Known as the outdoor playground for half of Alaska's residents, Chugach National Forest attracts more than one million visitors a year., Only a third as large as Tongass National Forest , its twin in the Inside Passage , Chugach is still the second-largest national forest in the United States, encompassing an impressive range of forests, rivers, lakes, mountains, and glaciers. , THINGS TO DO, Roughly the size of New Hampshire, the Chugach National Forest features a geographic diversity that is truly unique among national forests. The 5,940,000-acre forest is spread across three distinct landscapes, stretching from the Kenai Peninsula across Prince William Sound to the Copper River Delta. The Chugach National Forest offers endless recreation opportunities. Hundreds of miles of trails…, WILDLIFE, Wildlife is plentiful in the Chugach National Forest, especially for those who make the effort to hike away from the roads and highways. Brown and black bear inhabit most of the forest, foraging on open tundra slopes and in intertidal zones. In late summer, bears may be seen feeding on spawned-out salmon along streams and rivers. Record-size moose inhabit the Kenai Peninsula and the Copper River…, LANDSCAPE, The vast landscape of Chugach National Forest is divided into three areas: the Kenai Peninsula (with main access communities of Seward , Cooper Landing , Hope , Girdwood , and Anchorage ), Prince William Sound (with main access communities of Whittier and Valdez ), and the Copper River Delta (with main access community of Cordova ). The geography is as varied as the outdoor recreation…, FACILITIES AND CAMPING, Scattered across Chugach National Forest are 42 public use cabins available to rent, which are reached either on foot, by boat, or by float plane. Located along the road system in the Kenai Peninsula are 14 U.S. Forest Service campgrounds that are popular places to tent and RV camp from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Childs Glacier Campground is a boat-accessible campground near the face of…, GETTING HERE, Chugach National Forest is accessible by road, boat, and float planes. The Seward Highway and to a lesser extent the Sterling Highway are the main access points to the forest in the Kenai Peninsula . From Cordova , the Copper River Highway provide access to the trails, campgrounds, and facilities along the Copper River Delta. Boat cruises are available in Whittier and Valdez to see tidewater…
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Epic history, majestic landscapes, and pristine beaches await visitors to the state parks in this quaint coastal town., Located on Baranof Island,, Sitka, is the only community perched on the seaward side of the Alaska's, Inside Passage, . Alaska State Parks manages seven parks and sites near, Sitka, . A variety of activities are available for adventurers of all ages and skill levels, including hiking, picnicking, beach combing, bird watching, boating, camping, exploring the backcountry, and learning more about Alaska's rich natural and cultural history., BARANOF CASTLE STATE HISTORIC SITE, Baranof Castle State Historic Site , commonly referred to as Castle Hill, is a one-acre park located in downtown, Sitka, . The park is easily accessible by road off of Lincoln Street. Castle Hill features an accessible walkway to the top of the hill where there are interpretive panels and outstanding views of downtown Sitka and its waterfront. The hill was originally the site of a strategic fort for the local , Tlingit, people. In 1804 the Russians claimed the site and occupied it for about 60 years with military and government buildings. Alaska was formally transferred from Russia to the United States in 1867 in a ceremony on top of Castle Hill. Alaska Day celebrations are held on the site each year on October 18., HALIBUT POINT STATE RECREATION SITE, Halibut Point State Recreation Site is a popular 22-acre day-use area 4 miles north of downtown, Sitka, along the ocean, accessible by Halibut Point Road. The recreation site has a picnic area with three covered shelters and a half-mile trail through the coastal spruce and hemlock forest., OLD SITKA STATE HISTORICAL PARK, Seven miles north of town is Old Sitka State Historical Park , a National Historic Landmark that once the site of a Tlingit camp, and was later the site of a Russian settlement. The park is accessible by road at Mile 7.8 of Halibut Point Road. The park has interpretive displays, a boat launch, and three easy, scenic trails totaling around 3 miles: The Forest & Muskegs Trail, Mosquito Cove…, Alaska Marine Highway, Ferry Terminal. , STATE MARINE PARKS, The, Sitka, area is home to four State Marine Parks accessible by boat or kayak. These parks are undeveloped and are used by boaters and kayakers for backcountry camping, fishing, beachcombing, and hunting. The largest is 1,135-acres Magoun Island State Marine Park , 12 miles northwest of Sitka near Krestof Sound. Big Bear Baby Bear State Marine Park is 1,023 acres and 35 miles north of Sitka near Peril…, GETTING HERE, There is no mainland road access to, Sitka, . The city is reached by daily jet service from Seattle and, Anchorage, via, Juneau, or on the, Alaska Marine Highway, .
