This refuge is the third largest conservation area in the National Wildlife Refuge System., Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge is an 11.1 million acre preserve straddling the Arctic Circle in eastern Interior Alaska. This is the land of the midnight sun, with 24 hours of daylight in summer and none in winter, resulting in great seasonal extremes in temperature., THINGS TO DO, The refuge is open to a variety of activities including boating, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, gold panning, wildlife viewing, and photography. Float trips are one of the most popular ways to explore Yukon Flats. Canoers, kayakers, and rafters can access the refuge via the Yukon River, Porcupine River, Sheenjek River, and Beaver Creek. One of the most common routes is to put in at Upper…, WILDLIFE, The refuge is home to 147 species of migratory and resident birds. Over one million ducks arrive annually from all over the world. There are 13 resident bird species in the refuge, including chickadees, great gray owls, spruce grouse, and three-toed woodpeckers. The refuge’s rivers and lakes are home to 18 species of fish. Chinook, chum, and coho salmon travel 2,000 miles from the sea to their…, LANDSCAPE, About half of the refuge - 6.5 million acres - consists of the Yukon Flats, a vast floodplain bisected by 300 miles of the Yukon River. The basin is made up of tens of thousands of lakes and ponds, sloughs, and meandering streams. The area is characterized by mixed forests dominated by spruce, birch, and aspen. The Yukon Flats has a continental subarctic climate, with great seasonal extremes in…, HISTORY, The area has been home to Alaska Native people for thousands of years. In 1847, the Hudson’s Bay Company established Fort Yukon as a fur trading post to export furs from the area. By the 1920s the outpost had become the most important fur exporter in Alaska. The Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act to preserve fish…, FACILITIES AND CAMPING, Yukon Flats has no visitor facilities or public use cabins. Backcountry camping is permitted. The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center in Fairbanks and the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot provide information on Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge., GETTING HERE, The refuge is located about 100 miles north of Fairbanks but is not accessible by road. Most visitors take commercial flights to one of six villages within the refuge, with Fort Yukon being the largest by far and most centrally located. Charter air services to remote areas of the refuge are available from Fairbanks and Fort Yukon . Boaters can also access the refuge by water via the Yukon…
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Adventurers can kayak or cruise through glacial waters and see marine life in these protected state waters., Enclosed by mountains and glaciers and protected from the high seas by barrier islands, Prince William Sound and Resurrection Bay in Southcentral Alaska are two of Alaska's premier recreation areas for water-based activities. Fjords, bays, coves, lakes, glaciers, mountains, and hundreds of islands provide scenic settings for visitors that arrive on kayaks, small and large cruise ships, and…, ACTIVITIES, The Prince William Sound and Resurrection Bay areas are home to 20 state parks, and the recreational opportunities are vast. Activities in the parks include sports fishing, clamming, island camping, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Tour operators are easy to find in Whittier , Valdez , Cordova , and Seward for day cruises and kayaking trips to see calving glaciers, rugged…, HISTORY, In 1983, the first marine park opened near Juneau as part of an international system extending from Washington through British Columbia to Alaska. This system provides boat owners and water enthusiasts access to coastal environments with protected anchorages. The marine park system expanded in 1990 to include seven parks in the Prince William Sound and Resurrection Bay areas., FACILITIES AND CAMPING, Alaska state marine parks range in size from 360-acre Entry Cove near Whittier to the 4,560-acre Shoup Bay near Valdez . Most of the parks offer boaters and kayakers protected anchorages and shorelines for safe landing. WHITTIER AREA There are campsites at Ziegler Cove, Surprise Cove , and South Esther Island , and camping and a public use cabin at Decision Point . Ziegler Cove, and Surprise…, GETTING HERE, Access to all of the parks in the state marine park system is by floatplane or boat from Whittier , Seward , Valdez , or Cordova , with the exception of Shoup Bay, which can be reached on foot from Valdez. All four communities offer water taxi service that can provide drop-offs to the state marine parts for camping, public use cabins, and hiking. Learn more about kayaking and day cruises in…
