Alaska

A Brief Tourist Guide of Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage was originally established as a railroad construction port for the then-soon to be constructed Alaska Railroad in 1914 and by 1920 shortly after the railroad was finished Anchorage became an incorporated city – centered on the railroad. But between 1930 and 1950 Anchorage quickly became a vital for air transportation with the construction of Anchorage International Airport and for the military as the US Army and Air Force built bases in the area. When oil was discovered in nearby Prudhoe Bay, Anchorage had grown rapidly from the tent city of its early days to a modern metropolis as the city merged with several other localities – the localities of Eagle River, Girdwood and Glen Alps – to create Municipality of Anchorage in 1968. And by the 1980s, the city was growing even further with several different capital projects and an immense beautification project, which took place. Indeed much of the capital projects and beautification projects that took place were largely inspired by the March 1964 earthquake, which devastated the Anchorage area, killing over 115 people and causing almost $2 billion worth of damage.

Unsurprisingly, each of the merged localities has their own distinct personalities and all are known for their varying local cultures, which are quite distinct from Anchorage proper. It is believed by many that the local geography of the Anchorage area inspires such distinct cultures – Anchorage proper lies on a strip of coastal lowlands which extends to the lower alpine slows of the Chugach Mountains on the eastern end, at the southern end of Anchorage is the Turnagain Arm, an ancient fjord known for some of the world’s highest and most dangerous tidal movements, and the Knik Arm, another tidal inlet forms the northwestern most border. And although the Chugach Mountains and the Chugach National Forest have prevented developments on Anchorage ’s eastern side, it is still considered a part of the municipal area. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough (commonly referred to as the Mat-Su Valley to locals) is frequently considered a “bedroom community” or a suburb to Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula which has been largely known for its salmon and salmon enhancement, and the Valdez-Cordova Census Area which is a largely an unorganized collection of nearby towns and villages all have their distinct stamps which a visitor might find truly fascinating. Overall, the entire land area of the Anchorage Municipal Area is larger than the land area comprising the entire state of Rhode Island.

Whenever you’re in the Anchorage area, don’t be surprised to come across all sorts of wildlife in the area. Bears are a regular sight to the Anchorage area as more than 250 black bears and 60 grizzly bears live in the surrounding areas. And Moose is an even more common sight as there can be anywhere between 250-1000 moose in the area as well. Public ski trails have been routinely charged by moose. Wolves and foxes have also been commonly found in the area as well.

Sports are also pretty big in the area although there are only two major professional sporting teams of any sort in the area, including the Alaska Aces of the ECHL and the Alaska Wild, an arena football team in the Indoor Football League. The University of Alaska, Anchorage also has a Division 1 hockey team, the Seawolves that frequently competes in the NCAA Hockey tournament. And a third professional team, the Alaska Dream is slated to play in the ABA this year.

For more information on Anchorage, visit http://www.anchorageblog.net and http://www.anchoragemicroblog.com.

Alaska

Ski Alaska: the Steep, the Deep and the Dangerous

Alaska. The very name sends a chill down the spine of most skiers and snowboarder. Famed for the extremely steep terrain, this American state is know for being the territory of the most experienced skiers and snowboarders in the world.

The steep, sharp tooth-like mountains of Alaska are unmistakable. Every year the snow sports press run pictures of skiers of snowboarders that resemble ants as they riding down these awesome mountains, chancing their lives away, and illustrating the size and remoteness of the Alaskan ranges.

Alaska has a handful of ski resorts such as Alyeska, Mount Eyak Ski Area, and Mount Aurora SkiLand (home to the most northerly chairlift in North America!) but it’s the big, backcountry descents on the steep mountains with weightless powder snow, which is Alaska’s main draw. Some of the most dangerous first descents in the world have been made in Alaska; it’s a land of heli-skiing, hiking, and backcountry snow sports.

