19 Exciting Things To Do In Alaska For Your Bucket List!

Hi,
I like looking at all the places you’ve been and have been following you on Pinterest. I live here in Anchorage, Alaska so I have s couple Alaska travel tips.

Cities and towns? Anchorage being the largest, also recommend driving to Seward and Homer.

Hiking? So much to do up here, lots of talks and mountains even close to Anchorage. The most popular in Anchorage is Flat Top mountain. Also go to Hatchers Pass, Exit Glacier in Seward, Byron Glacier in Portage.

Road trips? To Girdwood, Portage, Hope, Seward, Kenai and Homer. North is Talkeetna and Denali.

Lakes? Eklutna lake is close to Anchorage. Kepler Lake is 45 minutes north of Anchorage and you can rent a little boat by the hour to go fishing.

Eat & drink? Everyone will tell you to eat at Moose’s Tooth in Anchorage and yes it’s delish. I’d also recommend Spenard Roadhouse and The Pantry (in the Captain Cook).

Things to do with kids? Be outside.

Campgrounds? http://www.campground alaska.com is a great resource

Accommodation in cities? Summer is our tourist season in Alaska so things aren’t cheap. Consider renting an RV?

Best time to visit? Summer. June, July, August

Anything else you want to share…go fishing, raft the Kenai River, cruises out of Whittier are nice. Take a fishing charter. Don’t be afraid to camp outside of a campground.

My five cents:
– If you book cars, do that WELL in advance. Good cars are gone quickly. 4WD is actually not necessary – most of the roads are either passable with a regular car or good only for ATV.

Alaska can be roughly divided into six very different travel zones. I’d plan to visit all of them: North of Fairbanks, Fairbanks and South of Fairbanks, Kenai peninsula, Katmai and Kodiak, Central Alaska and South-Western Alaska.

– If you can afford hiring a float plane, it is always fun to do, especially if you opt to visit very remote locations like Yukon delta (wouldn’t recommend), Kobuk Valley NP (best option for seeing caribou and wolves), Katmai or Kodiak (both are must for grizzly bear viewing at salmon runs). We usually use float planes for our canoe trips drop-ins/take-outs. Speaking of canoe I would recommend Birch Creek canoe trip (starts from Circle Highway, 2 hours drive from Fairbanks), it doesn’t require floatplane drop-off, but float plane pick-up is desirable unless you want to float Yukon, which I wouldn’t recommend at this location (due to silty waters and bleak environment on riversides) but would highly recommend to do at Whitehorse area of Canada’s Yukon territories.
Back to travel zones:

North of Fairbanks:
– Drive as long portion of Dalton Highway as you can afford. Part from Livengoot (slightly north of Fairbanks) to Arctic Circle is rather boring, some highlights are fishing wheels on Yukon, Yukon Bridge layered by wooden planks and Alaskan pipeline that zig-zags parallel to the road. If you’ll travel in summer, some forest fires should certainly be flaming somewhere by the road, it is part of nature environment and usually interesting to watch at almost barren lands (close to Fairbanks they are not that funny, smoke problems are real). To my taste the road is getting nicer and much more scenic the further north you go, the best part of the road is roughly from north of Arctic Circle to at least Wiseman, but I would certainly recommend to drive through most mountain passes all the way to Galbright Lake (nice campground there). Driving further north to Prudhoe Bay is much more boring, but may be done to get “sense of accomplishment”. Take your time at Gates of Arctic NP. It is the park for “non-tourist minded” people, for those seeking solitude and serenity. It resembles a mixture between southern Chile and central Iceland, something like that.
– drive to Circle via Steese Highway. Highlights are few interesting Alaskan gold-digger villages (with many old mining equipment on display), fields of fireweed, viewing the results of total dredging of most of Alaskan creeks and rivers, fishing for grayling.
– drive to Chena Hot Springs. It is 1 hour easy drive, hot spring are pretty nice (and hot), although crowded. Chena river has good population of grayling, salmon runs on June and then later toward fall.

Fairbanks and south of Fairbanks:
– City itself is not much to write home about. University is OK to visit. City center, except “plaque tree”, is not very well developed tourist-wise. Interesting is to stay at local houses (pick B&B by Chena River, once we have stayed here https://www.vrbo.com/118558, it was good)) and see everyday Alaskans life, that still include fishing, hunting, vegetable and fruit growing, berry picking etc… One other piece of advice: due to proximity of the city to large Air Force bases, many old planes ended up as “sheds” or even “houses”, so drive side streets for a funny pictures of such planes.
– Drive to North Pole. Santa Claus is always present there (at Santa Claus House – it is a shop, obviously) and is a most authentic one from all I had ever seen. Also on the same road from Fairbanks toward Eleison AFB keep an eye to the right for an interesting wood shop; you’ll never miss it cause it marked with pretty interesting wooden sculptures outside.
– Denali NP. Prepare to some disappointment, as it is not allowed to drive your own car there.

