|
|
Recreation & Sightseeing near Anchorage, Alaska
Adventure Unlimited
Published in Coast Magazine, April 2008
By: Justin Matley
Hoping to make time in Alaska as adventurous as possible? Life couldn’t get any easier! Adventure waits around ever bend in the creek, at the base of every slope, in the claws of every beast, on land, sea, or in the air. Unlimited opportunities exist to get you out of your comfort zone and on the edge of something new, something extraordinary. Luckily, as the adventure capital of the world, government and private agencies alike have tapped into every Alaskan environment in an effort to provide visitors and residents with the experience of a lifetime. So ask yourself one simple question, “What would I like to do today?”, and Alaska will provide.
Discovering the many activities that one can enjoy here is part of the adventure process, but with so much to do and so little time, having a resident (sourdough) point you in the right direction can greatly maximize your gross adventure profits. Local outfitter and sportsman shops are a great place to pick the brains of outdoor experts. Also, if a professional guide is hired for an activity, they can usually advise on other things to do, where, and who to contact for services. Keep asking questions, take notes, and above all, start a collection of brochures and leaflets. Websites and publications like Coast are also valuable resources. As Alaska’s Outdoor Recreation Magazine, Coast has compiled the following groups of activities, those on land, on the sea, or in the air, to aid you in your endeavors. Adventure truly is unlimited here.
LAND
Landlubbers will find themselves in sensory overload with an unimaginable system of trails leading through some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. A lifetime could be spent experiencing them all; and running, hiking, biking, off-roading and horseback riding will forever remain a pastime favorite for locals and tourists. Trails for these activities range in difficulty from leisurely to torturous. Choose wisely; Alaska’s mountains can become a real “tourist trap” for those who are ill prepared or inexperienced. However, if you do find yourself in such a predicament, wandering aimlessly through canyons and gorges, take a look around for some gold.
That’s right; “There’s gold in them thar hills!” as the old saying goes, and prospecting is a unique way to experience a true Alaska heritage activity. For gold, look low. It’s heavy, likes to get into low, tight places, especially where water flows. However, look high and you’ll often see opportunities for rock climbing and repelling, affording a combination experience between land and air with the thrill of heights and expanding views. And those who prefer to see the world through the windshield of their car barely need to look for a scenic tour. Just choose a direction and drive, unless of course that direction will land you, submerged, at the bottom of Cook Inlet.
During your land excursions, be sure to carry a camera. The more ground covered, the more chance there is to see some of the many wilderness inhabitants that claim Alaska as their home. That being said, exercise caution and remain aware of your surroundings. Brush up on what to do in case of a wildlife encounter that gets uncomfortably close, carry bear mace in active areas, and pay attention to bulletins that will often warn of nuisance animals in the area. It’s a good idea for newcomers to stick to familiar, recreation designated areas where park officials can suggest good, yet safe wildlife viewing opportunities. For backcountry traveling, consider hiring a guide.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (TKCT)
For light walks, biking, running and rollerblading, The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is Anchorage's premier walking/biking path, beginning at Ship Creek on the north side of Downtown, extending along the Cook Inlet coast, past Downtown Anchorage and Westchester Lagoon, through woods and along mudflats, eventually ending at Kincaid Park. This trail is accessible at multiple locations and to the surprise of many, offers splendid views of the inlet, mountains, and even an occasional moose. If you’re limited on time and transportation, this may just be your chance to see a moose and get a bit of exercise in the process. To each his own; this could be and adventure.
Access: 5th Ave. west of L street, Westchester Lagoon, Earthquake Park, Point Woronzof, Kincaid Park.