Alaska still has very much a frontier feel; its ski areas are yet to become heavily commercialised as other resorts in North America have. The fact that Alaska is a long way from the majority of the North America population means that lift lines are rarely an issue, and you’re likely to have plenty of space to yourself once you’re on the hill.

Alyeska, is Alaska’s premier ski resort and was recently voted as one of the top 25 ski resorts in North America by Ski Magazine. In contrast to Alaska’s expert only reputation, Alyeska is known for offering territory of all activities and is popular with families. With an average snowfall of more than 631 inches (16 meters!) it likely to be some time before Global warming starts to affect in Alaska, and with its northerly latitude, the winter is long – starting in mid November and continuing until April and even longer if conditions permit. There are 1400 acres of ski-able terrain, all served by 9 lifts and have a capacity of 10335 skiers per hour.

There is some accommodation in Alyeska itself, but if you prefer greater choice and more nightlife in a city environment, there are a range of hotels in Anchorage, which, at just 40 miles away, makes a day trip perfectly feasible.

But, if you fancy heading north to Alaska for a ski or snowboard trip, remember to bring your thermals. Alaska snow is the coldest in the USA, but that’s what keeps the powder so fresh.

Alaska

Yes – Why Not Visit Alaska

In Bering Land Bridge National Preserve you will find a bridge that connected Asia to North America and is 13,000 years old. Archeologists believe that it was this bridge from where the Asians, their animals & plants, crossed over to North America, during the glacial epoch.

Sitka National Historical Park is considered to be the oldest in Alaska. It was established in 1904 & after a Fort (Kiksadi) was built there when the conflict between the Natives and Europeans took place.

In this 107 acre Park you have scenic beauty of a temperate rain forest in Summer. This structure shows the Architecture of Russia, their refurbished quarters and the Chapel of Annunciation. You will find many trails here.

Alaska Heritage Library and Museum features ancient Alaska culture, rare paintings by Sydney Lawrence, baskets and artifacts. Many photos and books by different authors are also there.

In Alaskan Botanical Garden you will find easy walking trails to the two parts of the Garden. Most Alaskan vegetation can be found there.

The Animals in Alaska Zoo were brought after they were found injured or orphaned. The authorities got them there and healed them. They were not fit enough to return to the wild so they were settled there. They are Ringtail Seal, Musk Ox, Trumpeter & Tundra Swans, Wolverine, Moose, Fox and Lynx. African & Asian Elephants can also be found there.

Shuyak Island State Park is spread over 47,000 acres of vast Coastal Forest land. The Park has miles of rugged Coastline, Beaches and protected Water Ways. The location of this island is 54 air miles North of Kodiak, Alaska.

The Forest & Water of this area plays host to many birds and animals. Kodiak Brown Bear, Sitka Black-tailed Deer share the place with Sea Lions, Whales, Harbor Seals and Dall porpoises.

Denali State Park is 100 air miles North of Anchorage and is roughly divided by St George Parks Highway. It holds a vast Territory of 3, 25,240.acres of spectacular beauty. This is an ideal place for family picnic as you can camp or explore the wilderness. It was established in 1970 and expanded to its present size in 1976.

Point Bridget State Park is a beautiful 2850 acres Park established in 1988 after a lot of campaigning by the Juneau State. It has many facilities like Stunning Views, Meadows, Cliffs, Salmon Spawning Streams, Rocky Beaches and the Sea. In winter you have a beautiful ski-resort.

Wood-Tikchik State Park has big Lakes stretching for 15 to 45 miles with crystal clear water and it’s a delight to watch Nature’s beauty. Nushagak lowlands on one side and Wood River Mountains to the West make it a fertile terrain with lots of vegetation.

High V-shaped valleys and streams flowing through these valleys makes it a must see for every visitor.

A Sea side park with lake & a rainbow and whoever wants to see the remains of World War II is welcome here. R.V. campers are encouraged to use the over flow parking area. The picnic area should be pre-booked.

