Moose Pass is a scenic mountain town nestled on the shore of Upper Trail Lake on the Kenai Peninsula ., ABOUT MOOSE PASS, Surrounded by the , Chugach National Forest, , Moose Pass is an ideal place for hikers and backpackers to stage outdoor adventures and a scenic pit stop for travelers road tripping through the Kenai Peninsula . The town of about 300 residents lies along the Seward Highway, making it easy to reach from Anchorage , 100 miles to the north, and Seward , 26 miles to the south., THINGS TO DO, Moose Pass provides easy access to numerous Kenai Peninsula trails. The closest is Johnson Pass Trail , whose southern trailhead is at Mile 32.5 of the Seward Highway, just three miles northwest of town. This 23-mile trail winds over a 1,550-foot alpine pass and around two small alpine lakes, and is part of the original Iditarod Trail blazed by prospectors on their way from Seward to , Nome, . Other trails only a short distance from Moose Pass are Carter Lake Trail , Victor Creek Trail , Ptarmigan Creek Trail , and Lost Lake Trail . Scattered in the Chugach National Forest that surrounds Moose Pass are a number U.S. Forest Service cabins that can be reserved in advance. One of the most popular is Crescent Lake Cabin that can be reached on foot via the Carter Lake Trail at…, HISTORY, The community was founded during the Hope-Sunrise gold rush when Oscar Christensen and his partner, Mickey Natt, arrived in 1909 and built a log roadhouse for miners heading north. Moose Pass came into its own when the original Iditarod National Historic Trail was cut around the lake in 1910-11 and later when the , Alaska Railroad, Company built a small freight shed and receiving platform for heavy machinery in 1927. The first post office was established in 1928 and the town was named – so the story goes – because a mail carrier and his team of dogs had considerable trouble gaining the right-of-way from a moose.
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Nikiski boasts an enviable location adjacent to , Captain Cook State Recreation Area, on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula , about 10 miles north of the bustling town of Kenai ., ABOUT NIKISKI, Nikiski is an oil and gas town, with onshore production facilities and offshore drilling platforms in Cook Inlet. The community’s more than 4,000 residents mostly work in and around this industry, and the discovery of oil on the peninsula in 1957 is what led Nikiski to grow from a small homesteading community to what it is today., THINGS TO DO, Nine miles north of Nikiski on the Kenai Spur Highway is Captain Cook State Recreation Area , a 3,460-acre state park that is one of the main draws for visitors to the area. This quiet state recreation area encompasses forests, lakes, rivers, and wide beaches along Cook Inlet and features incredible views of the Alaska Range volcanoes. The state recreation area is home to a campground, hiking…
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This quiet town off of the Sterling Highway boasts amazing views across Cook Inlet, fascinating Russian history, great salmon and halibut fishing, and a fun three-day music festival in early August., ABOUT NINILCHIK (DENA'INA ATHABASCAN: NIQNILCHINT), While it may be easy to drive by this small community while exploring the Kenai Peninsula , Ninilchik is worth the stop. There is plenty to love here starting with the stunning scenery and historic village charm of one of the Kenai Peninsula ’s oldest communities, 180 miles south of Anchorage and 35 miles north of Homer ., THINGS TO DO, One of most spectacular sights along the Sterling Highway is the Holy Transfiguration of our Lord Russian Orthodox Church in Ninilchik. Built in 1901, the historic bluff-top structure sports five golden onion-domes and commands an unbelievable view of Cook Inlet and the volcanoes on the west side of the inlet. Adjoining it is a Russian Orthodox cemetery. The original Ninilchik Village, dating…, HISTORY, The Ninilchik area was originally inhabited by the semi-nomadic Dena'ina people. Tribes of both the Kenai and Kachemak regions came together to fish in this resource-rich area, creating a rich blend of traditions and language. People of Russian lineage began settling the area in the 1840s, hoping that Ninilchik would serve as a retirement community of sorts for elderly workers that couldn't…