Map: www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/aktrails/ats/anc/knowlsct.htm
Chugach State Park
As the third largest state park in America, a half-million acres of peaks, passes, ridges and rivers of the Chugach Mountains beckon visitors to a multitude of recreational opportunities. Look east from Anchorage to see Chugach State Park and some of the most highly visited summits in Alaska. Just outside of town, and with an elevation gain of 1300 feet in 1.5 miles, the Flattop Mountain Trail, for foot traffic only, leads hikers to the summit of Flattop Mountain, so named for its distinct plateau appearance. From here, gain a perspective of Anchorage as if it were a model village for a toy train set. In the evening, Anchorage becomes a golden city in the sunset. Much of the Cook Inlet, the Alaska Range, and perhaps Denali (Mt. McKinley) at roughly 145 miles to the north can also be seen from this vantage point.
Other popular trails in Chugach State park include the Historic Iditarod / Crow Pass Trail for backcountry foot use; Thunderbird Falls Trail for foot use and great cascading water photos; Eklutna Lakeside Trial for foot, bicycle, and ATV use on Sunday through Wednesday only; and the Powerline Trail for foot and bicycle travel. Bird Creek Valley Trail allows foot use and horseback riding.
Access: Multiple access points and trailheads available from Anchorage, Eagle River, Indian and Girdwood. Road access from Glenn Highway in the north and Seward Highway in the south.
Website: www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach/
Map: www.anchorage.net/library/chugachstatepark.pdf - More from park website.
Summit Lake at Hatchers Pass
For breathtaking views, light hiking and a wonderfully scenic drive, take Fishhook Road north out of Palmer. Fishhook Road parallels the Little Susitna River with its blue-green, frosted water flowing over boulders and carving away at cliffs. Occasional cascades fall from creeks in the surrounding mountainsides, and at times, Palmer can be seen in the distance, ever decreasing in size. The road becomes Hatchers Pass Road and Summit Lake is located at mile 19, just 2 miles past the turnoff for Independence Mine State Park. Summit Lake is found at the cirque of a long since melted glacier. From this point the Susitna valley and Western Alaska Range can be seen on clear days.
Website: www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/summit.htm
Glacier Park & Matanuska Glacier
An amazing scenic drive exists along Alaska Highway 1/Glenn Highway, heading northwest out of Palmer. Tight turns and sheer cliffs will cause grips to tighten, but eyes will widen with the increase in elevation and mountains looming overhead. At mile 102 resides Matanuska Glacier in Glacier Park. An astonishing 24 miles long and 4 miles wide, it is the largest glacier accessible by car in Alaska. From the parking lot a 15 minute hike will bring visitors to the edge of the ice flow. People are free to explore on their own, but for a more rewarding experience, consider a guided tour with glacial lessons and ice climbing.
Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Continuing further along Alaska Highway 1, and a day’s drive from Anchorage, is Wrangell – St. Elias National Park & Preserve. Visitors to this park can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, backcountry cabin rentals, and some ATV use on designated trails only. Wrangell – St. Elias affords a lifetime of adventure within its 13.2 million acres of untamed wilderness. It is home to 9 of North America’s 16 highest peaks. Large mammal inhabitants include mountain goats, caribou, moose, brown/grizzly bear, black bear and bison. Smaller mammals include lynx, wolverine, wolves, beaver, snowshoe hare, and more. Larger than Vermont and Rhode Island combined, this is the park of parks.
Access: Alaska 1/Glenn Highway to Alaska 4/Richardson Highway, Mile 106.8 (Ranger Stations also in Slana, Chitina and Yakutat)
Website: www.nps.gov/wrst/
Map: www.nps.gov/wrst/
Denali National Park
Denali is the National Park Service’s claim to fame, boasting North America’s tallest mountain, Mt. McKinley at 20,320 feet. This monolith of minerals can be seen from hundreds of miles away on a clear day and the surrounding park includes 6 million pristine yet intimidating acres of protected land. From a park bus tour or backcountry hike, anticipate seeing moose, caribou, dall sheep, a wolf crossing open ground, or perhaps even a grizzly bear. Reaching the park can take roughly 4 – 5 hours from Anchorage but is easily done. Drive Glenn Highway north to Palmer. Then follow Alaska 3/Parks Highway north for 202 miles. Be sure to plan trips well in advance. Backcountry camping requires special permits, ample knowledge and equipment such as bear proof containers. Mountaineering requires a 60-day pre-registration, giving rangers enough time to assist you before reaching base camp in Talkeetna where mountaineering courses are also held. In addition to the park entrance fee, $200 is required for mountaineering. Whether planning a half, full or multi-day trip, Denali is a highly recommended and rewarding Alaskan adventure.