To reach Caines Head State Recreation Area & Resurrection Bay State Marine Parks you need a Boat or you can walk from Seward. It is situated in a World War II abandoned Fort. Its big headland rises above the Sea and with Alpine in the backdrop you get a spectacular view of the North Pacific Ocean.

It’s Beaches have been a Shopper’s paradise for Boatmen and Fishermen. The visitors are also invited to Fort McGilvray, the South Beach garrison and lots of natural surroundings in this 6000 acres State recreational area.

Bay’s most scenic anchorage, Thumb Cove SMP, is a spectacular place full of Rocks & Waterfalls. It offers a Marine respite from the usual afternoon’s Wind and Waves. Two Cabins – Porcupine Glacier & Spruce Glacier, can be rented.

Unique and completely different than the other State Parks, Nancy State Recreation Area has a beautiful and still Lake. Here you can do Fishing, Hiking, Canoeing and Camping. In Winter this place is ideal for Cross Country Sking, Snow-Machining and Dog Mushing.

The Kenai River Management Area is an area where you can see lots of wild life collecting food. Bald Eagles, Wolves, Bear, Moose and lots of wild animals use the lengthy River for providing food. Chinook Salmon or Kenai River Kings are the heaviest of all North American Salmons.

A visitor can Fish, Hunt, Hike or just enjoy the cool atmosphere at Afognak Island State Park. This 48,742 acres are located on Afognak island. Big Tonki Bay is a gift for Salmon Fishing.

A variety of wildlife can be observed at Captain Cook State Recreation Area. Much of the adjoining forests animals come to the Stormy Lake for filling their appetite. Cayote, Bear, Moose, Harbor Seals, Beaver, Bald Eagles, Sandhill Cranes, Muskrat, Golden Eye Ducks, Beluga Whales, Arctic & Common Loons, Warblers, Thrushes and Jays are all by the River sides.

You can also do Canoeing & Boating on Stormy Lake or Beach Surfing on Cook’s tide swept shores.

In every season millions of Razor Clams at Clam Gulch State Recreation Area are harvested from the adjoining areas near its Beaches. The recreation area offers a panoramic view of the Mountain Ranges to the visitors.

Why not check out Alaska in your Holidays.

Alaska

Visit Alaska And Enjoy The Cheapest Vacation Within Your Budget

Are you feeling dull and stressed because of the busy city life and want to go for a vacation? The best place to relax from all these is “Alaska”.

Most people love to go on a vacation but almost all are worried about the cost of their vacation. Each and every year the cost of traveling is flying high. Visiting a foreign place is a dream for several people even today. The only place that you feel to visit for the second time is surely the Alaska, you will surely love to go there and experience it again and again.

So, what is that greatness about Alaska that makes many people visit it again and again?

People who have not visited “Alaska” think that it is a place that is covered with snow all over the year, so you will have less activity to do. Some people even think that spending a vacation there is really boring so, they do not even think of planning a vacation there. But this is not true.

In fact, those who have visited Alaska once will be waiting for the chance to go back once again. There are few places in Alaska where the number of wildlife is more than the local residents. You should also know that this is the largest state in the United States and you can expect a lot from this huge and fascinating state.

“Juneau” is a must visit place in Alaska. The only way to go to this place is by plane or boat. This place is a wild forest where there is no road even to go by car. Surprises are present in each and every step of this place which has wildlife and beautiful nature.

The best way to see the nature of Alaska is through flying. Flight-seeing is very popular among tourists and this is also one way to get familiarized with the local activities of the natives.

Train is another way to see the state’s enchanting beauty. Luxury domed-topped club-cars will take you on a ride to see wildlife, valleys, and mountains. Even if the train is not available to all the places, you can surely enjoy traveling and exploring on-board a luxurious transport.

Cruising is another activity that is very famous in Alaska. So, there are lots of activities to choose from Alaska. Exploring the mountains, rainforests and wildlife of Alaska with the luxury of a cruise is really an experience in life time.