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This jewel in the Kenai Peninsula offers rich sportfishing for anglers all summer long., Anchor River State Recreation Area is one of Alaska's premier fishing destinations on the Kenai Peninsula in Southcentral Alaska. The 213-acre recreation area can be reached from the Sterling Highway, 16 miles north of Homer and 200 miles south of Anchorage . The small town of Anchor Point , where Anchor River State Recreation Area is located, is the most westerly point on the U.S. Highway System., THINGS TO DO, Fishing is the main attraction at this recreational area. Anchor River is Alaska's only major steelhead stream accessible by road, with steelhead runs occurring from late August to November. King salmon are the most popular target on the river, with the run beginning in late May and peaking in the second week in June. Other species include silver salmon that move into the river from the end of…, WILDLIFE, Wildlife abounds around the Anchor River and the shoreline of Cook Inlet. Keep an eye out for moose, beaver, mink, bald eagles, ducks, harbor seals, sea otters, and beluga whales., LANDSCAPE, The Anchor River passes through a mixed spruce-cottonwood forest with a lush riparian zone, then emerges into a broad estuary and marsh filled with salt-tolerant sedges and grasses, offering ideal habitat for the diverse species residing and migrating through the area., FACILITIES AND CAMPING, Overlooking the river are Silver King Campground with 46 campsites, Coho with 36 campsites, Steelhead with 44 campsites, and Slidehole with 30 campsites. Halibut Campground’s 30 sites overlook Cook Inlet Beach, providing campers with a scenic view of Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna across the inlet. All campgrounds have picnic areas, drinking water, and day-use parking areas., GETTING HERE, The recreation area is located on the road system on the Kenai Peninsula . At Mile 156.9 of the Sterling Highway, turn onto Old Sterling Highway and continuing over the Anchor River Bridge. Take the first right onto Anchor River Road. Explore more to do on the Kenai Peninsula . For more information, visit the Anchor River State Recreation Area website .
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This scenic wildlife viewing area is a premier birding destination near Anchorage from May through September., The Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge stretches 16 miles between Point Woronzof and Potter Creek. Its extensive tidal flats, marsh, and alder-bog forest are home to more than 130 species of resident and migratory birds. With its raised boardwalk at Potter Marsh and panoramic views of the Turnagain Arm, Chugach Mountains, and surrounding spruce, cottonwoods, and alders, this refuge is one of the…, THINGS TO DO, The most popular area of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is the Potter Marsh boardwalk, a ½ mile-long elevated boardwalk trail over the marsh with interpretive signs, telescopes, and excellent vantage points for wildlife viewing and photography. In addition to birding, the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is a great spot to view fish and wildlife including salmon, moose, muskrats, and…, WILDLIFE, Potter Marsh is the premier destination for birders in Anchorage . Large concentrations of birds can be seen during the spring migration from late April through mid-May when waterfowl stop on their way to breeding grounds farther north, and again in late July and August when shorebirds begin to flock up in preparation for their migration to southern wintering grounds. A diversity of birds also…, LANDSCAPE, The majority of the refuge is intertidal floodplains of glacial silt, making it largely inaccessible to the public. The remaining areas consist of coastal wetlands, bogs, and wooded areas., HISTORY, Potter Marsh was created in 1917 during the construction of the , Alaska Railroad, when work crews dammed several streams., FACILITIES, Facilities include parking areas along the Seward Highway and an elevated, 1,500-foot-long boardwalk trail with interpretive signs and telescopes., GETTING HERE, Potter Marsh is reached at Mile 117 of the Seward Highway just south of Anchorage . From the Potter Marsh parking lot, visitors are treated to a stunning view of Turnagain Arm and access to the raised boardwalk. Additional parking areas along the marsh are available just south of the Potter Marsh parking area on the Seward Highway. Explore more things to do in Anchorage . For more information,…