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Sitka National Historical Park is Alaska's smallest national historical park, but it’s big on Alaska history and scenic beauty. The 113-acre park was established in 1890 and is the oldest federally designated park in Alaska. Located within easy walking distance of downtown, Sitka, , the park is an important site for Tlingit and Russian history and is home to authentic, Tlingit and Haida, totem poles nestled in a rainforest of giant Sitka spruce trees., THINGS TO DO, Located at the mouth of Indian River, the park preserves the site where the local, Tlingit, tribe was defeated by the Russians in the Battle of 1804. Today, the park tells the stories of Russian and Tlingit history in the area and celebrates, Tlingit and Haida, totems and artwork. The Sitka National Historical Park Visitor Center displays Russian and, Tlingit, artifacts and has a theater that shows a video about the area’s history. During the summer, the visitor center hosts the Demonstrating Artists Program, housing three art studios where Alaska Native artists demonstrate woodworking, beading, weaving, and metal engraving. The Totem Trail is a mile-long path through Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees that showcases 18, Tlingit and Haida, totems. From a footbridge over the Indian River, the trail connects to the Russian Memorial Trail, leading to the historic grounds of the Battle of Sitka, where Russian colonists fought with local Tlingit peoples, eventually leading to the establishment of Russia’s settlement in Alaska. Visitors can explore the trails as a self-guided tour or join a ranger-led walk. The National Park Service also…, HISTORY, In 1804, Russian soldiers arrived in the area with four ships to revenge a Tlingit raid on a nearby outpost two years earlier. The Russians' cannons did little damage to the walls of the Tlingit fort. When the Russian soldiers stormed the structure with the help of Alutiiq people, the Tlingits defeated the Russians in a bloody battle. It was only when the Tlingits ran out of gunpowder and flint…, FACILITIES AND CAMPING, There is no camping at Sitka National Historical Park. Visitor facilities include the Visitor Center , several miles of hiking trails, and the historic Russian Bishop’s House . Lodging and dining options are within walking distance in, Sitka, ., GETTING HERE, Sitka National Historical Park is located within walking distance of downtown, Sitka, . The city is accessible only by air or sea. Commercial airlines fly directly from Seattle,, Juneau, , and, Anchorage, . Sitka is also a port of call for ferries on the, Alaska Marine Highway System, and many, cruise ships, . Explore more things to do in, Sitka, . For more information, visit the Sitka National Historical Park website .