There are wild reserves and national parks that you can also visit. You can even go skiing, snowboarding, fishing, and dog sledding. Make the necessary reservations now so that you will have fewer worries when vacation time arrives.

Alaska

Visit Alaska And Enjoy The Cheapest Vacation Within Your Budget

Are you feeling dull and stressed because of the busy city life and want to go for a vacation? The best place to relax from all these is “Alaska”.

Most people love to go on a vacation but almost all are worried about the cost of their vacation. Each and every year the cost of traveling is flying high. Visiting a foreign place is a dream for several people even today. The only place that you feel to visit for the second time is surely the Alaska, you will surely love to go there and experience it again and again.

So, what is that greatness about Alaska that makes many people visit it again and again?

People who have not visited “Alaska” think that it is a place that is covered with snow all over the year, so you will have less activity to do. Some people even think that spending a vacation there is really boring so, they do not even think of planning a vacation there. But this is not true.

In fact, those who have visited Alaska once will be waiting for the chance to go back once again. There are few places in Alaska where the number of wildlife is more than the local residents. You should also know that this is the largest state in the United States and you can expect a lot from this huge and fascinating state.

“Juneau” is a must visit place in Alaska. The only way to go to this place is by plane or boat. This place is a wild forest where there is no road even to go by car. Surprises are present in each and every step of this place which has wildlife and beautiful nature.

The best way to see the nature of Alaska is through flying. Flight-seeing is very popular among tourists and this is also one way to get familiarized with the local activities of the natives.

Train is another way to see the state’s enchanting beauty. Luxury domed-topped club-cars will take you on a ride to see wildlife, valleys, and mountains. Even if the train is not available to all the places, you can surely enjoy traveling and exploring on-board a luxurious transport.

Cruising is another activity that is very famous in Alaska. So, there are lots of activities to choose from Alaska. Exploring the mountains, rainforests and wildlife of Alaska with the luxury of a cruise is really an experience in life time.

There are wild reserves and national parks that you can also visit. You can even go skiing, snowboarding, fishing, and dog sledding. Make the necessary reservations now so that you will have fewer worries when vacation time arrives.

Alaska

Why Head Overseas? Check Out Alaska and Canada for Adventure Travel!

With thousands of adventures worldwide, for Americans, Alaska and Canada adventure travel beats just about anything else because of the convenience and awe-inspiring views.

For Americans, there are several advantages to traveling in Alaska and Canada. For one, since Alaska is a US state, you do not need a passport when traveling there by plane or cruise. And, until at least January 8, 2007, Americans do not need a passport when heading to Alaska and Canada for adventure travel activities.
And they speak English… sort of!

One thing that I really like about Alaska and Canada adventure travel is that even in Canada, there is not a huge difference from the United States. Canadian banking systems, hospitals and hospitality are all on par with the United States.

There is one major difference though. I hate to say it, but Canadians are, simply put, nicer and more helpful than my fellow Americans.

The thing is, though, that the same can be said for Alaskans. It must be something about the clean air and water above the 49th parallel that causes this friendliness because Alaskans are also incredibly hospitable.
So, what are some of the best Alaska and Canada adventure travel destinations?

Of course, this is not an extensive list for Alaska and Canada adventure travel but a great place to start. To get more details about each of the locations / topics below, please visit our website Odyssey Adventure Travel at:
http://www.odyssey-adventure-travel.com/alaska-canada-adventure-travel.html

Hiking / Trekking in Alaska

Anchorage, Barlett Cove, Chena River State Recreation Area, Chugach National Forest, Copper River Delta, Cordova, Dalton Highway, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Girdwood, Gustavus, Haines, Homer, Juneau, Kachemak Bay State Park, Katmai National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Kennecott / McCarthy Area, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Seward, Sitka, Skagway, Unalaska Area, Valdez, Wrangell

Hiking / Trekking in Canada

Glacier National Park, Yoho National Park, Kottenay National Park, Banff National Park, Waterton National Park