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This majestic park combines history and nature with sweeping backdrops on Resurrection Bay., Caines Head State Recreation Area is a 5,961-acre park located on Caines Head, a headland that juts into the west side of Resurrection Bay, 5.5 miles south of Seward on the Kenai Peninsula . Caines Head is the scenic site of an abandoned World War II fort and includes military ruins and 650-foot headlands that rise above the water for sweeping views of the bay and the surrounding mountains., THINGS TO DO, Caines Head features almost 14 miles of trails, old military roads, and beach and alpine routes that attract both hikers and backpackers. The park is also a favorite with local boaters and kayakers who venture out to spend a day exploring the beaches, trails, and army artifacts. There are three public use cabins and three beach camping areas along the trail system. Spanning from Lowell Point to…, WILDLIFE, Porcupines, brown and black bears, mountain goats, and marmots are just some of the wildlife that inhabits this alpine region. Offshore it is possible to see puffins, sea otters, and seals., LANDSCAPE, The park is a maritime rainforest featuring spruce and fir trees as high as 100 feet tall. In some areas, the forests frame views of cliffs and headlands rising straight up from shale-covered beaches, all with the stunning backdrop of Resurrection Bay and the surrounding mountains., HISTORY, Before the U.S. Army completed the tunnel to Whittier and the Alaska Highway, Seward was the southern terminus of the Alaska Railroad and the only transportation center available during the war. Even before Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, the military was busy building a defense system at Caines Head to protect Seward. At the top of the park’s bluff, the government-built Fort McGilvray was an $8…, FACILITIES AND CAMPING, Campsites, fire pits, outhouses, and picnic shelters are located at North Beach and Tonsina Point. Additional campsites are found at South Beach. There are three public-use cabins at Caines Head that can be reserved in advance: Callisto Canyon Cabin , Derby Cove Cabin , and Tonsina Cabin , which can be reached on foot from the Coastal Trail or by water. A public mooring buoy is available…, GETTING HERE, Access is primarily by boat or foot from Seward . Charter boats in Seward provide shuttle services to and from the park and cabins. The park is also a popular destination for kayakers, and rentals are available in Seward. Hikers and backpackers can reach the park on foot along the Coastal Trail, which begins at Lowell Point. For more information, visit the Caines Head State Recreation Area…
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Discover this lesser-known jewel for outdoor adventures on the Kenai Peninsula ., Just north of the towns of Kenai and Nikiski , Captain Cook State Recreation Area offers a peaceful setting for camping, fishing, and beachcombing., THINGS TO DO, Stormy Lake is popular for boaters and kayakers, and anglers fish for rainbow trout, silver salmon, and arctic char in the lake and river. Other popular activities include beachcombing and agate hunting, birding and wildlife viewing, berry picking, riding ATVs (in designated areas only), hiking, and swimming. In winter, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing are popular activities.…, WILDLIFE, Visitors can see wandering moose or bears, coyotes, beavers, and muskrats. Beluga whales and harbor seals can be seen in the waters of the inlet. Bird species include sandhill cranes, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, golden-eye ducks, thrushes, Pacific and common loons, warblers, and mergansers., HISTORY, The recreation area is named for Captain James Cook, who explored the area in 1778. The Dena’ina Athabascan people were the original inhabitants of the region, harvesting the area’s rich salmon runs and game., FACILITIES AND CAMPING, The Discovery Campground has 53 RV-friendly campsites, restrooms, two picnic shelters, and a boat launch. There are additional tent camping areas accessible by walking or boating., GETTING HERE, Captain Cook State Recreation Area is located 180 miles from Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula in Southcentral Alaska. From the town of Kenai , drive north 25 miles on the Kenai Spur Highway to Milepost 36. Learn more about things to do in the Kenai Peninsula . For more information, visit the Captain Cook State Recreation Area website .