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Although the former village of Portage is basically a ghost town, it’s still one of Southcentral Alaska’s most popular roadside destinations for one big reason: Portage Glacier., ABOUT PORTAGE, Between Girdwood and the road to Whittie r , just off the scenic Seward Highway about 50 miles south of Anchorage , is the stunning Portage Valley. The area provides access to fantastic hiking and biking trails, camping, wildlife viewing, an informative visitor center, and views of one of the most easily-accessible glaciers in Southcentral Alaska. , THINGS TO DO, Portage Glacier is located in the , Chugach National Forest, and is one of Alaska’s most visited attractions. The Portage Glacier Road winds about five miles from the Seward Highway, past a series of campgrounds to the impressive Begich Boggs Visitor Center . Portage Glacier is retreating and is no longer visible from the center’s observation decks, but the center is an interesting stop thanks to interactive exhibits that let visitors walk through a…, Alaska Railroad, on a staggered schedule. It is the longest highway tunnel in North America. Once in Whittier, visitors can take glacier and wildlife cruises, kayak, and go fishing in the calm, protected waters of Prince William Sound . Whittier also is the starting point for hiking access to Portage Glacier on the Portage Pass Trail , a two mile hike that leads over a low pass to up-close views of Portage…, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, , a non-profit organization that provides refuge for orphaned and injured Alaskan animals. It’s a great place to learn about Alaska’s wildlife and get up-close views of grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, musk ox, moose, and many other species. One of the most unique railroad trips in Alaska is the Alaska Railroad's Spencer Whistle Stop Train. The trip starts from the Railroad Depot in Anchorage…, HISTORY, The former community of Portage was located at the end of Turnagain Arm and was home to almost 100 residents until the 1964 Good Friday earthquake. The massive earthquake caused the shoreline to drop between six and twelve feet, allowing high tides to flood the town and surrounding area with saltwater. All that remains of the original village are a few structures sinking into the nearby mud flats…
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ABOUT SELDOVIA ( SUGPIAQ : ANGAGKITAQNUUQ), Just 15 miles across , Kachemak Bay, from Homer but in a world of its own is Seldovia, a small coastal community with authentic Alaska appeal. Locals call their town the “City of Secluded Charm,” and it’s hard to argue with them. Set among a maze of peninsulas, straits, and lakes, the isolated community of about 300 residents has managed to retain much of its character. It is an enjoyable escape, whether you stay a week or just…, HISTORY of Seldovia, The Seldovia area is the traditional homeland of the Sugpiaq people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. When Russian traders arrived in the area seeking sea otter pelts and timber to repair ships, Seldovia became an important shipping and supply center for the region. Salmon and herring runs supported several canneries by the 1920s. After the Sterling Highway was completed to…, Getting to Seldovia, Seldovia is located across Kachemak Bay from Homer , and most visitors arrive to town on a 45 minute ferry ride from Homer that departs several times a day. Water taxis are also available from Homer and air taxis are available from Homer and Anchorage . The , Alaska Marine Highway ferry, provides ferry service between Homer and Seldovia, connecting to other destinations on the ferry route. Seldovia water taxi from Homer, Things to Do in Seldovia, Seldovia is amazingly compact – even the airport is only a half-mile walk from town. You can see most of it on foot in a relatively short period of time, and be sure to keep an eye out for the dozens of impressive wood carvings that are peppered throughout the town. Within a few blocks of the small boat harbor are shops, galleries, restaurants, and a short stretch of the original historic…, HIKING, The Otterbahn Trail is one of the area’s most popular hikes, heading 1.2 miles from town through the forest to Outside Beach, a beautiful spot with beachcombing and a spectacular view of Kachemak Bay. Keep an eye out for blueberries along the way in late summer and fall. Outside Beach Park features a picnic area and stunning views of Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna. There is also a good chance…, BERRY PICKING, Seldovia is renowned for its berry picking. Blueberries grow so thick you can often rake your fingers through the bushes and fill a two-quart bucket in minutes. Low-bush cranberries and salmonberries are also abundant. If you don’t have time to pick them yourself, keep an eye out for locally made products such as jams, jellies, and marmalades to enjoy the area’s berry bounty., CHARTER FISHING, A charter fishing fleet in Seldovia is available to take visitors out onto the rich waters of Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet