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Few places in the United States can boast as much natural outdoor beauty as Alaska.
When it comes to gorgeous untamed wilderness and neverending mountainous vistas, this state wins hands down. From magnificent snow-capped peaks to serene lakes teeming with fish, Alaska offers an outdoor vacation that’s hard to beat.
Getting to (and Around) Alaska
If you’re flying into Alaska, your main choices are Anchorage in the south of the state or Fairbanks in the north. There are numerous smaller airports, but cost-wise you will probably want to stick to one of the two big ones.
One way to maximize your Alaska trip and see more of the state is to fly into one of the airports and out of the other. Then you have a choice of how you’ll get from one to the other — by car or train. The trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks (or vice versa) is just under 350 miles, and you will get breathtaking views of Denali on the way.
If you opt for the train journey through the Alaskan outdoors, you will be in for a treat. It crosses the 700-foot Mears Memorial bridge and clings to the side of Nenana River Canyon. Plus, it also takes you across Hurricane Gulch Bridge – all 918 feet of it!
Playing in the Alaska Outdoors
Sports and leisure opportunities abound in Alaska. Whether you prefer to go backpacking in Denali National Park, or dog mushing near Fairbanks, you’ll find something new to experience. (Note: If you intend to spend the night camping in Denali National Park you will need to make a reservation to do so as the park has strict monitoring processes in place.)
Fishing, canoeing on the lakes, photographing the natural wildlife, and panning for gold offer more sedate past times while still giving you the full outdoor experience. You’ll even find you can have a round of golf or two if you’re missing your usual tee time!
On the other side of the spectrum, Alaska is a great state for extreme sports. Rock climbing, heli-skiing, and rafting are also available for those who enjoy the thrill and adventure. Plus, there is always the adrenaline-inducing rush of knowing you could come face-to-face with a bear at every turn in the trail.
Alaska has a lot more to offer than snow and ice. A trip to the last frontier will leave you wishing you had longer to spend in the state. You’ll probably end up planning your return trip on the plane ride home.