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Famous for its abundance of razor clams, this park is a favorite for clammers and campers alike., The western shore of the Kenai Peninsula from Kasilof to Anchor Point is renowned for its clam harvests. The most famous spot of all is Clam Gulch State Recreation Area, where hundreds of thousands of razor clams are collected annually from its beaches. , Please note:, the area is periodically closed for clamming. Please check the Clam Gulch State Recreation Area website for the latest updates., THINGS TO DO, The state recreation area is generally regarded as the best spot in the state by clam diggers due to its easy access, nearby campground facilities, and gradual gradient of the sandy tidal beaches. Clam digging is a muddy affair that can be done during any low tide, but a tide of minus two feet or lower is recommended for best results. Diggers need a sportfishing license, available at most…, HISTORY, Before the 1940s, only local residents dug razor clams because there was no developed road system. In the late 1940s, a road was built connecting Anchor Point and Seward , which eventually became part of the Sterling Highway. In 1952, this road was connected to Anchorage by a gravel road and in 1958 the road was paved from Anchorage to Soldotna . Access to the clam beaches, which are…, FACILITIES AND CAMPING, The campground at Clam Gulch State Recreation Area has 120 campsites, a covered picnic area, drinking water, and outhouses. More importantly, the road provides access to the beaches below and the start of the area's best clam digging., GETTING HERE, Just before reaching the small hamlet of Clam Gulch at Mile 117.4 of the Sterling Highway, head west on a two-mile gravel road posted with the recreation area sign. Just to the west is Clam Gulch Campground. The roads ends two miles farther at the Cook Inlet shoreline. For more information, visit the Clam Gulch State Recreation Site website .
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With panoramic views of Mount Iliamna and Mount Redoubt, this Kenai Peninsula park is known for legendary salmon runs, Deep Creek, and the tractor-assisted boat launch, which provides access to the waters of Cook Inlet for fishing charters and private boats., Halibut and king salmon make Deep Creek State Recreation Area a popular destination for anglers. For those who aren’t fishing, two scenic overlooks, a beach-side campground and day use area, and an exciting array of wildlife are other highlights of the area., THINGS TO DO, Halibut fishing in Cook Inlet and the king and silver salmon runs at Deep Creek are legendary, making this a bustling area for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Be sure to catch the excitement of the tractor-assisted boat launch, busily launching and retrieving boats from Cook Inlet on every tide of the day during the summer season. Several fishing charter companies located in Ninilchik …, WILDLIFE, Eagles congregate at Deep Creek year-round, and the site is a seasonal birding hot spot for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. In May, keep an eye out for sandhill cranes in the area’s saltwater marsh. Whales, seals, and otters can also be seen offshore in Cook Inlet., HISTORY, The recreation area is located near the town of Ninilchik . Historically an area used by Dena'ina Athabascans for fishing, Ninilchik is also one of the oldest Russian settlements on the Kenai Peninsula . Established in 1990, the tractor assisted State Park boat launch concession at Deep Creek began offering access to world class saltwater fishing for larger boats, serving both fishing…, FACILITIES AND CAMPING, A gravel parking area along the beach provides 100 overnight campsites at Deep Creek State Recreation Area and includes water, picnic tables, restrooms, and fire pits. The campsites are not reservable in advance and fill up quickly in the summer. Additional lodging and campgrounds can be found in Ninilchik . A private boat launch service operates here and uses a tractor to launch boats into Cook…, GETTING HERE, Deep Creek State Recreation Area is located at Mile 137.3 of the Sterling Highway, just south of Ninilchik and 42 miles north of Homer . Deep Creek North Scenic Overlook is accessible from Mile 137 of the Sterling Highway and Deep Creek South Scenic Overlook is located off of Mile 136.9. Learn more about fishing in Alaska . For more information, visit the Deep Creek State Recreation Area…
