Alaska is a fascinating place full of wondrous adventures. This state is home to some of the top wilderness spots in the U.S. and is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best ways to get up close and personal with the Alaskan wilderness during a visit.
Take a Hike
If you enjoy seeing incredible landscapes and unique natural features, hiking along any of Alaska’s wilderness trails should be on your itinerary. The Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park is more suitable for advanced hikers and allows the chance to see some spectacular glaciers. The Kenai to Denali route is a popular choice for a multi-day hike and includes a trek along coastal and alpine regions. If you’re looking for something more manageable for beginners or a shorter trip, AllTrails.com lists the Thunderbird Falls Trail, Winner Creek Trail and Byron Glacier Trail as some of the best hikes for beginners.
Have a Whale of a Time
Whale watching has long been a favorite activity for visitors who want to get up close and personal with the Alaskan wilderness. There are plenty of whale watching cruises that travel to prime locations where whales are known to swim. April to November is the best time of year to see humpback and killer whales swim through the Inland Passage near Juneau. During the month of May, Alaska Whale Tours states that you can usually see thousands of gray whales passing near Kodiak and the Kenai Peninsula.
Find the Perfect Catch
It’s no secret that Alaska features prime fishing spots throughout its lakes, rivers and coastal regions. If you plan to visit the Anchorage area, locals suggest heading to Bird Creek to try catching some silver salmon. You might also catch some red salmon and giant-sized rainbow trout by going fishing in the Kenai River. Corsetti’s Guide Service describes it as “unique in its beauty and abundance of record-setting fish, the Kenai River is quite possibly the world’s best and most accessible location for Salmon and Trout fishing.” Other notable fishing spots in Alaska include the Buskin River, Cowee Creek and the streams and rivers on Prince of Wales Island.
Be on the Hunt
Hunting is another popular way to spend some time while visiting Alaska. You’ll need to apply for a permit and possibly enter a lottery to be allowed to hunt for certain species. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, hunting season begins in August or September in most parts of the state and ends in October. There are also certain areas that allow hunting in the winter and spring. Animals that you can hunt for include moose, caribou, deer, and grizzly bears.
Exploring Alaska’s wild side will allow you to immerse yourself in special experiences that you’ll likely treasure for a lifetime. The excitement and intrigue of the Alaskan wilderness will surely leave you spellbound.
Check out our travel specials and see how we can help you end up wherever you want to go! Right now we’re featuring a cruise special in Alaska, but we’re constantly updating with new locales and activities all the time!