8-Day Itinerary for Exploring Alaska’s Natural Wonders
Along with its spectacular wildlife, gorgeous fjords and glaciers, Alaska is also a great place to learn about Native Alaskan culture and is an example of Indigenous groups managing authentic tourism experiences that also embrace sustainability.
Alaska Native Richard Perry maps out an eight-day road trip that will help you see the vastness of Alaska while connecting with its wilderness and people.
Why You Should Get to Alaska This Year
From the near-mystical experience of the Northern Lights to incredible glaciers, wilderness, wildlife, mountains, and valleys, you will discover that Alaska is a distinct, vast, and beautiful place. The largest of the USA’s 50 states, Alaska has five different climate regions; often, distances between destinations are discussed in hours rather than miles. Traveling in Alaska is challenging compared to other states, with more than 80 percent of rural communities off the road system and only accessible by small aircraft or bush planes.
Successful in business and vital to the Alaskan economy, the Indigenous population is as diverse and unique as the state. Alaska Native people comprise some 23 languages across various cultural groups, including the Iñupiaq, Yup’ik, Aleut (or Unangan), Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, and Athabascan cultures.
Explore – and Stock Up in – Anchorage
Upon arrival in the Last Frontier, consider checking into Anchorage’s luxurious accommodations. If you’ve arrived hungry, head to downtown Anchorage where local favorites abound, including places where the prices are relatively moderate and the seafood is fresh and delicious. Note that the dress code most everywhere in Alaska is weather-dependent, making casual attire appropriate.
Another great option for lunch or dinner is a local steakhouse that’s been around since the 1950s. The fried Alaskan halibut fingers make for a scrumptious appetizer, and many cuts of meat are available. If you start your day early, consider a mini outdoor adventure, perhaps a quick day hike up Flattop Mountain, which boasts fantastic views of the city and surrounding areas.
Next, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about Alaska Native cultures and lifeways through programs led by Alaska Native people. An Indigenous guide can take you through impressive life-size village sites while showcasing a permanent collection of regalia and other exciting artifacts.
On to Girdwood
It’s time to take to the Seward Highway, one of the most beautiful routes in Alaska, for the 45-minute drive to Girdwood. The road meanders along the shoreline of Turnagain Arm, with the peaks of Chugach State Park rising on your left. Dall sheep may be spotted roaming the steep ledges, and bears could be visible in the distance.
When you arrive in Girdwood, check into a resort set within a valley surrounded by mountain peaks, glaciers, and wilderness. Seek out novel experiences like gold panning at Crow Creek Mine, which allows you to pan for gold in the beautiful creek area surrounded by historic buildings and rustic mining equipment.
Admire Astonishing Glaciers and Fjords
Seward has a dining scene centered around local seafood. After your road trip, take a stroll around town, stopping for a bite at one of the charming local restaurants. The highlight of today could be a four-hour cruise to Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay. You’ll travel along a scenic coastline, complete with views of seabird rookeries, sea lion colonies, and the majestic Bear Glacier.
Exit Glacier is accessible by road and is explorable by foot. If you feel adventurous, you can hike trails leading very close to an active glacier or take a ranger-led walk to see the ice up close. Alternatively, check out the Lowell Point recreation site for spotting marine mammals and birds.
World-Class Seafood and Campfires in Homer
Our next leg takes us on a scenic drive from Seward to Homer. Along the way, watch for volcanoes, mountainscapes, and the occasional bald eagle. Occupying a building dating to 1937, local accommodations offer a charming experience, and you can explore the local art galleries or arrange excursions for bear-watching tours or halibut fishing.
Fresh seafood is a highlight in Homer; check out casual eateries for scrumptious meals. As the sun shines long into the evening during summer, you may find yourself enjoying a campfire on the beach, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under a beautiful sky.
Fish for Salmon While Avoiding Bears
As we continue toward Kenai, the journey features magnificent views. Take a room at a local lodge that boasts stunning amenities and great views. Pass the Kenai and Russian Rivers, where the roads narrow and the scenery intensifies. In the summer, the Russian River teems with sockeye salmon which draws both anglers and bears. Keep a lookout, but remember to practice safety and avoid surprising wildlife.
The hiking in this area is exceptional, with trails suitable for all fitness levels. Just remember to not go solo, make plenty of noise as you move forward on the paths, and carry bear spray for safety.
Take a Few Detours on the Way Back to Anchorage
The return journey takes us back to Anchorage, giving you options to explore further. Consider detouring to Hope, where you can witness groups of eagles soaring overhead along Resurrection Creek. You might also visit a wildlife conservation center that cares for various species native to Alaska, allowing you a chance to see grizzly bears up close.
Depending on the time you have, visiting Portage Glacier offers an excellent opportunity for exploration. Whether you choose to relax beside the glacier-fed lake or take in views of wildlife at Potter Marsh, this final stretch is an inspiring conclusion to your unforgettable journey through Alaska.
