Alaska!

Destination-by Air, Land or Sea
At more than twice the size of Texas (571,951 square miles to be exact), planning a trip to Alaska can be very intimidating. The terrain includes misty fjords, colossal glaciers, temperate rain forests and sprawling tundra and is by no means a year-round wall of snow. While there’s certainly a lot of that (a quarter of the state stretches into the Arctic Circle), during the high tourist season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, you can pack in plenty of outdoor adventure. By air, by land or by sea, Alaska is relatively easy to get to, so all you have to do, is map out your optimum itinerary. Here are some great ideas:
Juneau and Mendenhall Glacier
Did you know that Juneau is the only state capital that you must fly into? It’s cut off from the mainland as it’s bordered by water and ice field. It’s a picturesque town filled with history, Native American culture and incredible scenery. Take the Mount Roberts Tram up 1,800 feet to get incredible views of the landscape. Juneau boasts Mendenhall Glacier, one of Alaska’s most accessible and visited glaciers. You can experience it in many ways, from viewing points to getting up there via helicopter. If you are cruising Alaska, you will more than likely experience sailing through Glacier Bay where you will feel small as you are surrounded by ice.

Anchorage and Kenai Peninsula
In the state’s only true metropolis, urban sophistication lives alongside native culture. Anchorage is home to nearly half of Alaska’s population and you can enjoy much food, nightlife and shopping here. From Anchorage, you can take a coastal highway and check out amazing scenery on your way to the Kenai Peninsula to see Kenai Fjords National Park. Or, take the Alaska Railroad if you prefer not to drive. The Fjords are best seen via a day cruise that typically includes a salmon bake, or for the more adventurous, take a kayak tour.

Skagway
Like a post card from Alaska’s Gold Rush past-complete with wooden sidewalks, restored storefronts and saloons, Skagway is a favorite for cruisers. You can take a ride on the historic White Pass & Yukon Railroad or spend some time panning for gold. Quaint and delightful, Skagway is memorable to all.

Denali National Park
Capped by Mount McKinley, this park is Alaska’s most popular attraction, rewarding visitors with wondrous alpine scenery. Take a glass domed train ride from Anchorage or Fairbanks. The views en route are amazing. The park is home to much wildlife—grizzlies, moose, caribou, wolves, and much more. Mount McKinley, the 20,320 foot “beast” can be viewed from many points in the park. The park boasts its own lodges, cabins, and chalets, so spend some time here.

Ketchikan
Another great cruise port which is a mix between fishing and a Native American village.
A main attraction is simply walking down Creek Street and experiencing many quaint shops. The Totem Heritage Center or a visiting the Saxman Indian Village are possible as are float plane tours of the Misty Fjords.

Fairbanks
This is a city on the arctic edge/the northern hub with a gold rush past. It was founded as a mining town and mining is still alive and well. The city is so spread out, that driving is the best way to get around. You can enjoy many museums, parks, and even head 60 miles out to enjoy the Chena Hot Spring.

Alaska is worth seeing and all you need to determine is how much time you have, if you want to fly, drive or cruise and who you will take with you. Alaska just celebrated 50 years, go see what everyone is raving about.

Debby Stevens