and those incredible Alaska views. Trails used in winter by mushers, snowmobilers, and cross-country skiers are taken over by bikers when the snow melts.

Southeast Alaska and the Ferry System. You can bring your bike on Alaska's ferry system at an extra charge. Use it to explore the Southeast's charming communities and surrounding forests, but come prepared for heavy rain.

Creature Comforts

Alaska isn't only tundra hiking, grizzly-bear watching, and salmon fishing. It's possible to spend your vacation pampering yourself, enjoying a nice glass of wine and excellent food, and still experience outdoor adventures.

Lodging properties can be divided into those on the road system, and those that require a boat or air journey. In Southeast Alaska many lodges can be reached by boat from a nearby town or village, while properties elsewhere in the state usually require a flight in a small plane.

Alaska's Capital Inn, Juneau. Luxury meets history in this gracious hilltop bed-and-breakfast with upscale services, delicious breakfasts, and period furnishings from the early 1900s.

Alyeska Prince Hotel, Girdwood. An hour south of Anchorage, this luxurious hotel offers plenty of opportunities for spoiling yourself silly. The crown jewel of the resort is the Seven Glaciers Restaurant, a 7-minute tram ride up Mt. Alyeska. There you can enjoy the stunning view of the valley and the namesake glaciers; knowledgeable diners consider the restaurant to be Alaska's finest.

Chena Hot Springs Resort, Chena Hot Springs. If you are in or near Fairbanks, some thermal soaking is a must. Here you can spend the day enjoying a wide range of outdoor activities, followed by a long soak in the hot springs-warmed hot tubs, topped off by an exceptional dinner.

Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge, Homer. Across Kachemak Bay from Homer, and accessible by boat or floatplane, you can fill your days hiking, fishing, boating, and sightseeing, followed by delicious seafood dinners. The owners are longtime Alaskans who cater to nature lovers.

Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, Cooper Landing. Charming bungalows with fireplaces and vaulted ceilings of natural-finish wood make up this sprawling complex on a bluff overlooking the Kenai River. Try flightseeing, fishing, and hiking or just read a good book and enjoy the view.

Pearson's Pond Luxury Inn and Adventure Spa, Juneau. Yoga in the morning; wine and cheese in the evening; whirlpool tubs with rain showers; private balconies; and a well-stocked breakfast nook—luxurious amenities define this B&B on a small pond near Mendenhall Glacier.

Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Cruises. Cordon Bleu cuisine, a luxurious spa, and impeccable service make this all-suites, all-balcony ship a top choice for high-end relaxing while cruising amid dramatic Alaska scenery.

Scenic Drives

With majestic mountains, sweeping marine panoramas, and mile upon mile of open tundra you'll be hard-pressed to find a drive in Alaska that isn't scenic. There's always the potential for wildlife encounters, so the wise motorist is always alert to something furry darting—or strolling, in the case of the moose—out of the roadside brush. Many roads are not plowed in winter, and heavy rains can create hazardous conditions. To obtain Alaska road reports, call the State Department of Transportation in Fairbanks 907/451-2200. If you're driving a rented vehicle, check with your agency before tackling the Denali or Dalton Highways—some companies won't allow their precious cars on these unpaved roads.

Glenn Highway, South Central. Passing between the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains and past numerous glaciers, this highway heading east out of Anchorage is especially dramatic in late summer and early fall.

Kalifornsky Beach Road, South Central. Near Soldotna, this 20-mi-long loop off the Sterling Highway is parallel to the coastline along Cook Inlet. The peaks of the Alaska Range are visible, and the active volcanoes Mt. Iliamna and Mt. Redoubt are across the inlet. Boats ply the waters and bald eagles and beluga whales are common sights.

George Parks Highway, South Central and Interior. Connecting Fairbanks and Anchorage, and passing by Denali National Park, the George Parks offers views of Mt. McKinley on a clear day. Heading north, the mountain looms over you as you drive toward Talkeetna.

Richardson Highway, South Central and Interior. The first highway built in Alaska, this 364-mi road between Fairbanks and the port of Valdez will offer you farm country, vast tundra, and mountain vistas.

Taylor Highway, South Central and Interior. Winding along mountain ridges and through valleys of the Fortymile River is a 160-mi stretch of narrow, rough, gravel highway. This road transports you to another era, when gold was the main reason folks from the Lower 48 made it into the Interior. It remains one of the few places to see active mining without leaving the road system.

Denali Highway, Interior. For a rustic drive, try this road between Paxson and Cantwell. The gravel road is 135 mi of semi-tough sledding for highway vehicles; if you've got a well-equipped ride, it's worth the effort. You'll find open tundra, views of the Alaska Range, lakes and streams, and miles of land that moose, caribou, grizzlies, wolves, and numerous bird species call home.

Dalton Highway, Interior and the Bush. More than 400 mi of road, the Dalton Highway connects Interior Alaska to the shores of the Arctic Ocean. Winding, exhilarating, and varied, it's a true Alaska motor trek. Built as a hauling road, there are still plenty of 18-wheelers that will share the highway with you as you cross through the Brooks Range into the Arctic Plains.