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Why You Should Visit Alaska
Do you ever travel somewhere and immediately look up house prices? Because that’s exactly what we did after spending a single day in Alaska. Known as America’s last frontier, Alaska is one of the most wild, most untamed, and most beautiful states in the US. It’s the perfect destination for nature and wildlife lovers, with epic hikes, bears, and unmatched views. If you only have a few days to visit and are wondering what to do in Anchorage, then you must do these three epic adventures.
What You Need to Know Before You Go to Alaska
General
Alaska is not part of the continental United States, which means you’ll most likely have to fly to get there. Unless you want to road trip through Canada, which is also absolutely stunning. It does get dark and cold in Alaska during the winter, especially the further north you travel. In the summer, the days are long, with hours and hours of sunlight to explore.
Money
Credit cards are widely accepted, though you may want some cash to tip tour guides.
Language
English is spoken in Alaska.
Safety
I felt very safe people-wise. However, if you go out into the wilderness, out on a hike, or anywhere wooded really, then you must be bear aware. Carry bear spray and NEVER approach them. The safest distance is three school buses or longer away. Watch out for moose too! Especially as you are driving. The last thing you want is to hit one with your rental car!
Tips for Travelers with Anxiety in Alaska
If you don’t feel comfortable driving in the snow, plan your trip for the summer season. The week after we left at the end of September, my friend texted me a picture of snow in her yard!
If your rental car has a cracked windshield, document it. This is apparently very common. I think half the cars we saw driving around had cracks too. And purchase insurance that covers any ones you might pick up too.
How to get to Anchorage, Alaska
For your epic Anchorage, Alaska adventures, you’ll fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. From there, you’ll want to rent a car to get around. Everything is spread out, and you’ll love the freedom of being able to find a hike and go on the days you’re not heading off on an all day trip. There are so many things to do in Anchorage, you’ll want to return time and time again!
When to Plan Your Alaska Trip
Alaska has four seasons, but winter is by far the longest. The busiest time of the year for tourism is the summer, due to passable roads, extended daylight hours, and wildlife activity. Additionally, certain activities like salmon runs take place in particular months. So if there is something to do in Anchorage that you have in mind, make sure to look what month tours are available!
We went in late September, which we found out later, many of the salmon runs like the Instagram famous Brook’s falls stop tours around September 15. If you want to paddleboard or swim in glaciers, many of those tours also stop mid-September too. But if you can’t get out there in early September, don’t worry! These three epic adventures you must do in Anchorage, Alaska are all available and equally as amazing.
Where to Stay in the Anchorage, Alaska
We stayed in Wasilla, AK at the Alaska Adventure Unlimited Chalets, which are roughly 45 minutes outside of Anchorage. We loved being out of the city so we could enjoy the peace and quiet of the nature Alaska has to offer. Each cabin has two bedrooms and two bathrooms with a small kitchen. They are so cute and cozy! We were actually the only ones staying on site during our week there, and it was incredible.
3 Epic Adventures in Anchorage, Alaska
Some of the best, most epic things to do in Anchorage involve a little traveling outside the city. But you’re going to Alaska for the wilderness, not city lights.
Lake Clark National Park
Lake Clark National Park is an absolute hidden gem that you are going to want to take advantage of before it becomes the new trendy place. Why? Because it’s one of the least visited national parks in the United States…for now. Imagine taking a sea plane across breathtaking landscapes, peering down at rivers running into the ocean, the tops of trees that look more like broccoli, and trying to spot moose. Until you reach the epic mountains that cradle the national park. You dip between two behemoths, and a gatorade blue lake appears before you. You circle around and then land on the water before taxiing to a lodge on the shores.
And that’s only the first hour of your tour.
From there, you hop on a pontoon boat and glide around the lake, looking for bears lumbering along the shoreline or diving into the water in search of salmon. And the cubs!! Omg they were so fuzzy and cute and we got lucky being able to see cubs of all ages. Take a short break for lunch of fresh cooked salmon and rice with a yummy warm desert after. They were able to accommodate all my food allergies too which was such a relief. As for bathrooms? There are vault-style toilets. So don’t worry, there’s a safe place to go where you don’t have to look over your shoulder for bears🤣
This is an all day adventure, so plan to be gone from early in the morning until evening. We booked this through Rust’s Flying Service, and I can’t recommend them enough. They took good care of us, and our pilot cracked jokes when I started to get nervous on the small plane.
Honestly this day is in our top 5 favorites of all of our travels. And we’ve been to over 30 countries at this point!
Helicopter Tour to Girdwood Valley with Glacier Landing
Another absolutely epic adventure in Anchorage is a helicopter tour to a glacier. While there are many in the area, I highly recommend taking this one that flies over Girdwood Valley and the Chugach backcountry. Alpine Air are so professional and fun, and we loved our pilot! She was amazing and definitely let us stay a little longer because there is definitely not enough time to drink in the breathtaking scenery. You need at least two people for the helicopter, which only seats three. It worked perfectly because Andrew and I were able to go with my friend (the amazing @elitereading) and all squeeze in together.
I mean how cool is it to meet your influencer bestie for the first time and take a helicopter tour?!
Knik Glacier Day Trip
We took 4×4s out with our friends to the Knik Glacier, and I’m so grateful that we had our own personal tour guides for this! While you can also fly to the top of this glacier, I highly recommend taking a hiking and off roading tour there instead. The area around Knik is one of those remote, untouched, and rugged places that are so rare these days. No cell service? Incredible. The glacier is dynamic and always changing. Laura and her family had gone out a few weeks before our trip and it looked completely different then!
Final Thoughts on 3 Epic Adventures You Must Do in Anchorage Alaska
Have I convinced you to take these 3 epic adventures in Anchorage, Alaska yet? There are so many things to do in Alaska, so many places to see, and I know we’ll go back for sure. One week def was not long enough!