to fish for halibut, salmon, cod, and rockfish. Some of the area’s lodges, cabin rentals, and B&Bs offer exclusive charter fishing trips along with accommodations and meals. , KAYAKING, The kayaking is excellent in the waters around Seldovia. Protected inlets and bays, such as Eldred Passage, Sadie Cove, Tutka Bay, and Jakolof Bay, offer calm waters and the possibility of encountering marine wildlife including sea otters, seals, and sea lions. Seldovia outfitters rent kayaks and offer drop-off transportation outside of town., MOUNTAIN BIKING, Seldovia's nearly carless streets and outlying gravel roads make for ideal mountain biking, and bikes can be brought over from Homer or rented in town. The most popular ride is a leisurely pedal along the Jakolof Bay Road, which winds 10 miles along the coast towards the head of Jakolof Bay. Along the way are panoramic views of Kachemak Bay, Kasitsna Bay, and Jakolof Bay, while McDonald Spit is…, Lodging in Seldovia, A variety of accommodations are available in Seldovia, many of which feature waterfront views of Seldovia Harbor and the bay. Visitors can choose from several inns, fishing lodges, B&Bs, cabins, guest houses, vacation rentals, and even a treehouse. There is also a campground and RV park north of town. The town has a few dining options including three restaurants, a cafe, a coffee shop, and a…
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The isolated village of Skwentna isn’t on Alaska’s road system, but it’s a major thoroughfare for dogs – the village is a checkpoint on the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race ., ABOUT SKWENTNA, Skwentna has a population of about 30 people and lies on the south bank of the Skwentna River at its junction with Eight Mile Creek. This small village is located west of the Mat-Su Valley and is a 70-mile flight from Anchorage ., THINGS TO DO, Several fly-in wilderness lodges and cabins are located in the Skwentna area catering to visitors who want to get off the beaten track for fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and boating. Most lodges will arrange private air taxi service on a float plane or bush plane that will take you directly to their property. Skwentna is an official checkpoint on the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race from …, Nome, each March, as well as a gas stop for the Iron Dog Snowmobile Race in February. The Iditarod Trail Invitational , a 350-mile race that combines skiing, mountain biking, and snowshoeing, also makes a stop in Skwentna. The area drained by the Skwentna and Yentna rivers has many lakes and small streams that support all five species of salmon in Alaska. Taking advantage of the fine fishing are a…, HISTORY, Dena'ina Athabascans fished and hunted the Skwentna and Yentna rivers for centuries. Permanent settlers did not show up until after the Alaska Road Commission cut the Iditarod National Historic Trail in 1908, connecting Seward to , Nome, . Roadhouses were later constructed along the trail, including the Old Skwentna Roadhouse, to service the prospectors, trappers, and Alaska Natives who used sled dogs to transport goods over the trail.
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Soldotna is located at the intersection of the Sterling and Kenai Spur Highways on the Kenai Peninsula , 140 miles from Anchorage and 70 miles from Homer , and was founded when the highways were completed in the 1940s. The town is situated around the Kenai River and is a major destination for fishing. Read Top 6 Things to Do in Soldotna., ABOUT SOLDOTNA (DENA'INA ATHABASCAN: TS’ELDAT’NU), Each summer, thousands of Alaska residents and visitors stream into Soldotna on a quest for legendary Kenai River salmon. In fact, the world’s largest king salmon was plucked from the waters of the Kenai River in 1985 and the 97.2-pound trophy now hangs on the wall of the Soldotna Visitor Information Center. Biologists believe genetics and the fact that Kenai River salmon often spend an extra…, THINGS TO DO, Soldotna is one of the most fish-crazy places in Alaska during the summer and the fastest-growing city on the Kenai Peninsula with a population of more than 4,600 residents. Soldotna is a full-service community and well set up for the wave of anglers who flock here from mid-May through September to catch red, silver, and especially king salmon in the lower Kenai River. Numerous fishing charter…, STAYING AND EATING IN SOLDOTNA, Several lodging options can be found right on the banks of the Kenai River for quick access to fishing, including hotels, inns, fishing lodges, B&Bs, campgrounds, and RV parks. A good selection of restaurants, two local breweries, and a couple of grocery stores are located in town along the Sterling Highway.