Access: Parks Highway, mile 237
Website: www.nps.gov/dena
Map: www.nps.gov/dena
Chugach National Forest
The Chugach National Forest is made up of 5.4 million acres of some of Alaska’s most breathtaking landscape. It extends over an area from Girdwood up into the heart of the Chugach Mountains, all of Prince William Sound, and much of the Kenai Peninsula. Rain forest, glaciers, rugged mountains, Pacific shoreline and aquatic wildlife can all be seen here. Throughout the forest there are ample opportunities to hike and ride in this natural masterpiece of a playground. The interior can be accessed by foot, boat and kayak within the many fjords, or by aerial taxi. 40 or so cabins ranging from $25 - $45 per day are also available. Many require the use of a boat or aircraft to be reached, although, some are accessible with a mere hike.
Access: Multiple access points - Offices located in Girdwood, Cordova and Seward. Begich Boggs Visitor Center – Portage Valley Road, 50 miles south of Anchorage off Seward Highway. Nautical access from Whittier, Seward, Valdez or Cordova with service and guide providers present.
Website: www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/
Kanai Peninsula Parks and Public Lands
Multiple recreational and protected lands exist as part of the Kenai Peninsula. They offer world renowned views of migrating birds, seals, whales, sea otters and other marine life. Sta rting from the furthest north and working south, visitors may wish to explore the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge with camping, canoeing, hiking trails, cabin rentals, fishing and wildlife viewing.
Access: Wildlife Refuge headquarters are located in Soldotna off of Sterling Highway/Alaska 1, north of Homer. Hope Point Trail and Rock Trail and out of Hope also lead to the refuge.
Website: http://kenai.fws.gov/index.htm
Map: http://kenai.fws.gov/pdf/PDF_web_map.pdf
From Homer, an authorized air or water taxi service can be taken to reach the Kachemak Bay State Park. Public mooring buoys also exist for private boats. Once in the park, over 80 miles of trails can be explored leisurely or enjoy a day on the shoreline. Halibut Cove is one of the more popular destinations, and camping is permitted throughout most of the park. Public use cabins are available for rent through the park office.
Access: From Homer via personal watercraft, or air/water taxi service – No roads to this park.
Website: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/kbay/kbay.htm
Map: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/kbay/kbaymap.htm
With air or water taxi service out of Seward, serious adventurers can visit the Kenai Fjords National Park. One road access point exists via Exit Glacier Highway out of Seward; however, it leads to Exit Glacier only. All other shoreline camping and cabin sites are blocked by an ice field. For experienced explorers, it too is open for travel, but most visitors take advantage of the many taxi services located in Seward. The cost of a taxi is well worth the chance to live among the dramatic fjords with their sheer, vertical walls of green and rock, millions of migratory birds, aquatic life and ocean viewing. Hiking, camping, glacier travel and mountaineering can all be experienced within the park’s 600,000 acres.
Access: Land or air taxi service out of Seward
Website: www.nps.gov/kefj/
Map: www.nps.gov/kefj/planyourvisit/upload/KEFJmap1.pdf
Gold Panning
Pondered prospecting lately? With so many creeks, streams and gorges to find gold in, it can be overwhelming for beginners to learn the ropes. New nugget seekers should first take advantage of gold panning tourist sites like Crow Creek Mine of Girdwood, Indian Valley Mine in Indian, or get the inside scoop on local panning from experts like Prospector John at Pioneer Village in Cooper Landing. These locations will provide a bit of history on gold prospecting in Alaska and teach techniques for retrieving gold from sediment and streams.