Kenai Peninsula.
This area share first place among my loveliest parts of Alaska (based on my taste, of course).
– choose two pretty different “base camps” here: Seward and Homer. You can easily spend whole week in each of this places, and that is why:
Seward:
– it is nice (pretty crowded in season) campground in Lowell point few kilometers from Seward. Other good accommodation in Lowell is Saltwater lodge, it is easy to book most boat trips through the lodge here.
– Fishing trips are a must. It is tons of fun, both for childrens and adults. Easy trips are for salmon (a lot of sight seeing during the trip, too), halibut fishing is for serious fishermen, but also very rewarding.
– Glacier seeing trips. Very relaxing and extremely picturesque, if weather is cooperative. – Kayak trips to glaciers. Guarantee to see bears, too. Bear glacier is closest, Holgate, Alalik, Northwest and many others are not far away. Scenery is incomparable.
– Hike from Lowell to Gaines Head recreational area. Very nice hike, be prepare to wet your shoes.
– Climb Mount Marathon. It is not very difficult climb.
– Just stroll along the shore or walk the harbor. It is impressive.
– Watch wildlife, from a shore or via boat trip. The place is ideal for wildlife viewing.
Homer:
– Do canoeing at Swan Lake canoe area http://www.alaskacanoetrips.com/Kenaicanoesystem.html
– Watch bears salmon fishing on Kenai or Russian rivers.
– Visit Russian Ortodox villages in Soldotna area (keep in mind that Ortodox religion is not opened toward outside world).
– Take a halibut fishing tour, the best in the world halibut fishing is right here.
– Take a ferry to one of the islands in Katchemak bay or to Seldovia for a relaxing wildlife viewing (sea otters are plentiful, whaling is not bad).
– Take a Grace Ridge trail. It is a bit challenging, but views are magnificent.
– Relax and enjoy views. It is on pair with the best parts of New Zealand + plenty of wildlife.

Katmai and Kodiak Island:
– This parts should be visited for two reasons: unspoiled natural beauty and wildlife. Not much of social life here.
– take one of a float plane excursion to sea a wildlife (http://www.seahawkair.com/ and http://www.kingfisheraviation.com/index.php are both very good) on Kodiak Island. Mostly focus on seeing bears, of course, Kodiak bears are rightfully claimed to be largest bears on planet. To see them from a close distance is both fascinating and scary, a lot of excitement for sure. Go right in season (August is a no brainer, usually). Kodiak is remote and for the reason is much less touristy than Katmai NP, where wildlife viewing regulations sometimes may drive you even more craisier, than in Denali (is it possible?).
– Kodiak has sizeable presence of old Russian ortodox churches.
– Get to Brooks Falls at Katmai NP, of course. Brooks lodge is a good place to stay nearby, they are renovated a lot of dilapidated houses recently.
– Katmai NP is mostly for those who like to hike a lot, if this is your passion, you’ll find it fascinating.

