Alaska: Summer Activities

Bike & Brew tour Cycle Alaska’s 4.5-hour guided Bike & Brew tour is a fantastic way to visit Mendenhall Glacier, tour Juneau’s suburbs, and wind down with a visit to the Alaskan Brewing Company all in one shot. Juneau; Cycle Alaska, Mendenhall Valley, 3172 Pioneer Ave.; 907-780-2253; www.cycleak.com
biking | outdoors | brewery

Chugach State Park This half-million-acre wilderness (the third largest state park in America) lies on Anchorage’s doorstep. Hiking, climbing, fishing, rafting, and more can be enjoyed, along with bird’s-eye views of Anchorage. Outer Anchorage; Potter Section House, Mile 115 Seward Hwy.; www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach
hiking | fishing | outdoor | climbing | rafting | state park

Climb Denali Some 1,200 climbers attempt to climb Mt. McKinley’s peak each year. Considered one of the world’s most challenging climbs (averaging about 18 days to ascend), prospective climbers must register two months in advance and pay fees of $200; professional guides can be hired from the park service's Talkeetna Ranger Station. Talkeetna; 907-733-2231; www.nps.gov/dena
hiking | outdoors

Drive the Seward Highway This 127-mile highway traverses the Kenai Peninsula's glistening glaciers, alpine meadows, jagged peaks, and majestic fjords. Many miles of the route wind past waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife, hugging the base of the Chugach Mountains. Watch for grazing sheep and mountain goats amid the cliff tops, and beluga whales swimming the frigid waters below. Kenai Peninsula; From Anchorage to Seward; www.byways.org/explore/byways/10390
road trip | wildlife | outdoors

Glacier Bay An eight-hour Glacier Bay Tour aboard a high-speed catamaran, including lectures by National Park Service naturalists and lunch, provides an intimate seafaring perspective of the 16 spectacular tidewater glaciers that converge in the bay. Dress in warm layers and bring binoculars – humpbacks and orca sightings are a near guarantee. Arrange through the Bartlett Cove visitor services. Glacier Bay National Park; 888-229-8687; www.visitglacierbay.com
cruise | national park | outdoors

Hike Exit Glacier Trail Though hikers have limited access to Kenai Fjord National Park’s periphery, they can easily follow this half-mile trail, which leads along a forested path to the base of Exit Glacier. The option to continue on to the more serious eight-mile Harding Icefield Trail, a fantastic day hike through otherworldly glacial landscapes, is also available. Kenai Fjords National Park; At the end of Herman Leirer/Exit Glacier Rd.; 907-224-7500; www.nps.gov/kefj
hiking | outdoors

Hike Wonder Lake This lake comprises one of the most scenic areas in Denali National Park, providing terrific introductory hiking trails, and great views of Mount McKinley on clear days. Be sure to bring mosquito repellent as the lake area is prone to these pests. Denali National Park; Mile 85; 907-683-2294; www.nps.gov/dena
hiking | outdoors | views

Kodiak Island Mammoth Kodiak Island is home to verdant mountains, salmon-rich streams, glacier-moraine beaches, and 2,000 Kodiak bears (some of the largest bears in the world). Floatplane tours from the Kodiak airport (like those hosted by Andrew Airways) get you to prime bear-viewing perches. Binoculars are a must since guides will keep you at a lengthy and safe distance at all times. July to mid-August is the peak viewing time, when bears congregate for the salmon runs. Kodiak Island; Andrew Airways, Kodiak Airport, State Rd. 99615; 907-487-2566; www.andrewairways.com
smart splurge | outdoors | airplane | editor pick

Mendenhall Glacier The dramatic, bluish-white Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaska’s most accessible and visited glaciers. Part of the ice field that sits in Juneau’s backyard, it can be viewed from a scenic lake-fronted overlook or via several trails that lead up to it (trail maps can be picked up at the onsite visitor’s center). Die-hard adrenaline seekers can even arrange glacial hiking treks. Juneau; Mendenhall Valley, 8465 Old Dairy Rd; 907-789-0097; www.fs.fed.us
family | hiking | outdoors | editor pick

Raft or salmon fish in Talkeetna Located at the junction of the Susitna, Talkeetna, and Chulitna rivers, Talkeetna is a dream destination for river boating, rafting, and salmon fishing trips. Try one of Talkeetna River Guides’ 2-hour, 4-hour, or overnight excursions. Talkeetna; Talkeetna River Guides; 800-353-2677; www.talkeetnariverguides.com
family | outdoors | fishing | rafting

Ride the rails in style Alaska Railroad’s first-class, double-decker GoldStar cars boast open-air observation decks and priority seating under glass domes, for spectacular views on the Denali Star route between Anchorage and Fairbanks. It’s an unbeatable means of getting to Denali National Park. Downtown Anchorage; Anchorage, Main Depot 411 W. 1st Ave.; 800-544-0552; www.alaskarailroad.com
family | national park | smart splurge | train

Riverboat Discovery Hop aboard a sternwheeler on the Chena River for an interactive 3.5-hour tour that incorporates a dog sledding demonstration, bush plane show, and visit to a recreation of an Athabaskan native village. Fairbanks; Riverboat Discovery, 1975 Discovery Dr.; 866-479-6673; www.riverboatdiscovery.com
family | cruise | culture | editor pick

Sea kayak in Glacier Bay Intimate encounters with the mammoth glaciers and wildlife of Glacier Bay National Park are guaranteed on one of the daylong kayaking trips (guided or solo) organized by Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks. Gustavus; Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks, 1 Same Old Rd., Bartlett Cove; 907-697-2257; www.glacierbayseakayaks.com
kayaking | outdoors

Set sail in Kenai Fjords National Park Since the fjords are the thing to see, the preferred touring mode is by water (airplane tours can also be arranged). Kenai Fjords Tours offers six- to nine-hour cruises that include a salmon lunch. The tours of Resurrection Bay offer calmer waters but less dramatic views. Seward; Small Boat Harbor; 907-224-8068; www.kenaifjords.com
family | cruise | national park | wildlife | outdoors

Take in Denali from the air Denali often hides behind cloud cover, but “flight-seeing” tours guarantee spectacular views. K2 Aviation offers daily summer departures from Talkeetna; add a landing on Ruth Glacier for an optimal wilderness outing. Talkeetna; K2 Aviation, Talkeetna State Airport, off 2nd St.; 800-764-2291; www.flyk2.com
national park | tour | smart splurge | airplane

Tour Denali National Park by bus These guided coach bus tours offer extras like box lunches and insightful commentary over the standard Denali bus circuits, and include the Denali Natural History Tour (4-5 hours), the Tundra Wilderness Tour (6-8 hours), and the Kantishna Experience (11-12 hours). The one drawback, compared to unguided park shuttles, is that travelers are confined to the bus outside designated rest stops. Denali National Park; Wilderness Access Center Reservation Desk; 800-622-7275; www.nps.gov/dena
family | national park | road trip | tour | wildlife | smart splurge