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Encompassing almost a half a million acres in Southcentral Alaska , this wildlife-rich park is one of the four largest state parks in the United States., Beyond the foothills at the edge of Anchorage –Alaska's largest city—is Chugach State Park. While Alaska has wilderness areas that are larger and wilder than the Chugach, no other wildlife-rich habitat on earth is so close to a major city. The park is known for easy access and activities for adventurers of all skill levels. Within minutes of the park are the communities of Anchorage, Palmer ,…, THINGS TO DO, Chugach State Park is amazingly accessible with 16 trailheads that provide access to 280 miles of trails. Activities are vast, including hiking , biking , hunting, fishing , camping, glacier viewing, horseback riding, gold-panning, ATV riding , snowmobiling, berry picking…and the list goes on. The park is also popular with nature photographers who seek to capture the diverse wildlife and rugged…, WILDLIFE, More than 45 species of mammals live in Chugach State Park, including nearly all the terrestrial mammals found in Alaska. Brown bears and moose are so prevalent they often wander into Anchorage neighborhoods. Biologists estimate the mammal population includes more than 1,000 moose, 40 brown bears, and 80 black bears. There are also 2,000 Dall sheep, one wolf pack, and populations of lynx, beavers…, LANDSCAPE, Chugach State Park is carved from the western end of the Chugach Range, which stretches 200 coastal miles from Anchorage to Canada. At 495,000 acres, Chugach State Park has enough space to contain both New York City and Los Angeles within its borders. The park features nine distinct environments including hemlock-spruce forests, muskeg, alpine tundra, the riparian habitat of rivers and lakes,…, HISTORY, By the 17th century, the Dena’ina Athabascan people had spread across most of what is now called Cook Inlet. Captain James Cook was the first European known to write about contact with the Dena’ina community. Cook sailed up Cook Inlet in 1778 hoping to find the Northwest Passage, but had to “turn again,” leading him to name the water body “River Turnagain,” now called Turnagain Arm. With the…, FACILITIES AND CAMPING, Chugach State Park has three campgrounds: Eagle River, Eklutna Lake, and Bird Creek. There are also four public-use cabins at Eklutna Lake, a cabin and several yurts at the Eagle River Nature Center, and two public-use cabins at Bird Creek. Eagle River Campground is located 12 miles north of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway and a mile east of the community of Eagle River. Overlooking Eagle River,…, GETTING HERE, Eagle River and Eklutna Lake are accessible by road from Anchorage via the Glenn Highway. Bird Creek and the Turnagain Arm trails are accessed from Anchorage via the Seward Highway. A shuttle service provides transportation from downtown Anchorage to the Glen Alps Trailhead, and local tour operators offer guided hiking trips up Flattop Trail and other local trails. For more information, visit the…
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This gigantic glacier is the largest in the U.S. that can be reached by vehicle., Matanuska Glacier, one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers, is a stable 27-mile long river of ice flowing from the Chugach Mountains almost all the way to the Glenn Highway. With a 4-mile wide terminus visible from one of Alaska's major highways, the Matanuska Glacier is the most popular roadside attraction between, Anchorage, and, Glennallen, , and visitors flock to the area in the summer for the glacier’s brilliant views and epic treks., THINGS TO DO, Most visitors get close with the ice at Glacier Park, a private access area at Mile 102 of the Glenn Highway. A private road leads to a parking lot at the terminal moraine where you can start a guided trek on the glacier. Tour companies offer guided glacier walks that explore this enormous river of ice. Expert guides will get you geared up with helmets, crampons, and poles and lead you safely…, LANDSCAPE, The Matanuska Glacier is a valley glacier, consisting of streams of flowing ice that create the headwaters of the Matanuska River. Now 60 miles south of, Palmer, , the position of the terminus has changed relatively little in the past 30 years. The glacier functions as a weather hole that naturally propels warm valley air upward. Due to this phenomenon, visitors will experience sunnier skies and a warmer environment compared to the rest of the, Mat-Su Valley, , making this a premier destination for those seeking glacial adventures., FACILITIES AND CAMPING, Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site has 12 campsites on a gravel road that loops around the site and is equipped with a water pump, outhouses, fire pits, and picnic tables. Nearby Edge Nature Trail is a 20-minute path that curves through the boreal forest with interpretive signs to glacier-viewing platforms. The only way to access Matanuska Glacier is by joining a guided glacier tour,…, GETTING HERE, Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site is accessible by road at Mile 101 of the Glenn Highway, 93 miles from, Anchorage, and 52 miles from, Palmer, . During the winter the site is closed. Access to Matanuska Glacier is at Mile 102 of the Glenn Highway.