Mountain Biking Tours / Cycling in Alaska

Anchorage, Chugach National Forest, Copper River Highway, Denali Highway, Fairbanks, Gustavus, Haines, Homer, Jakolof Bay, Juneau, Kennecott / McCarthy Area, Ketchikan, Kluane to Chilkat, International Bike Relay, Nome, Skagway, Valdez

Mountain Biking Tours / Cycling in Canada
Banff — Start at Banff then over Vermillion and Sinclair Passes, head south through Kootenay National Park, north through the Columbia River Valley to Golden in Yoho National Park, then on to Lake Louise and back to Banff.
Icefields — Start at Icefields to Jasper to Banff past Sunwapta Falls, Columbia Icefields and Lake Louise
Nova Scotia — Start at Nova Scotia through Halifax, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg and Windsor

Skiing / Snowboarding in Alaska
Alyeska Ski Resort
907-754-2111

Toll Free: 1-800-880-3880

Girdwood, Alaska

Sking / Snowboarding in Canada
Banff Ski Resort
Alberta, Canada

Toll free within North America:

1-87-SKI-BANFF

Outside North America:

1-403-277-7669

Reservations & Ski Packages:

1-877-542-2633
Jasper Marmot Basin
Alberta, Canada

Email: info@skijaspercanada.com

Tel: 780-852-5247

Toll Free: 1-800-473-8135
Whistler Ski Areas
Alberta, Canada

Whistler: 604.932.3434

Toll-Free within North America:

1.800.766.0449

Toll-Free within the UK:

0800-587-1743

E-mail: Guest Relations
Mont Tremblant Ski Resort
Quebec, Canada

1-888-738-1777

(Overseas: 1-514-876-7273)

White Water Rafting in Alaska

Anchorage, Copper River Delta, Denali National Park, Kenai River, Kennecott / McCarthy Area, Kongakut River, Stikine River, Talkeetna River, Tatshenshini River, Valdez

White Water Rafting in Canada

Jacques-Cartier River, Quebec, Kicking Horse River, Rouge River, Chilco / Chilcotin River

Of course, there are hundreds of great places in Alaska and Canada for adventure travel. And I am always adding to this list so be sure to check back often.

Of course, there are hundreds of great places in Alaska and Canada for adventure travel. And I am always adding to this list so be sure to check back often.

Alaska

Sheri Tingey, Alaska Entrepreneur Extraordinaire

Today, Sheri Tingey, who is age 60, runs a family business called Alpacka Raft, which has created and built a series of ultra light, packable rafts for use in long distance backpacking and wilderness racing.

Sometimes, a “new” business opportunity can begin with a challenge or a question from a friend or a loved one. And, that’s exactly what happened when Sheri’s son, Thor, asked his Mom to come up with a light-weight raft that could stand up to some of the most demanding parts of Alaska’s wilderness in a sport, where he was an enthusiast.

In the first year, Sheri Tingey’s Alpacka Raft sold 200 carefully crafted units, but had demand beginning to pick up outside of her Alaska base. In other words, if the rafts were strong enough to withstand Alaska’s wilderness, then challenges from the Lower 48 would be easily surmountable, many potential buyers must have thought. In the process, sales have inched up from 200 to 300 to 400 and, this year, Tingey estimates that her sales will top 700 units from her whole product line with approximately $500 thousand in sales.

So, how did she wind up in Alaska so far away from her Arizona roots? After graduation from the University of Oregon with a degree in Physical Education, Sheri headed to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to ski for just “one season” before getting on with the real world. But, while she was there, she fell in love with skiing and tried to figure out a way to make a living besides waitressing. That is how she happened to start her first business, which involved making custom ski wear. Her one-piece snow gear for skiers at the time was sold through six retail shops around the US including Sun Valley, Idaho, Aspen and Vail, Colorado, Alta and Snowbird, Utah, Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Lake Placid, New York. In that chapter of her life, Sheri would ski all day and, then, she sewed late in the evening every night.