Once the art of panning has been perfected, attempt panning in one of the many recreation areas dedicated to the past time. A couple popular locations can be found near Hope on the south side of the Turnagain Arm, in the Kenai Peninsula. From the Seward Highway, take the Hope Highway along Sixmile Creek. Within mile .7 to 5, and from the east bank of Sixmile Creek to 200 feet west of the center of the highway, productive prospecting is open to the public. Also, from Hope take Resurrection Creek Road to the Resurrection Pass Trail Head. Public gold panning, as well as some enjoyable hiking, can be experienced there as well.
Other well known gold prospecting areas can be found near Cooper Landing in the Kenai Peninsula; Crow Creek at Girdwood; creeks near Petersville, northwest of Wasilla near Denali; and Hatchers Pass north of Palmer. Taking a trip to the local library is a good way to brush up on productive gold areas, and talking to local supply store owners will provide immediate and beneficial knowledge. When it comes to prospecting though, it’s a good idea to check with the DNR to be sure you’re not invading on private land or registered claims.
Website: DNR Recreational Mining information - www.dnr.state.ak.us/pic/recreate.htm#recmine
Horseback Riding
Horsepower couldn’t get any more enjoyable and allows quicker, easier access to dense backcountry and remote lands. Riders also get a feel for the past when thousands of men and woman migrated into the state on horseback, into the hills, and in search of gold fortunes. Hourly, daily, and overnight trips are provided by a number of regional ranches, and a few offer specialized trips that include hunting, fishing and panning.
Based in Anchorage, Horse Trekkin Alaska provides quick access to Ruth Arcand Park, located on Abbott Road, east of Seward Highway, for enjoyable riding. Big adventures are also provided with hourly, daily and overnight trips into the Chugach State Park. Horse Trekkin provides year-round riding, food and equipment for longer trips and packages for couples and large groups.
100 miles south of Anchorage at Cooper Landing in the Kenai Penninsula can be found Alaska Horsemen Trail Adventures with its pioneer style ranch and a multitude of packaged trips starting with 2 hours at Kenai Lake to multi-day packing trips. AHTA also incorporates paddling, panning for gold, fishing and hunting, and facilitates access to the Kenai Fjords.
Day and pack trips can also be taken out of Palmer into areas such as Hatchers Pass where gold panning is also an option. Or, go the distance to Homer for a thrilling joyride along Kachemak Bay and up the Fox River.
Rock Climbing
Where there are mountains there’s rock climbing and a chance to keep your fingers callused. However, it’s important to note that much of the available rock face that looks appropriate for climbing could in fact be greywacke, brittle rock that’s difficult to climb safely. Stable rock can be found on cliffs along Turnagain Arm and the Seward Highway. Specifically at mile 112.1, trained climbers may want to attempt Boy Scout Rock, but climbing can be found all along the highway.
Other locations to attempt include Hatchers Pass, which comes highly recommended by staff at Alaska Rock Gym, or take a 15 minute bike ride along Powerline Pass in the Chugach State Park to the base of Ptarmigan Peak for some excellent bouldering. Enter the Powerline Trail at the Glen Alps Trail Head parking lot off Toilsome Drive.
Driving, Sightseeing & Wildlife Viewing
On route to any of the activities listed above, sightseeing is part of the package. However, if driving is all that one is looking for, a few specific highways and destinations will provide the most viewing pleasure, in the most convenient amount of time. If time is a concern, expect to lose track of it. Driving in Alaska is unlike anything experienced in other states. A five hour drive in this grand state can go by in an instant. The magnificent scenery keeps your senses and mind busy absorbing all the beauty.
Four defined, scenic drives can be experienced around the Anchorage region. Starting with day drives, follow the Seward Highway, visiting Girdwood, Portage Glacier, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and Seward. The scenery along the Turnagain Arm and through the Kenai Peninsula is inspiring to say the least, and with a little extra time, or as an overnight trip, tack on a visit to Homer and Kachemak Bay. Next, consider heading north to Denali National Park along Parks Highway. Some of the best scenery can be found just north of Anchorage around the Palmer and Wasilla area, and even more so between Talkeetna and Denali while driving along the Susitna and Chulitna Rivers. Wildlife sightings are almost a guarantee, and Denali’s presence puts man’s true stature into perspective.
