Alaska

You'll see tons of animals including bald eagles, bears, moose, muskox, lynx, reindeer, and wolves!  It's a conservation center so they have a great mission.  It is located in Portage Valley and is surrounded by the Chugach Mountain Range and the Turnagain Arm Inlet.   Open 7 days a week, 10 am t...

This beautiful lake is fed by Eklutna Glacier.   There is so much to do here:  Rent bikes or kayaks (bring your own too).  Info about renting is here.   Walk or bike along the trail that wraps around the lake Hike Twin Peaks TrailIf you want a more difficult hike, do Pepper Peak. This hike incorp...

From downtown Kodiak drive southeast on W Rezanof Dr, turn onto Anton Larson Bay Rd north towards Buskin Lake. Follow Anton Larson Rd over the Red Cloud River Bridge and there will be a small turnout to park on just after the bridge. Look to your left and you will see a trail cutting through the ...

Far from where the tourists venture, this is an incredible hang out and camping spot in Juneau. The trailhead is at the 25 mile marker on Glacier Hwy. There are a couple of roads when you exit the highway, but stick to the right and you will end up in an obvious parking lot. From here, there is o...

Someone in my group was lucky enough to find this very cabin available to stay at in the national park, while we all were doing our research for camping spots in our big Alaska National Parks' Trip. We were stoked to be able to stay at such a historic and beautiful place. Getting there was defini...

This is an easy drive with nice views.  On a clear day you can see across Kachemak Bay, showing off glaciers, mountains and Mount Augustine Volcano, a stratovolcano. Start at either West Hill Rd. or East Hill Rd.  Then turn left or right onto Skyline Dr.  Other recommendations in the area: We had...

Creek Street is a historic boardwalk that is on the bank of Ketchikan Creek.  You can take a stroll along the boardwalk and venture over to the Salmon Ladder Vista, to see loads of salmon working hard to go upstream.  If you are luck, you might be able to see the creek swarming with salmon trying...

Mount Robert's Tramway offers amazing views from the air, as well as saves you a trek up the mountain side. There are numerous trails to choose from once you get to the top, or just enjoy the ride. You can also visit the nature center to learn more about the wildlife and culture of Alaska.

Ketchikan Creek runs right through city park! You can explore the creek, and even see fish swim by. The Totem Heritage Center is also located in the park, and offers both indoor and outdoor totem poles to marvel at.  You can see how tall you are in comparison to a totem pole. This park has many b...

Eagle Glacier cabin is one of twelve different backcountry cabins in the borough of Juneau, Alaska that are cared for by the National Forest Service and DNR. Some are perched near lakes, some have views of glaciers, others near rocky beaches and salt water. To stay at any of these cabins, you...

Lake Clark National Park has officially made it to my Top 3 of all the national parks I've visited--35 and counting. I'm quite sure my summer home will be right here at this location, when I retire. It only took me 3 days of kayaking and fishing from these very shores to make that decision. I hop...

There are many things to do at Icy Straight Point!  You can explore the rocky beach by kayak, photograph the pier, or skip rocks on the glassy surface. The water here is extremely calm and is great for paddling.  There are also hiking trails nearby that allow you to explore the mountains. Some tr...

Benches line the trail, strategically placed at scenic viewpoints. The Forest Loop Trail is primarily used for hiking, and is best used from March to October. The trail features amazing wild flowers and is great for all skill levels. The trail can be accessed from the lodge or from south of the b...