After selling her “Design by Sheri” business, which she ran from 1967 to 1982 and which was based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, she and her husband together with their two children moved to Alaska primarily because of a job offer for her husband. But, Sheri had also wanted to sell her business, in part, due to a series of health-related challenges she was experiencing, including chronic fatigue syndrome.

After moving to Alaska, Tingey again tried to sew, but the effort simply drained her. She desperately wanted her old energy level back and, as a consequence, felt rotten because it just wasn’t coming back. At the time, her children were small and there were no programs available for them in the Alaska Bush. So, she wound up starting both a swimming and a gymnastics program for rural Alaska kids. Further, since Sheri was able to control the hours, she could also closely monitor how much energy she put out. Doing those morning or afternoon only programs, she could work these job assignments into the three good hours she had each day, where she functioned somewhat normally.

Today, Sheri has been married to her husband Ralph Tingey for 30 years. But, Sheri’s inspiration for her current business, which came at the point in life, where she was just beginning to feel good again after a nearly 20 year battle back to health, was and is her son Thor. For his part, Thor Tingey recently took several steps back from the business in order to attend law school. So, Tingey has recently taken a partner, Jim Jager, into the business to help her accomplish some of the things Thor or her husband had previously done in the business up to the time that a suitable business partner could be found. Finally, Sheri’s daughter Daphne, who is 23, will be resuming school this Fall near Boulder, Colorado, where she will continue her junior year at Naropa University in Psychology.

For Sheri Tingey and her husband, they had always wanted to move to Alaska, which she described as a state that someone either really loves or they leave it. From the beginning, she said, she and her family always kept a large dog team for racing in Alaska, even when her kids were little. Plus, she said that despite her chronic fatigue, running her dogs was not as tiring as someone might think and she very much enjoyed the experience. She really loves the wilderness in Alaska, she said, because it offers wonderful freedom to its residents. In addition, Sheri also loves to fish, hike, climb and do any kind of boating. Plus, she loves animals. And, Sheri still loves to sew and to build (which for her means carpentry work). In fact, Tingey describes the similarities between sewing and carpentry and said it was unfortunate that more people, both men and women, don’t enjoy the cross-over benefits of both disciplines. Finally, Sheri loves to read too.

In terms of her health struggles, changing her MD to someone else, who was willing to try some alternative approaches to medicine, made all the difference in regaining her health. Not just vitamins, but Sheri was willing to experiment with a wider range of treatment options than most physicians are willing to utilize. In the end, this alternative medicine approach essentially worked for her. Interestingly, Sheri’s health had substantially improved just at the point of her son’s challenge.

In turn, Mom Tingey was then excited and challenged to return to the passion of her life, which has long been design. As a child, her grandmother had taught her to sew. But, she came by the design part of her DNA make up quite naturally.

In the future, Sheri concluded she and her husband may decide to take off from November through the end of January, when Alaska experiences that long night in the state. Like many other Alaskans their age, they would/will then plan to come back by February 1st each year.

Her greatest business challenge comes down to correctly estimating the demand for her product ahead of time each year and, then, having it manufactured by Feathercraft Kayaks, which uses this down time to produce her rafts. For its part, Feathercraft Kayaks has long been known for making amazing folding kayaks. In addition, Tingey has recently overcome still another nagging problem by no longer sub-contracting to her brother-in-law in Phoenix to glue the bottoms into her rafts. Because he had previously used a bothersome glue, she changed back to Feathercraft to finish the raft they had started. Plus, the Feathercraft answer now includes a 100% environmentally friendly solution to gluing the bottom of the raft to complete the finished product. In fact, coming up with an environmentally acceptable glue has long been a challenge for all of the raft manufacturers, she confided.