In the opposite direction, drive northeast out of Palmer along the Glenn Highway past the Matanuska Glacier, to the Wrangell Mountains, along the Richardson Highway, and through the canyons of the Ghugach Mountains to Valdez. Closer to Valdez are a series of waterfalls that make for fantastic photos. Stay in town overnight and head back in the morning to see the landscape in a whole new light.
Last, for those who wish to log some serious miles, take a multi-day, circle tour from Anchorage along the Parks Highway to Denali, then to Fairbanks, perhaps visiting the popular Chena Hot Spring in the process. From Fairbanks take the Richardson Highway south and along the Tenana River to Glenallen, and back to Anchorage along the Glenn Highway. Don’t forget to stop along the way to explore the Matanuska Glacier. Depending on the exact start and end point, this encompassing trip is roughly 780 miles and affords travelers some of the best driving pleasure that Alaska has to offer. Stopping at Denali National Park or Wrangell – St. Elias National Park will also provide overwhelming wildlife viewing and professional grade photo opportunities. Take your time and consider renting an RV for convenience or to satisfy the urge to sit in one place for a spell. And, when in search for wildlife during your drive, the Department of Fish and Game has the facts you need to be in the right place at the right time. Find their guides online at www.adfg.state.ak.us.
Finally, for land travel and adventures, there’s truly no better way to see the interior of the last frontier then aboard an Alaska Railroad train. The Alaska Railroad takes passengers along the shore, past glaciers, through the interior and into remote areas of Alaska that can’t be reached by car. Multiple trips are available, providing each visitor with an up-close look at the true spirit of Alaska between visits to Fairbanks, Talkeetna, Denali, Girdwood, the Kenai Peninsula and more. There’s almost no limit to how much you can do via the Alaska Railroad. From day tours to a 12 day adventure package, the Alaska Railroad combines remote rail travel with glacier cruises, dog sledding, rafting, gold panning, fishing and more. The Alaska Railroad can assist with nearly all of your Alaska adventures and pre-planned packages can be purchased online at www.alaskarailroad.com.
WATER
Scallywags and ocean-goers have found their hydro-haven, with 44,000 miles of oceanic coastline and millions of acres of inland lakes and waterways. In fact, there is more coastal lands in Alaska than all the lower 48 states combined. Activities range from late night hot spring dips to luxury cruises and whale watching. Multiple outfitters in the area have the gear needed for surface exploration, boats, kayaks, canoes and floatation devices, while a few focus on submerged reconnaissance of the underwater world with sales and rental of SCUBA equipment, dry suits and fins. Below is a list of water works you might wish to experience.
Kayaking
Some of the world’s best coastal kayaking can be found within a few hours of Anchorage. The Chugach National Forest coastline and Prince William Sound are easily accessible from Whittier to the southeast of Anchorage or Valdez to the east. Traveling to Valdez is lengthy by car, having to skirt the Chugach Mountains to the northeast and then back south, but it remains to be a great location to launch from or catch a water taxi. Whittier on the other hand can be reached by following the Seward Highway out of Anchorage to Portage Valley Road and through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel that only allows traffic at certain times of the day. You’ll want to check the tunnel schedule online at www.dot.state.ak.us/creg/whittiertunnel/index.shtml before heading off. From either location you’ll have the experience of a lifetime, and kayak rentals and guides are always on hand during the peak season. Call ahead just to be sure they’re not overbooked already.
A sample of the views the Chugach shore provides can be seen online at www.wildnatureimages.com/Chugach_Recreation_Photos.htm, but if the coast in Prince William Sound isn’t what you’re looking for, by all means make your way to Seward to catch a water taxi to the remote coastline of the Kenai Fjords National Park. Either location could afford spectacular views of whales, rare waterfowl, seals, otters and other marine life. Very convincing images to plan a kayaking exploration of the Kenai Fjords National Park coastline can be viewed at www.wildnatureimages.com/Kenai_Fjords_National_Park.htm.