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Glaciers are one of Alaska’s most treasured natural wonders. With over 100,000 glaciers in Alaska (over 600 named), getting up close to these spectacular formations is more than just possible – it’s one of the most sought-after experiences for locals and visitors alike! Whether you’re setting out for glacier trekking , hiking , or simply looking for an epic photo opportunity, there are so many…, Alaska’s Glaciers by Road, Rail, Water, and Air, There are many ways to see glaciers across the state, including by road, rail, water, and air. Each mode of transportation boasts their own unique experiences, offering not only sweeping views of glaciers, but different ways of exploring these beautiful masses of ice. Most glacier excursions are best done in the summer and early fall months, typically May through September, but some glaciers…, Exploring Road-Accessible Glaciers in Alaska, Many glaciers are easily accessible by road, with some allowing you to drive relatively close to the base of the glacier for hiking, sightseeing, and glacier trekking ., Matanuska Glacier, The biggest and most accessible glacier by road is Matanuska Glacier . Located just about two hours north of Anchorage , this 26-mile long and four-mile wide formation is very popular and offers many guided tour experiences where gear is provided. Tours are offered daily year-round, and lodging catering to those looking to see Matanuska Glacier are close by. While Matanuska Glacier is a great…, Exit Glacier, The Exit Glacier area in Seward is unique as it is the only area of Kenai Fjords National Park that is accessible by road. In the summer months, there are many hiking trails, a nature center, a bookstore, and on-site park rangers to help explain the history of the glacier and amplify your experience. Several short trails leave from the nature center that feature views of Exit Glacier and take you…, Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau offers a stunning view of the Mendenhall Valley and has a several short trails from the visitor center that lead to views of the glacier and the impressive Nugget Falls. There are many trails and hikes in and around the Mendenhall Glacier area ranging from easy to moderate, making it a great option for both experienced and novice hikers. While Mendenhall Glacier is…, Worthington Glacier, Worthington Glacier in Valdez is a breathtaking option located right off the Richardson Highway. Though views of the glacier are stunning from the road, make sure to visit Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site at Mile 29 where a short hike will lead you to a viewing area located close to the face of the glacier. The glacier was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Worthington…, Root Glacier, Root Glacier , located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park , is accessible by a short hike from Kennecott Mines National Historical Landmark during the summer months. During your hike, you’ll be able to see views of Mt. Blackburn, Regal Mountain, and Donoho Peak. For those interested in glacier trekking, gear rentals and guided tours are available from McCarthy , ranging from easy day trips for…, Portage Glacier, The Portage Area , located just off of the Seward Highway south of Girdwood , is home to alpine glaciers and the beautiful Portage Glacier that spills into Portage Lake. Visitors to Portage can experience the area’s glaciers by trail and by boat, and can learn about the local ecosystem and the power of glaciers at the interactive Begich, Boggs Visitor Center . Several trails lead to glacier views…, Rail Trips to Alaska’s Glaciers, The Alaska Railroad offers an incredible Glacier Discovery Train day tour that travels south from Anchorage , down to Girdwood , Whittier , Portage , the Spencer Whistle Stop, and Grandview. With routes running May through September, riding these rails offer hassle-free travel, spectacular views, and a memorable itinerary! You’ll view alpine glaciers along the route and have the option to…, Glaciers by Water, Kenai Fjords National Park & Prince William Sound, Glacier & wildlife day cruises are one of the most popular ways to see glaciers in Alaska. There are many locations that offer daily cruises that take you right up to glaciers for incredible views, photo opportunities, and well, just plain awe and wonder! Cruises into Kenai Fjords National Park , departing from Seward , and Prince William Sound , departing from Whittier and Valdez , are…, Glacier Bay National Park, Located in Alaska’s Inside Passage within Tongass National Forest , Glacier Bay National Park (aptly named of course!) offers exquisite glacier viewings. This almost other-worldly area is home to 1,045 glaciers that cover 2,055 miles of the park, including the Grand Pacific and Margerie Glaciers, that