In case you haven’t already heard, Alaska starts right here in the charming coastal town of Seward. With a picturesque location at the head of Resurrection Bay on The Kenai, Alaska’s Playground, this scenic spot appears as if it is straight out of a fairy tale. This small town with a population of roughly 2,500 residents is also loaded with history as it is, in fact, one of the oldest communities in the Last Frontier. Just one visit will make you fall in love, but watch out – you might never want to leave this fairy tale town in Alaska!
Welcome to Seward, Alaska; where your wildest dreams become a reality, right before your very eyes!
Seward’s largest annual event is the 4th of July Mt. Marathon Race where visitors come from all around the globe to participate in (and watch) the notoriously steep mountain climb.
If you’re looking for a truly Alaskan adventure, Coldfoot Camp, located in the Arctic Circle, is the perfect place to visit. Made famous by the show “Ice Road Truckers,” this truck stop, cafe, and overnight accommodations are absolutely out of this world. And visiting in the wintertime is an adventure all on its own.
If you’ve ever seen the show “Ice Road Truckers,” you know these mammoth vehicles make their way up the Dalton Highway on their way to the North Slope.
Once you pass through into the Arctic Circle, you’ll come across a very small town called Coldfoot. Coldfoot Camp is the town’s main attraction, and it’s a truck stop, cafe, and camp available to visit.
A winter trip into the Arctic Circle is a bucket list item for many people.
If you’re looking for a wonderful winter adventure, Chena Hot Springs just outside of Fairbanks, Alaska is the perfect place to spend a weekend away in a winter wonderland. The springs are hot and steamy all year round, and perfect for a winter soak. You can also explore the surrounding countryside on dogsled, enjoy a great meal, or visit their famous Ice Bar, all at the same resort!
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Chena Hot Springs Resort hosts a natural hot springs that is open and available to visit all year long, even in the winter.
Even when it’s 40 below, the water is inviting and invigorating. In fact, the springs are rumored to have healing properties due to the minerals of the water.
You can watch for the Northern Lights while soaking in the warm waters in the winter, which is impossible to do during our summers, as there are twenty-four hours of daylight in the area.
If you’re looking for the perfect autumn retreat in Alaska, head to Bear Creek Lodge in Hope, Alaska for a great stay. There’s a group on small cabins on a picturesque pond in this charming town where you’ll want to stay. Pack your bags and get ready for a fabulous fall escape.
There’s a cozy little cabin at Bear Creek Lodge that will give you a front row seat to autumn’s arrival.
There are some pretty spectacular places to see in the Last Frontier, and Worthington Glacier in Alaska is high on top of that list. This huge, 5,774-acre glacier is a stunner to see in person. Pack your bags, grab your loved ones, and head out on the Richardson Highway to explore this famous Alaskan landmark.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Worthington Glacier is a huge glacier right off the Richardson Highway, outside of Valdez.
The glacier itself is over four miles long! There are a couple of hikes in the Worthington Glacier State Recreational Site that allow you to get closer to this mammoth ice feature.
All require a little bit of effort, and although they’re short hikes, some only one mile long, they all include at least a little bit of rock climbing.
The easiest way to view the glacier is to follow the path to the viewing platform. It’s paved the entire way, and is handicap accessible, offering beautiful views of Worthington Glacier.
The Worthington Glacier State Recreation Area is one of the most visited sites along the Richardson Highway.
Heavy snowfall during the winter time can obscure good views of the glacier when it’s covered with up to dozens of feet of fresh snow! But spring, summer, and fall can be great opportunities for exploring, depending on the weather.
There’s a $5.00 day pass to park and visit the area.
National Geographic asked renowned travel writers from all over the world where they would take their dream hike. It’s no surprise that the raw beauty and protected wilderness of Alaska made the list… twice. These are two of the most picturesque hikes in the world, according to the experts. The author and environmentalist Terry Tempest Williams chose to follow a caribou herd on their long migration across the arctic. Survivalist Bear Grylls chose the Solomon Gulch Trail in Valdez. These two hiking adventures are very different, very far apart, and feature epic views of the Alaskan wild.
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Follow the Caribou on their Arctic Migration (Gates of the Arctic National Park/Arctic National Wildlife Refuge)
Alaska has charming little spots all over the state to go visit for the weekend. There is one particular spot that couples love to visit! This romantic inn is located in the charming little Halibut Cove in Kachemak Bay. With stunning views out of every window, it’s the perfect spot to head for a weekend of relaxation and fun.
If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
This stunning structure is built after the lighthouse designs of the 1800s.
Alaska is filled with jaw dropping, spectacular scenery. And as the largest state in the country, it’s no surprise that we are also home to seven of the 10 largest national parks in Alaska! Take a tour of these gorgeous, unique national parks that should be on everyone’s bucket list, and try and pick your favorite!
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This stunning and ethereal park is located north of the Arctic Circle. It’s also home to the most active sand dunes in the Arctic. It encompasses 1.75 million acres of beautiful tundra, and is known as one of the most isolated wilderness known in existence, as there are no roads in or out. The only access is by air. It’s also home to 400,000 caribou, all of which make their home here in this gorgeous area.
Alaska has earned its name “The Last Frontier.” We have the most unexplored wilderness, the tallest mountain peaks, and the most fantastic spread of wildlife that you’ll find in any state in America. To have these all combined in one spot; well, we’re not surprised that Denali National Park was named the most dangerous park in Alaska. In fact, it ranked sixth most dangerous park in America, from data collected from the National Park Service by Outforia. This stunning, amazing, beautiful park has a darker side, because much of the beauty here is from its untamed, unexplored wilderness.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Denali National Park makes the top of many people’s bucket lists.
The park boasts the largest mountain in North America, its namesake Denali. It also covers 6 million acres of untouched wilderness, taking you back to a time before man made its mark on much of the United States.
The number one cause of death in this park? Environmental exposure.
While easy hikes are ideal for a spontaneous afternoon stroll, nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment that comes from successfully completing an arduous trek. Slaughter Gulch Via Juneau Trail might only be five miles long, but its ascent is near-vertical at times and promises to make your stomach drop. The greatest challenges often lead to the best rewards, however, and this difficult hike boasts some of the best views in Alaska.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
If you’re looking for a difficult hike that won’t tie up your whole day, Slaughter Gulch Via Juneau Trail is an ideal choice. At five miles long, this out-and-back trail features incredible scenery and promises to get your heart pounding.
An elevation gain of just under 2,600 feet leads through the enchanting Chugach National Forest landscape before opening up to gorgeous views of the Kenai River. Many times along the trail, you’ll think you’ve reach the summit…only to look ahead and see the ascent continue.