Today, Sheri Tingey takes pride in her workmanship at Alpacka Raft. Now that she has been given a second chance in life to be a designer, she simply wants to make each raft last. Her short-hand way of putting it is this: “I’m just too old to make junk.” From being a classic, drop-through-the-cracks kid, Sheri has found her niche, where she excels. Plus, she makes a quality product that anyone would be proud to call their own. Since her rafts can easily last for 15 to 20 years, each year, she has to find a whole series of new customers. But, each new raft she plans and makes is built to last. And, that’s why Sheri Tingey easily qualifies as our “Alaska Entrepreneur Extraordinaire.”

Alaska

Things to See and Do in Anchorage Alaska

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, covering 1,697 square miles with a population of nearly 280,000 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau – a modern city boasting all that city life has to offer. But Anchorage is also much, much more – a haven for nature, outdoor, and adventure lovers. Wilderness  abounds all around Anchorage.

If you’re planning a trip to Anchorage Alaska, contact the Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor’s Center to get maps, brochures, and a copy of the Anchorage Activities Map so you can scope out some of the many area attractions, activities, and opportunities for adventure. The area enjoys four distinct seasons, and visitors will find special adventures in Anchorage regardless of what time of year they visit.

From fishing and hiking to hunting and exploring, sightseeing and shopping to history and skiing and everything in between – Anchorage truly has it all. The view is spectacular, as the city is bordered by six snow-capped mountain ranges, perfect for Nordic and Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other exciting winter sports. You can also plan an excursion to see the glaciers or go whale watching.

And don’t forget to plan time for kayaking, canoeing and river rafting on a magnificent water way.

Other ideas for activities are almost endless. Go bird watching at Potter Marsh, a wildlife sanctuary just south of Anchorage, and travel via boardwalks to see trumpeter swans, bald eagles, grebes, and more than 130 other bird species. Don a pair of polarized sunglasses and head down to Ship Creek near the downtown train depot to view fishermen at work from a advantageously-placed footbridge that extends over the creek or try your own luck at fishing for King and Coho salmon.

Anchorage boasts a tremendous trail system. Be sure to save some time to take a relaxing walk on the The Anchorage Coastal Trail System or to visit the Eagle River Nature Center.

You can see Alaska via plane (flight-seeing) tours, riding the rails of the Alaska Railroad, or take a day cruise to see sights you won’t see any other way. Ride horseback through Chugach National Park and you might see mountain goats, Dall sheep, bears, or wolves.

Play with husky puppies and learn all about dog sledding, go camping in the great outdoors, visit a musk ox farm, or go to the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. Then learn about the history of Alaska and its native people at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and see native dances, storytelling, singing, native dwellings, native art, and much more on the 26-acre complex that is open from early May through September each year.

The Native Heritage Center will surprise you.  It’s impressive.

The Anchorage Museum of History & Art is also a popular summertime attraction featuring 20,000+ pieces of historical value depicting 10,000 years of Alaskan history and even Russian-American history.

There’s so much to do in Anchorage that you can either plan your itinerary in advance or simply fly in to the Anchorage International airport and create your own spontaneous, action-packed vacation. Either way, with so much to see, your time in Alaska’s beautiful wonderland will fly by.  It may even seem like the day never ends – particularly during the season of the midnight sun!

Alaska

Alaska Fishing Lodge – Bettles Lodge

Often-times we hear people talking about fishing Alaska at certain times of the year. While that may be great for many peoples personal schedule, your trip to Alaska does not have to be limited to windows of time, which is why a year-round Alaska Fishing Lodge like Bettles Lodge is ideal for many fisherman.

Bettles Lodge has the appearance of an Alaskan Fishing Lodge from the past, which can be attributed to the lodge’s history. Bettles was built in 1948, but there is no need to worry about your stay. Even though the main lodge has that beautiful, rustic look of Alaska’s yesteryear, it has been fully updated along with the 18 units that are available. In fact if you stay in one of the second floor houses you will find a billiard table in the game room.