carved the entire bay leaving stunning fjords. Half a million people visit Glacier Bay by…, Hubbard Glacier, Hubbard Glacier is a popular destination for those traveling by cruise line, with most cruise itineraries stopping near the glacier. The glacier flows 75 miles and is the longest tidewater glacier in North America. It begins at Mt. Logan in the Yukon Territory of Canada, ending in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska. It can only be reached by water, usually by cruise ship , or…, Flightseeing Alaska’s Glaciers, Denali National Park and Preserve boasts over 400 glaciers and is one of the best locations for a fly-in glacier experience ! With several flightseeing tours and air taxis available (many year-round, depending on weather conditions), you can travel by helicopter, bush plane, or fixed-wing plane to enjoy several hours of aerial views of Denali National Park and Preserve, and land on one of its…, An Unforgettable Experience, With hundreds of glaciers to explore, and more active glaciers and icefields here than anywhere in the world, glacier trekking, hiking, camping, rafting, sightseeing, and so much more are available just outside your door in Alaska. Whether your travels to Alaska’s breathtaking glaciers take you by road, rail, water, air – or all of the above – it is sure to be an incredible experience! Knik…
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Some of the best views of Denali, great hiking trails, and camping can be found at this state park., Located adjacent to the southern border of , Denali National Park and Preserve, , the 324,240-acre Denali State Park is the fourth largest state park in Alaska and almost half the size of Rhode Island. Denali State Park straddles the Parks Highway 147 miles north of Anchorage and is situated between the Talkeetna Mountains to the east and the Alaska Range to the west. While this state park lacks the amount of infrastructure and attractions of its national park cousin, it…, Denali National Park and Preserve, ., THINGS TO DO, Denali State Park has superb vantage points to view both Denali's north and south summits, which ascends to an elevation of 20,310 feet. Camping, hiking, fishing, and boating are favorite summer activities at Denali State Park. Developed campgrounds, many with public use cabins, are easily accessible from the George Parks Highway at K’esugi Ken , Denali View South , Byers Lake , and Denali…, WILDLIFE, Denali State Park is home to both brown and black bears, moose, and marmots. In the lower areas, visitors will encounter muskrats, beavers, red foxes, and porcupines, among other resident wildlife. On the east side of the park the Susitna and Chulitna rivers are home to Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling, rainbow trout, and all five species of Pacific salmon. Small numbers of lake trout occur in Byers…, LANDSCAPE, The park is the beginning of the transition zone from low, coastal environment to the spine of the Alaska Range. Its terrain ranges from heavily forested streams and river valleys to the alpine tundra of the Curry and K'esugi Ridges, making up the 30-mile-long backbone of the park., HISTORY, Travelers in the early 1900's traveling from Seward and Anchorage to Fairbanks on the , Alaska Railroad, sometimes stayed an extra day at Curry to ascend the east side of Curry Ridge and gaze upon Denali and its wonders from Curry Lookout. The mountain’s Athabascan given name is Denali, which translates from Koyukon as “The High One.” However, the peak was designated from 1917-2015 as Mount McKinley, in honor of William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States. In 2015 President Barack…, FACILITIES AND CAMPING, The beautiful Kesugi Ken Campground , located at MP 135.4 of the Parks Highway, includes a ranger station, 32 RV campsites, 10 walk-in campsites, a group campsite for up to 50 people, an interpretive center/pavilion that can be reserved for groups up to 20 people, three public-use cabins, the Curry Ridge Trail to alpine areas, plus a network of trails for a range of abilities. Byers Lake…, GETTING HERE, Denali State Park is accessible from the George Parks Highway, 147 miles north of Anchorage and 216 miles south of Fairbanks . The seldom-used east side of the park also offers excellent wilderness recreation opportunities and is accessible via the , Alaska Railroad, out of Talkeetna , on the Hurricane Loop flag-stop train. The best place to disembark the train for access to Denali State Park is just after the railroad crosses the Susitna River. For more information, visit the Denali State Park website .
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