Central Alaska:
– Anchorage is a big city, and I had never came to Alaska with a purpose to stay in a big city, so I cannot be helpful in recommending something about it.
– Independence mine in Wasilla is cool to visit with children, they’ll love to ride a miniature train there.
– visit one of Mat-su valley (Wasilla, Palmer or elsewhere) food stands or local garden shops. I had been impressed with the sizes of vegetables they grow here, you need to see it to believe it (“regular” carrots of 3+ kilos weight each blew my mind – and they are surprisingly very tasty).
– Matanuska Glacier – easy to reach by foot (15 minutes walk from a parking lot), easy to walk on the glacier without any guides, very picturesque.
– Whole road between Palmer and Glenallen is pretty nice.
– Cantwell to Paxson drive (so called Denali Highway). You can do it in a regular car, if driving slow (speed limit is 30 mph anyway), but spare tire and tire repair kits may be very essential here. This is a road for those who want to experience “real” Alaska how it portrayed – i.e. hunting grounds for a real Alascans.
– Alaskan Rt. 4 from Delta Junction to Valdez (Richardson Highway) is one of the most picturesque in Alaska. Northern part is most beautiful between Delta Junction and Paxson. Lots of moose and bison here, sightings are nearly guaranteed. High alpine lakes near Black Rapids Glacier are very picturesque, Black Rapids Lodge and two campings (one at Fielding Lake is good) are the only places to stay here. South part of the Highway from Willow Creek to Valdez runs through fantastic mountain scenery, photo opts are countless on each road turn, Worthington Glacier is mostly photographed, but glacier hike is much less pleasant here that the one to Matanuska Glacier.
– By any means, do not miss a side trip to McCarthy. It is one of the very interesting places in Alaska. Road to McCarthy starts from Tonzina on Richardson Highway and takes at least 2 hours one way without stops. However, you will likely stop a lot on the way, for watching fishing wheels near Chitina River Bridge, then near old wooden railroad bridge, then to picture your car at narrow bridge, crossing one of the creeks, or to watch occasional moose or bear. You should plan to stay at least few days in McCarthy, up to a week. Place to stay is Kennicott Glacier Lodge http://www.kennicottlodge.com/?gclid=CLvKzquMpMsCFQkfhgod-zADHA , I recommend to book it well in advance. Things to do here:
— Hike Root Glacier. The lodge has excellent guides: all levels of expertise are welcomed, all are carefully sorted to groups based on interests and taken full care of without unnecessary tight supervision (in a good way);
— do a river rafting. It is really interesting and not very challenging, children can even float their own vessel;
— walk along the Root Glacier. Icefall wall at the beginning of the glacier is one of the most majestic and picturesque (weather permitted) in the world in my opinion.
— Explore the old Kennicott Mine. It is pretty unique experience.
— hire a small plane at Mccarthy and fly to one of the mountain valleys for an unforgetable picnic in one of the most untouched wilderness areas in the world (many peaks and valleys still has no names here);
— Walk through and around tiny and pretty town of McCarthy, where many artists now live permanently.

Southwestern Alaska.
It is likely my most favorite part of the state, if not of all USA. I doubt I would be able to describe everything I want, so let it be just brief guidelines for places to visit.
The best (and in most situations the only) way to get from one town to another in this part of Alaska is by ferry or by plane. Car ferries are good, not overly expensive and run on schedule, booking in advance is not vitally necessary if you travel without car, but absolutely essential if you want to have your own car with you (which I certainly recommend to do)

– drive Dalton Highway from Haines Junction (Yukon Territory, Canada – Haines, AK)

– Stay at Haines for several day. Here:
— Visit Chilkat river for bald eagle viewing;
— Mosquito lake is picturesque;
— Salmon fishing on Chilkat and Chilkoot rivers (they are different) are fun to watch and easy to participate;
— Chilkat SP trail (on Chilkat peninsula) is very interesting, especially if you like mushrooms or berries, moose or porcupine sightings are common;
— Hike Battery Point Trail;
— Ferry to Scagway (without your car, passenger ferry between Haines and Scagway is easy and pleasant). I wouldn’t recommend to stay in Scagway. It is plainly touristy city. It’s population is 600 (in summer, threefold smaller in winter), cruise ships bring 9,500 passengers a day. It is insane. Tuesday and Thursdays are the busiest days, with at least four cruise ships docked there. When in Scagway, you may take one of the excursions (all are too touristy in my taste) or walk through the town. Don’t expect to find -good restaurants, they are all touristy, except, maybe, few Filipino restaurants (most crews on Alaska cruise lines are from Philippines).

– Juneau:
– drive (or take bus) to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. No access to glacier itself here, just a view point and several trails runs from here. However, at least one tour company http://beyondak.com/ do a guided tours to glacier, and they even do a kayaking tour to the glacier. I didn’t use it, but my friends did and were pretty happy;
– do a trip to Tracy Arm Fiord.
– Hike to Nugget Falls. Can be combined with Mendenhall Glacier visit;
– Take a Tramway from the city and than do hike from up there to Mt. Roberts. The Tram is very popular with cruise ship hordes, so better plan this trip for the day, when the city is less crowded with cruises (my guess Monday and Wednesday are the busiest days, but better check ii out);
– take one of the city nature trails. Some other trails ideas can be found here http://www.alaska.org/destination/juneau/trails;
– drive to Eagle Beach, that may be bears here (beside eagles) at low tide even from July till October;
– also in the city: zip lines, breweries, gardens, some good japanese restaurants.