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An abandoned gold mine set in the spectacular Talkeetna Mountains stands as testament to Alaska’s rich Gold Rush history., Independence Mine State Historical Park is a huge, abandoned gold mine that sits at the top of, Hatcher Pass, , a photogenic alpine passage that cuts through the Talkeetna Mountains in the, Mat-Su Valley, . The scenic journey above tree line and exploration of this this intriguing 761-acre park make for one of the finest day trips in Alaska, THINGS TO DO, Visitors can explore the mine and surrounding area on foot, either independently or as part of a guided tour. Tour guides lead 45-minute tours during the summer to explore the mine ruins and learn about the history of the area, with three of the historical buildings open to visitors. The Mine Manager's House now serves as a visitor center and features a simulated mining tunnel, displays on gold-…, Hatcher Pass area, surrounding Independence Mine State Historical Park is a favorite for summer hiking , backpacking, and berry picking. In winter, a network of cross country ski trails are groomed around the mine buildings. The area is also popular for backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding. In the summer, visitors can continue on another 2 miles up Hatcher Pass Road to, Summit Lake State Recreation Site, , offering sweeping views and additional hiking opportunities. The road to Summit Lake is typically open from July through September., WILDLIFE, The alpine landscape around the park may seem devoid of wildlife because most alpine inhabitants are camouflage experts. Moose, caribou, sheep, black and brown bears, wolf, coyote, beaver, fox, hare, squirrels, marmots, and lynx can all be found in the area. Look up and you may see a bird of prey soaring above you, scanning the area for its next meal. Ptarmigan, spruce grouse, songbirds, and…, LANDSCAPE, Beautiful alpine scenery can be appreciated any time of the year at, Hatcher Pass, . The area has been heavily glaciated, creating steep-walled cirques, jagged aretes, and hanging valleys. Trees grow only in the lowest valley bottoms. Brush, often dense, grows on lower mountain slopes, yielding to open tundra as elevation increases. Glaciers occupy the headwaters of major drainages. Some nearby peaks are over 6,000 feet tall., HISTORY, Independence Mine was actually two mines until 1938, when the Alaska-Pacific Consolidated Mining Company combined the Alaska Free Gold Mine on Skyscraper Mountain and Independence Mine on Granite Mountain to become the second most productive hardrock gold mine in Alaska. At its peak in 1941, the company employed 204 workers, blasted almost 12 miles of tunnels, and recovered 34,416 ounces of gold…, FACILITIES AND CAMPING, There are no campgrounds in Independence Mine State Historical Park, though limited camping is available at the nearby Gold Mint Trailhead and backpacking is popular along the trails in, Hatcher Pass, . The Hatcher Pass Lodge, located at the entrance to Independence Mine State Historical Park, serves food and rents out several cabins. Additional lodging and services are available in nearby, Palmer, and, Wasilla, ., GETTING HERE, Access to the, Hatcher Pass area, is via the 49-mile-long Hatcher Pass Road from either, Palmer, or, Willow, . From Palmer, take the Palmer-Fishhook Road turnoff at Mile 49.5 of the Glenn Highway. From Willow, take the Fishhook-Willow Road from Mile 71.2 of the Parks Highway. Hatcher Pass Public Use Area begins on the Palmer side at approximately Mile 7.8 on Hatcher Pass Road. Independence Mine is 68 miles from, Anchorage, via the Glenn Highway and Hatcher Pass Road. The road is open year-round from the Glenn Highway to the park Visitor Center. The road from Willow over Summit Pass is closed late September through June. For more information, visit the Independence Mine State Historical Park website .