To maximize your enjoyment of these remote and dramatic parks, it is a good idea to plan for multiple days, possibly camping or renting a cabin. For a quick, day trip, kayak from Homer into Kachemak Bay along the shore of Cook Inlet, or cut the driving short and put in at Cooper Landing for the Kenai River. The Kenai River is also widely used for rafting and float fishing. Other excellent kayaking or rafting white water can be found in Ship Creek, extending from Arctic Valley Road to Downtown Anchorage for 4 miles; Bird Creek, running into the Turnagain Arm out of the Chugach State Park for 5 miles; Campbell Creek, from Powerline Pass to Hilltop Ski area for 2.5 miles; Sixmile River, from the East Fork of the river to Sunshine for 9.3 miles; and multiple sections of Eagle River.
Other boating opportunities exist for motorized or sailing vessels. All the largest waterfront communities and tourist destinations have rental shops ready to provide visitors with some sort of aquatic transportation. Check online or with the local visitor center for available outfitters and rental shops. Or, book a tour on one of hundreds of oceangoing ferries, tour boats or cruises. For the cost, this may be the most relaxing and fulfilling way to see some of Alaska’s pristine waterways, nautical life and primitive coastline. A cruise is a hands-free way to absorb the splendor and capture the memories on camera without the worry of navigating over a pod of whales.
Fishing
Fishing in Alaska is everything from fun and entertaining to a way of life and means to survive. For the visitors though, it’s all fun, and finally the fish tales will be true! Just to name a few of the fish species that thrive in Alaska waters, there are halibut; shark; king, sockeye, chum, pink and silver salmon; rainbow trout; artic grayling; dolly varden; northern pike; and much more. The list of finned foods goes on and on, and don’t forget about crabs and clams. Alaska waters support a buffet of sport fish and trophy dinners.
For salt water fishing, take a charter out of Homer, Seward, Whittier or Valdez. There are more choices for charters then you can shake a fishing pole at, but a good way to find the one that’s right for you is online research or better yet, directly from the local visitor center staff. Many charters are combined with package trips and tours. Investigate different packages offered by lodges and hotels in the area in order to get the most for the money. Or, as part of an Alaska Railway adventure, choose a tour that also includes fishing.
Inland, there is no limit to the number of fishing holes, and fishing hotspots are labeled on many maps. Recreation maps with public fishing locations can be found int the local interest section of a large bookstore chain or go online to the state’s Department of Fish and Game website at www.adfg.state.ak.us. Fish species identification, rules and regulations, locations and seasonal runs, as well as license fees can all be found on this resource.
As with most activities, local suppliers often know best. Consult with them to learn what the fish are thinking and where one might find dinner swimming along, waiting for the bait. Surprising to many, fishing hotspots are often in the most public of places. Each year, thousands of fisherman pace the bank of Ship Creek that runs past Downtown Anchorage. Most streams and connected lakes around Palmer, Wasilla and Willow are productive. Along Parks Highway, between Wasilla and the Denali Park Highway, there are in the neighborhood of 22 public fishing sites alone, some with developed facilities. In the Kenai Peninsula, the Kenai River and its tributaries offer some of the most rewarding and action packed fishing experiences in the northern hemisphere.
Unless the season is all wrong, no one should leave Alaska with an empty creel. In the event of bad luck or loss of fisherman’s instincts, consult a guide. The money spent will be well worth the thousand or so times you tell others about your 60 pound king salmon. For the best experience, Alaska is filled with fishing lodges and camps, many of which are located in remote productive fishing areas. Try to find one that fits your budget while providing guides. Some lodges support fishing right from the front deck, while others go all out, providing aerial service to nearby spawning grounds or headwaters where visitors can start float fishing back to the lodge. These all-inclusive lodges often combine wildlife viewing, flightseeing, fishing and relaxation all into one carefree vacation.