You will also find Bettles Lodge to be a full service Alaska Fishing Lodge, providing it’s guest with plenty of amenities like fish & game licenses, a tackle shop, USGS maps, and equipment rental. If stocking up on fuel is on your mind, you can also purchase aviation and Coleman fuel at Bettles. For comforts off the water there is a restaurant, tavern, gift shop and even a liquor store. In room comforts include a satellite TV, wireless Internet, and of course phone service.

The lodge is located in Bettles, Alaska, 180 miles as the crow flies from Fairbanks. The town is known for being the smallest incorporated city in Alaska. A funny thought when you consider there are around 30 residents in Bettles. This outpost also serves as a departure point for the Gates of the Artic National Park, Brooks Range in Northern Alaska, and Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge.

As you can imagine, by its location, there are many things to do as well as fish. Flight seeing, snowshoe and cross-country skiing in the winter, pan for gold on a homestead, and see the spectacular Northern lights during the months of August and September.

In all, there are many reasons why a stay at Bettles Lodge should be on your Alaska Fishing Lodge List. If you wish to schedule a trip, keep in mind that the area is accessible by boat during the summer and even snow machine weather, and it is also accessible by air. Be sure to bring your camera, as this will be a trip filled with great scenery and wildlife.

Alaska

Alaska Adventure Tourism

Alaska is a great adventure and sightseeing destination for those who love nature’s unspoiled bounties. From tundra wildernesses to Arctic wildlife, Alaska has everything a traveler can ask for and more. That is not all. Alaskan native traditions offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into a time when life was simpler and the human connection to nature much deeper.

Heritage Tours

If you are in Alaska, you should not miss the heritage tours and sightseeing destinations. Once there, you will be introduced to the customs and cultures of native Alaskans. Listen to their folklore, music, and watch their dances, which are a tribute to all that the native Alaskan holds dear – the sea, the rugged mountains and the wildlife that sustained old tribes. You will get a first-hand experience of native culture in the region through museums, shows, and guided tours.

You can also visit old mining towns, established during the Gold Rush. You will discover how the first European prospectors and traders in this place learnt to negotiate against the harsh elements and thrived against great odds.

The Great Wildernesses

Alaska is thinly populated, with Anchorage being the main urban center in the region. The low density of population makes Alaska an ideal tourist getaway – you do not have to worry about walking into crowds of noisy tourists. In the Alaskan wildernesses and nature trails, there is just you and a panorama of natural beauty.

Close to Anchorage are two volcanoes that are, well, smokin’ hot. They spew smoke and lava from time to time, though not enough to pose a danger to the city. Mt. Spurr, Mt. Redoubt, and Mt. McKinley are three of the most well known mountain peaks in Alaska. Your Alaska tour will be incomplete without a hike to the great Alaskan glaciers. They are not very far from Anchorage.

Wildlife

Alaska is home to the great grizzly. Other animal attractions here are black bear, moose, whales, and dozens of bird species. A trip to Alaska is unfinished without a visit to the Alaskan wildlife parks. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is encircled by the Kenai Mountains and has the Cook Inlet to one side. The Kenai Mountains, towering 6000 feet over the plains, shelter rare bald eagles. Other animals found within the sanctuary are mountain goats, wolves, bears, even caribou.

The Chugach National Forest is known for its natural beauty. Consisting of glaciers, rivers, and the Kenai ranges, the Chugach is a favorite destination for fishing enthusiasts. The Denali National Park is the third major national park in Alaska.

Your trip to the Alaska national parks need not be a single day affair. The parks have lodges run by government as well as private operators. You can book comfortable rooms here and enjoy a stay within the lush surroundings of the national parks.

Another much-loved wild denizen of Alaska is the orca whale. Just off the coast of Anchorage are endless opportunities for observing whales in the waters. You can hire boats or book a place on a ferry tour of the coastline.

Alaska has a lot to offer to travel enthusiasts. So pack your bags and set out on the journey of a lifetime, exploring mountain ranges, volcanic stretches, Arctic wildernesses, glaciers, marine life, and wildlife parks in Alaska.

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