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Light on visitors due to its remote access, this park offers sanctuary for caribou, muskoxen, and more than 145 species of birds, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, one of the finest wilderness areas in the world, straddles the Arctic Divide in the, Brooks Range, , America's northernmost chain of mountains. Second only to, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, in size, Gates of the Arctic covers 13,238 square miles and is entirely north of the Arctic Circle. It extends from the southern foothills of the, Brooks Range, , across the range's ragged peaks and down onto the North Slope. With the exception of the Dalton Highway (famous for its depiction on, Ice Road Truckers, ), the park is far from any roads and is home to only one village,, Anaktuvuk Pass, . Eight more Alaska Native villages dot the perimeter, but all have less than 400 permanent residents. In the simplest terms, Gates of the Arctic is a vast wilderness the size of Switzerland that contains no National Park Service facilities, visitor centers, or campgrounds., THINGS TO DO, Gates of the Arctic is a wilderness park, with no roads or trails, so visitors must fly or hike into the park. Access to the park begins in, Fairbanks, , with several small airlines that provide flights into the gateway communities of, Bettles, ,, Anaktuvuk Pass, , and, Coldfoot, . The remoteness of the park attracts mostly experienced backcountry travelers for float trips, backpacking treks, or base camps set up to enjoy day hiking and fishing. Many visitors join guided trips that a handful of outfitters offer in summer for rafting and hiking, or in the winter for dog mushing and cross-country skiing. Either as an independent traveler or as part of guided expedition, a…, Wiseman, to, Bettles, . The headwaters for the Noatak and Kobuk Rivers are in the park and are popular waterways for rafters and canoers, ranging from Class I to III in difficulty. Of the various rivers, the North Fork of the Koyukuk is one of the most popular due to its location and level of difficulty - the float begins in the shadow of the Gates and continues downstream 100 miles to Bettles through Class I and II…, WILDLIFE, The park and preserve provides habitat for grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, moose, and wolverines. Fishing is considered superb for grayling and Arctic char in the clear streams and for lake trout in the larger, deeper lakes. The only trails in the park are those made by the Western Arctic caribou herd, one of the largest in Alaska, numbered at over 150,000 animals., LANDSCAPE, Most of the park is a maze of glaciated valleys and gaunt, rugged mountains covered with boreal forest, or treeless slopes of Arctic tundra north of the divide. Within this preserve are six Wild and Scenic Rivers, miles of valleys and tundra slopes to hike, and of course, the Gates themselves., HISTORY, The park's name dates to 1929, when conservationist Robert Marshall found an unobstructed path northward to the Arctic coast of Alaska while exploring the North Fork of the Koyukuk River. Upon seeing the two mountains, Mt. Boreal and Frigid Crags flanking the river, Marshall named the portal the “Gates of the Arctic.” First protected as a U.S. National Monument on December 1, 1978, the area was…, FACILITIES AND CAMPING, There are no roads, campgrounds, or designated hiking trails in the park. The Arctic Interagency Visitor Center , which provides information about the park, is located in, Coldfoot, along the Dalton Highway, 260 miles north of, Fairbanks, . There is also the seasonal Anaktuvuk Pass Ranger Station and the Bettles Ranger Station and Visitor Center , which is open year-round. , GETTING HERE, Most visitors arrive via scheduled or charter air service from, Fairbanks, to, Anaktuvuk Pass, ,, Bettles, , or, Coldfoot, . Bush charters are available from Bettles and Coldfoot into the park boundaries. The Dalton Highway, open year-round, comes within 5 miles of the park, and some visitors choose to hike in from there, often beginning in, Wiseman, or, Coldfoot, . For more information, visit the Gates of the Arctic National Park website .
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Accessible by plane and the rugged Dalton Highway , the remote Arctic coast is the northernmost landscape in the United States. Utqiagvik (Barrow) and Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse are the centers of activity in the area, providing visitor services and tours for the hearty travelers who arrive to view Arctic wildlife, the northern lights , Iñupiaq culture , the Arctic Ocean, and the unique landscapes…, Arctic Coast: Cities & Towns, Utqiaġvik (Barrow) Prudhoe Bay / Deadhorse
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The Western Arctic is one of the most remote areas of the United States and home to the Inupiat people who have lived on the land for thousands of years. The area is known for its wildlife, including thousands of caribou and millions of birds that breed and raise their young in the region’s vast wetland habitats. Landscapes range from coastal plains to high mountain ranges. Here you’ll find few…, Western Arctic: Cities & Towns, Kotzebue Nome St. Lawrence Island Unalakleet, Western Arctic: Parks, Bering Land Bridge National Preserve Cape Krusenstern National Monument Kobuk Valley National Park Noatak National Preserve Selawik National Wildlife Refuge
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The 1,387 mile long Alaska Highway starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia in Canada and ends in Delta Junction , Alaska. Driving the Alaska Highway through Canada is a bucket-list adventure for road trippers in cars, RVs, and camper vans. The route is famous for its rugged scenery, wildlife, and remote destinations. The Alaska portion of the Alaska Highway stretches from the Canadian border…, Alaska Highway: Cities & Towns, Chicken Delta Junction Eagle Northway Paxson Tok, Alaska Highway: Parks, Big Delta State Historical Park Delta Junction State Parks Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge Tok Area State Recreation Sites Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge
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