Have a yearning for the great outdoors? Nothing compares to the rugged beauty that occupies nearly a fifth our country, the state of Alaska. Once thought a folly, our 49^th state is one of the most picturesque places on earth, and one of the most popular spots for visitors worldwide. It truly remains the Wild West, as even the state capital of Juneau can only be reached by boat or plane (there are no roads that connect it to the rest of the state!). Jennifer Specter and her husband recently visited Alaska and share some of their experiences:

Whether casual traveler or grizzled outdoorsman, there is something for everyone in most every season (though most tend to travel from May to early October). By and large, Alaska’s coastline from Anchorage south is the most visited by cruise ships and fishing excursions, as this is the only way to get up close and personal with the awe-inspiring glaciers and whales. Did you know Alaska has about 100,000 glaciers, covering about 5% of the state? The most impressive has to be the Hubbard Glacier, rising 350 feet above the water, another 250 feet below. The sound of it calving is something you’ll never forget, ‘white thunder’. We have been fortunate enough to visit a number of glaciers, but only at Hubbard do you get to witness the constant movement as it creeps forward. At around 72 miles long, it takes nearly 400 years for ice to move from start to finish. Now you know what the term ‘glacial speed’ really means! Glacier Bay, also only reached by water, has numerous glaciers as well as a great opportunity to see both humpback and orcas. On our recent visit, we were blessed with the sighting of nearly 100 orcas, right outside our dining room window (on the cruise ship). Talk about dinner and a show! One of the most approachable glaciers is located just outside of Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier. At around 13 miles long, the glacier is retreating, but still an incredible site. In winter when the lake is frozen, the brave can venture to walk up to the glacier (not advised), but best viewed in warmer months as you can hike to the nearby waterfall for some great pictures. There are a number of trails around the visitor center, just remember to keep an eye out for the bears who also like to use the trails!

Wildlife abounds and one of the best ways to see it up close is the bus excursions into Denali National Park. Bus tours are the only way to get further into the park by vehicle, and the guides are usually very knowledgeable and keen of eye in spotting the elusive residents of this beautiful back country. Grizzly bear, moose, wolverine, Dall sheep, eagles, caribou (also known as reindeer) and even arctic ground squirrels abound throughout the park. If you’re lucky, on a clear day you can see the full awe of Denali. At 20,308 feet, it is actually taller than Everest. I have to say, one of the best ways to get to Denali is by dome train from either Fairbanks or Anchorage. Granted, you don’t get to stop along the way, but you do get to see quite a bit of the natural beauty of the state in a very comfortable setting. The other way to take in the vast expanse of park is by backpacking and camping. Numerous trails, climbable peaks and overlooks provide incredible views of both flora and fauna. 

Want a selfie with a moose? Steve Kroschel runs the Kroschel Wildlife Center in Haines. A short jet cat cruise out of Skagway and van ride brings you to this refuge for orphaned wildlife. A character himself, Steve provides an immersive tour of the habitat he has created for the likes of bear, caribou, moose, wolf, lynx, porcupine, mink and even a wolverine he walks on a leash. It really shows how much he cares about the creatures he gets to nurture and befriend. It’s a unique experience to get close with wildlife you can usually only see from a distance. Pet a porcupine, feed caribou…take a selfie with a moose? Do it all here, just wish we could have stayed longer!

I have only touched on the countless adventures located so close, yet so far. It truly is our final frontier, so vast. Whether by plane, train, boat or car this wild and expansive state has so much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. It should be on everyone’s bucket list…at least once!

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