AERIAL
Finding your inner Airborne Ranger doesn’t have to require a life of military discipline. Take to the skies from one of the regions multiple airports. Anchorage boasts the world’s busiest seaplane port, Lake Hood, as well as a large-scale private aircraft port, Merrill Field, which is owned by the City of Anchorage. Flight services range from air tours for flightseeing to backcountry drop-offs with both planes and choppers. Then, for the hot-blooded daredevils, there’s parasailing and sky diving. For those who are more mild, ziplines provide a bird’s eye view of the world while safely gliding across gorges and rivers. There’s no limit to the aerial expertise in the area, but referrals, licenses and insurance should be taken into strong consideration.
If flightseeing is your fancy, first decide between taking a helicopter tour or chartering a plane. Helicopters allow for hovering and precise maneuvering to get the best pictures possible of wildlife and scenery. Planes on the other hand are more often used for long range travel and hauling equipment and supplies to remote camps. That being said, Alaskan’s have perfected the use of planes in the backcountry, landing on glaciers, lakes, rivers, meadows and tundra.
There are a number of high profile locations to choose from for flightseeing. Consult with charter about visiting Denali National Park, Wrangell – St. Elias National Park, the Chugach Mountain Range, Prince William Sound, Kenai Fjords National Park, or the Cook Inlet. Many of these locations can be reached within an hour or two of flight time. That means passengers can get an amazing tour without shelling out too much cash.
Prices for flights range from $50 per person for a quick takeoff and circle of the nearby land and water to hundreds of dollars for more lengthy trips. An exciting experience could cost as little as $150-250 and $50 or so more will often include landing for brief walkabouts. Tours in this range will usually last one to two hours. To get the biggest bang for your buck, pay for a taxi service to visit a remote fishing lodge. This is the best way to get flightseeing, backcountry travel, fishing and wildlife viewing wrapped up into one trip, and many of the services are included into package prices. For flight services organized by the destination you desire, see www.anchorage.net/601.cfm.
Now as we all know, human’s have always been limited in air travel, so that leaves us with paragliding and skydiving for adventure in the air. Like many tourist destinations, a number of providers have set up shop for thrill seekers, and paragliding has become a specialized addition to Alaskan adventures. This is due to the number elevated and windy launch points. Also, what would paragliding be without the awe inspiring grandeur of our local mountains, valleys and rivers? Only in dreams can most people glide through the air over such majestic scenery. Here in Alaska, however, paragliding is all too real and shouldn’t be missed.
For those with equipment and experience, popular launch points can be found in Wasilla; Summit Lake and Marmott Hill in Hatchers Pass, north of Palmer; Eagle River; Alyeska in Girdwood; and from Flattop Mountain on the eastern slopes of Anchorage. These locations are also used for training or tandem trips for tourists. For service providers and announcements, consult with the statewide paragliding association, Artic Airwalkers. Find them online at www.arcticairwalkers.com. A few schools and guides include Midnight Sun Paragliding, Alaska Paragliding and Alyeska Adventures. Tandem flights will cost in the range of $190. For a map of Anchorage area paragliding locations and descriptions, visit www.midnightsunparagliding.com/sites.
Skydiving is a little more limited, but available. From the plane or during the descent, spectacular views can be seen in hundreds of miles in all directions… if you can keep your eyes open. Out of Anchorage, check with Skydive Alaska, www.alaska-skydiving.com. Student rates and video packages are available. In Wasilla is Alaska Sky Sports. Their information and rates can be found at www.alaskaskysports.com.
ADVENTURE UNLIMITED
It’s easy to see why Alaska can draw more than 1.6 million travelers to such a far-away land. Many are in search of life’s best adventures, and with so many activities to explore and such an array of environments, Alaska provides guaranteed memories and stories that will last a lifetime. And inevitably, as the “last frontier”, Alaska hides exciting thrills yet to be discovered. Look no further than where adventure is unlimited.
|
|
|
|
