Alaska Summer Activities

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Summer Activities

Where else but Alaska can you plan glacial hiking and salmon fishing one day, and spot a whale breaching or set out dog mushing the next, all the while counting caribou, bear, Dall sheep, and moose among your land-based companions? With nearly two-thirds of the United States’ national park acreage … more unfolding here, Alaska easily comprises one of the world’s premier wilderness destinations, boasting outdoor adventures like sport-fishing and day hikes to more adrenaline-fueled outings like sea kayak adventures or mountaineering treks.

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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.

Mendenhall Valley; 8465 Old Dairy Rd; Juneau, AK; 907-789-0097; www.fs.fed.us

A comprehensive 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. Cruises can be arranged through the Bartlett Cove visitor services.

Glacier Bay, AK; 888-229-8687; www.visitglacierbay.com

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.

Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks; 1 Same Old Rd., Bartlett Cove; Glacier Bay, AK; 907-697-2257; www.glacierbayseakayaks.com

This 127-mile highway traverses the Kenai Peninsula, cutting through diverse landscapes – from glistening glaciers to alpine meadows, with vistas of jagged peaks and majestic fjords. Many miles of the route wind past waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife, hugging the base of the Chugach Mountains and overlooking Cook Inlet down the shoreline of Turnagain Arm (where twice daily there’s a bore tide – a wave up to 10 feet tall). Watch for grazing sheep and mountain goats amid the cliff tops, and beluga whales swimming the frigid waters below.

From Anchorage to SewardAK; www.byways.org/explore/byways/10390

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.

Cycle Alaska, Mendenhall Valley; 3172 Pioneer Ave.; Juneau, AK; 907-780-2253; www.cycleak.com

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.

Riverboat Discovery; 1975 Discovery Dr.; Fairbanks, AK; 866-479-6673; www.riverboatdiscovery.com

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.

At the end of Herman Leirer/Exit Glacier Rd.; Kenai Fjord National Park, AK; 907-224-7500; www.nps.gov/kefj

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.

Small Boat Harbor; Seward, AK; 907-224-8068; www.kenaifjords.com

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.

Potter Section House, Mile 115 Seward Hwy.; Anchorage, AK; www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach

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.

Mile 85; Denali National Park, AK; 907-683-2294; www.nps.gov/dena

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