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Located on the Kenai Peninsula , 10 miles northeast of Soldotna and 130 miles from Anchorage , Sterling is a full-service community geared toward visitors who are preparing to venture into the surrounding wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge ., ABOUT STERLING, In and around Sterling, campgrounds, state access sites, and trails are plentiful, but the crown jewel of local outdoor recreation options is the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge ., THINGS TO DO, Sterling serves as the base for anglers and canoers who arrive every summer to land trophy king salmon or paddle the wilderness waterways of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge . A number of charter fishing guides operate in the Sterling area and often use drift boats to float clients down the Kenai River. Four species of salmon - king, sockeye, pink, and silver - spawn up the Kenai River at…, Captain Cook State Recreation Area, . The easier and more popular Swan Lake Route connects 30 lakes with forks in the Moose River over 60 miles. The area around Sterling has been home to Kenaitze Indians for more than 2,000 years. An archaeological site containing prehistoric house pits was uncovered at the Izaac Walton State Recreation Site just west of Sterling. The recreation area is a great spot for boating, picnicking, and…
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Sutton is a small town located on the Glenn Highway between , Palmer, and Glennallen , and a convenient place to fill up on gas and snacks for visitors headed to attractions like Matanuska Glacier and Sheep Mountain., ABOUT SUTTON, This rural community of about 1,500 residents in the Mat-Su Valley provides a scenic location and solitude, along with access to nearby recreation like hiking, fishing, and rafting., THINGS TO DO, Sutton’s coal history can be explored at Alpine Historical Park , a museum complex on site of the Sutton Coal Washery. Among the buildings preserved there are the Chickaloon bunkhouse and the original Sutton Post Office from 1948. Hikers and bikers can enjoy the Palmer-Moose Creek Railroad Trail , which follows the former railbed between Sutton and , Palmer, . Another popular trail is King River Trail, a multi-use trail reached from Mile 66.3 of the Glenn Highway, just west of the King River Bridge. Nearby Seventeen Mile Lake offers fishing opportunities, while locally grown produce is available at a farmer’s market during the summer. Excellent whitewater rafting lies near Sutton on the Matanuska River. Outfitters lead parties of rafters down the…, HISTORY, Sutton was founded as a station on the Matanuska Branch of the , Alaska Railroad, in 1918. The branch line was built for the sole purpose of transporting coal from the area. Sutton was also the base camp for construction of the Glenn Highway. But it was coal mining that kept the economy of Sutton humming over the years. Today the railroad is gone and there aren’t any active coal mines, but today’s residents remain to enjoy the scenic location and solitude of their rural…
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Located along the George Parks Highway between Wasilla and , Denali National Park and Preserve, , it might be easy to miss the small town of Trapper Creek – but before you cruise by, consider making the side trip down Petersville Road for camping, fishing, and fantastic views of Denali., ABOUT TRAPPER CREEK, The community dates back to 1906 when gold was discovered on Cache Creek. Prospectors traveled up the Susitna River to Susitna Station and overland past Trapper Creek in search of their fortune. In 1920, the Alaska Road Commission turned an old trail into a wagon road from Talkeetna to Cache Creek, which later became Petersville Road., THINGS TO DO, Petersville Road winds 39 miles from Trapper Creek into the Dutch Hills through a homestead area notable for its spectacular views of Denali and numerous cabins that double as lodges and bed and breakfasts. Almost 20 miles from the George Parks Highway on Petersville Road is Forks Roadhouse. Established in 1900 to serve the of miners living in tent cities in the Cache Creek-Dutch Hills Mining…
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