Jason
Lake Oswego
Daniel Spils
Seattle
I would suggest that you fly into Anchorage and make plans to immediately drive south toward the Kenai Penninsula. Stop in Girdwood (40 minutes South of Anchorage) and stay the night. While there, check out Crow Creek Pass for a day hike. Be sure to eat breakfast at The Bake Shop. From Girdwood, drive toward Homer - being sure to spend a night somewhere on Kenai Lake or River. I”ve got a friend with a nice B&B on Kenai Lake if you’re interested. Ask locals where to hike or fish. Make Homer your final destination. Be sure to charter a boat in Homer for a day fishing trip - really an excuse for a long boat ride with plenty of sightseeing along the way.
Head back to Anchorage. But if you have time drive north 4 hours-ish to http://www.nps.gov/dena/">Denali (aka Mt. McKinley). This tallest mountain in North America will blow your mind.
On either drive you’ll find endless photo ops. There are many other variations on theme for a trip to Alaska but this is one simple way to see a bit of this enormous and varied state. This trip may very well change your life.
Jason
Lake Oswego
Daniel,
Thanks for all the suggestions! They all sound great! I will certainly want to see Denali – no doubt it’s gorgeous!
I was at the North Pole years ago during the month of August. It was light 24/7. Is it the same in the Anchorage area? What about the northern lights?
Thanks again!
Jason
Daniel Spils
Seattle
I’ve seen the Northern Lights typically in the winter and fall but they can appear in many places (I’ve even seen them in Seattle). But Alaska or Canada is a great place to see the Northern Lights.
I was in Anchorage last weekend and there was 19+ hours of sunlight. That is now decreasing by a few minutes a day but June/July has a lot of light. Good luck with the trip.
jennie
Toronto
I’ll second the drive to Girdwood, Kenai, and Homer. A spectacular drive in the summer. The Bake Shop is excellent! Try to find Alaska Supreme Ice Cream too—unique “Alaska” flavors I wish I could get here in Vancouver, like fireweed and honey.
chellybelly
0 places
I would also suggest going to seward, its south on your way to Homer. Take a boat tour out of seward if you can. My brother works on a kenai Fjords boat and has taken pictures on many cruises out there. Some of the best pictures of whales i have ever seen.
Aya
Anchorage
In Anchorage, also check out the “Tony Knowles Coastal Trail”, also known as simply, the coastal trail. It’s a beautiful walk along the coast (!) from downtown Anchorage to Point Woronzof on the west side, right below a runway for the airport, also a ski trail during the winter. On clear days you can see Denali and Mt. Foraker and on not so clear days you can see Sleeping Lady. Point Woronzof is also a good place for whale watching, when in season. This is one of my favorite places in Anchorage. Ten minute walk from my house. Check it out.
