It is among the most scenic drives I've done. I've driven in 48 states, and my memories (and photos) of the drive to Seward are right up there with the most awe-inspiring views I've had the good fortune to enjoy (it helped that we had picture perfect weather).
I look forward to doing it again someday.
Hope you enjoy it as much!
I look forward to doing it again someday.
Hope you enjoy it as much!
When you make stops on the way make sure you still keep an eye on all your belonging. We stoped for 15 minutes at the Potter Marsh and when we were walking on the boardwalk someone broke into our rental car. Fortunatelly they took only my husband's hiking boots. But we had everything there. We were on the way from Anchorage to Homer. Alaska is a wonderful place. It took us four hours to get there froom Anchorage with all those stops. There are many pull off places so you will be able to admire amazing views when standing next to your car. Like everywhere use caution and pay attention to the beauty of the area.
While in Seward plan to take the long Kenai Fjords boat trip to see all sorts of wildlife. The one we went on had a box lunch and the Capt. was most informative and pointed things out to us, and took his time. The drive to Seward is gorgeous, even in cloudy weather.
Guest
The road to Seward is in fact designated on the National Register as a Scenic Highway. It is one of only 17 in America with such designation.
I'd avoid Potters Marsh, and Portage. These are both pretty, but, they tend to be a bit cheesey by Alaskan standards. Plus, they are known target areas for kids who know that the tourists will come.
There are pull-outs all along the highway, and, most are worth checking out. A look up the hills along Turnagain Arm, and you WILL see Dall sheep. If the tide is in, and there are any fish running, you might see beluga whales. Then, once you are up into Turnagain Pass, especially in the area past Summit Lake, you might want to stop and eye the mountains for black bears.
There are also moose that frequent the roads anywhere that vegetation exists. Eagles are seen standing in the sand if the tide is out.
As for glaciers, considering your trip, I'd definitely drive to Exit Galcier just outside of Seward before I'd consider Portage. And yes, TAKE the Kenai Fjords Tours National Park Tour!
There isn't enough time for Alaska in a lifetime.. try to save a few dollars so you can do it again in another direction.
I'd avoid Potters Marsh, and Portage. These are both pretty, but, they tend to be a bit cheesey by Alaskan standards. Plus, they are known target areas for kids who know that the tourists will come.
There are pull-outs all along the highway, and, most are worth checking out. A look up the hills along Turnagain Arm, and you WILL see Dall sheep. If the tide is in, and there are any fish running, you might see beluga whales. Then, once you are up into Turnagain Pass, especially in the area past Summit Lake, you might want to stop and eye the mountains for black bears.
There are also moose that frequent the roads anywhere that vegetation exists. Eagles are seen standing in the sand if the tide is out.
As for glaciers, considering your trip, I'd definitely drive to Exit Galcier just outside of Seward before I'd consider Portage. And yes, TAKE the Kenai Fjords Tours National Park Tour!
There isn't enough time for Alaska in a lifetime.. try to save a few dollars so you can do it again in another direction.
DO NOT miss Portage Glacier! We took an Alaskan cruise in May and the most impressive glacier to me was Portage, and that was off ship! I'm sure it was because we could get up close to it. We were on a Carnival ship, but I know the smaller ships like Holland America can get in closer to the glaciers on the water.
Jim,
I have to strongly disagree with the advice to see Portage Glacier. In fact, I don't recommend it unless you have extra time or unless it is the only up-close glacier you will see.
Exit Glacier is absolutely fantastic. It is ~7miles from Seward. You can walk up about 200 feet and touch the ice. You can hike even further and see the ice field. You are surrounded by forests. I thought standing near the glacier I was on the most beautiful place on earth.
We visited both Portage and Exit. Portage has a fine visitor center, but the glacier was not comparable to Exit or what you would see from the water in a non-major cruise ship.
Not to discount the other advice, but I suspect the view was from one who took a cruise and did not have the liberty of self-exploration.
I have to strongly disagree with the advice to see Portage Glacier. In fact, I don't recommend it unless you have extra time or unless it is the only up-close glacier you will see.
Exit Glacier is absolutely fantastic. It is ~7miles from Seward. You can walk up about 200 feet and touch the ice. You can hike even further and see the ice field. You are surrounded by forests. I thought standing near the glacier I was on the most beautiful place on earth.
We visited both Portage and Exit. Portage has a fine visitor center, but the glacier was not comparable to Exit or what you would see from the water in a non-major cruise ship.
Not to discount the other advice, but I suspect the view was from one who took a cruise and did not have the liberty of self-exploration.
Hey GOL, if you love the beauty of glaciers, someday take a trip to Switzerland, head to Grindelwald at the foot of the Eiger Mountain, and hike up to the glacier (there's actually a huge stairway. For a couple bucks they let you go INSIDE the glacier....there's this huge 'cave' that runs well inside the glacier. Cheesy in that someone has carved animals out of the ice inside, so you'll run into a 5 foot tall bear and other ice structures, but as you stand at the opening of the cave you're basically at the very foot of this land locked glacier and you look up its entire expanse before going inside it. And the glacier is not even the most spectacular thing in view at that point. Turning around, below you see the miles upon miles of bright green valleys riddled with sheep and cows and forests that is right out of "Heidi", the two other Alp peaks towering over you. It's one of the most beautiful spots on earth.