– Gustavus:
It is mainly a hub for Glacier Bay NP. Book a tour and have fun;

– Petersburg:
Very authentic fishing village in a nice low-lying fiord settings. Best part of ferry passage starts here. Worth staying for a few days or just ferry through. Relatively easy kayak trips from here to LeConte glacier. Same is applicable for Wrangell, however, Wrangell is closer to very nice bear viewing river (Anan River Near Observatory);

Ketchikan:
It is a hub for floatplane excursions. City itself is mostly touristy in its central and most interesting part, place to visit is Ketchikan Creek area with its salmon runs and picturesque old houses on stilts.

– Prince of Wales island
This pretty big island (accessible from Ketchikan via float plane or easy 3 hours car ferry) has largest paved road network from all Alaskan islands. It is one of the best islands in the world for salmon fishing or for salmons run watching. Plenty of bears, also. Nice and very well maintained trails, funny fishing villages. I love this island.

– Hyder. This tiny village is accessible from Stewart, BC. The place is must to visit (best way to drive from Cassiar highway, BC). Stay at Stewart at Ripley Creek Inn, best rooms are 301 and 306. The reason to visit this place is Salmon Glacier. It is most likely the best glacier view easily accessible by just driving your car. And the glacier is majestic! Added bonus is wonderful Bear glacier on the way to Stewart from Cassiar Highway and plenty of black bears along the road (sightings are guaranteed).

Enjoy,
Ivan

I’ve been working up a similar list! Here’s my short hand notes of things we don’t want to miss before leaving Alaska, plus things we’ve already done and really enjoyed!

ALASKA BUCKET LIST:

Nome to see end of Iditorid.
Barrow- top of world sign- touch Arctic Ocean
Kaktovik for Polar Bears.
Weekend camping in Homer.
Katmai NP and Brooks Falls to see bears catch salmon
Sitka- totem park
Cruise
Castner Glacier -Delta Junction- 20 mi. RT
Valdez/Kennecott/McCarthy
Ice caves at mendenhall & Byron glaciers
Beach/sand dunes in Anchorage
Arctic valley hike
Waterfall tour: http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/alaska/ak-road-trip-waterfalls/

GIRDWOOD:
Winner creek hand team
Hike Virgin Creek Falls
Portage Glacier tour

FAIRBANKS:
Chena Hot Springs, Ice museum
Santa’s house
Pioneer park
Ice fishing
Pipeline

DENALI:
Flight seeing tour of Denali
Photograph around Wonder Lake

SEWARD:
private Orca island
Halibut charter
Dog sled tour

Things we’ve already enjoyed:

Fairbanks:
Ice park & ice art championships
NORTHERN LIGHTS
Midnight sun
Children’s museum
Cookie Jar (restaurant)

Anchorage:
Glacier Brewhouse
Snow City Cafe
Hiking @ Eagle River Nature Center
Alaska Zoo
H20 Oasis
Hockey games

Seward:
Exit Glacier
Sea Life Center
Fishing

Random (Matanuska-Susitna Valley):
Matanuska Glacier
Wildlife viewing
Talkeetna (northern lights & meet the mayor, who is a cat!)
Williams Reindeer Farm
Iditarod
Hatcher Pass (hiking & Northern Lights)
Alaska State Fair
Hike the Butte

Girdwood:
Byron Glacier
Wildlife Conservation Center
Snowboarding
Snowmobiling
Tram and Seven Glaciers Restaurant @Alyeska

I lived in alaska for three years. Some of the places we went to was homer, it’s a sweet little town and I would recommend you take a fishing charter. To catch some salmon and halibut. Also another great place to go is Seward, the drive there is just beautiful. There is hiking, fishing, just to name a few things. One more place for you is Valdez, you can go kayaking through ice caves, walk on glaciers. Lost of places to hike and there’s two beautiful waterfalls right by the road. I miss alaska.

Not sure if you’re still looking for recommendations, but we just got back from Alaska and it was amazing. Denali is a given, but Wrangell St. Elias is an equally beautiful park. We took a bush plane over the Wrangell Mountains and it was definitely on of the highlights of the trip. We stayed in Chitina right outside of the park at the Chitina House B&B and we’d highly recommend it. There isn’t much going on in the town but it felt like an authentic small Alaskan town and the surroundings were gorgeous. Also, you should drive the Denali Highway. The views are incredible.

Another 5 cents 🙂

– Mendenhall Ice Caves
– Ressurection Bay cruise
– Tracy Arm Fjord
– Whitepass & Yukon route (by train)
– Kenai Fjords National Park
– Skagway
– Take a photo in the “Magic Bus” used in the movie “Into the Wild”

Renato
Blog Pegadas na Estrada

We have a missionary trip we r taking up there to big lake but we r taking a day for fun any suggestions