Welcome to the land of glaciers, where epic adventures and breathtaking beauty await! In Alaska, you’ll find a treasure trove of over 100,000 glaciers, each one waiting to be explored and admired. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as we dive into the heart of Alaska’s icy wonders. Brace yourself for thrilling glacier treks, jaw-dropping hikes, and epic photo opportunities that will leave you in awe!

Matanuska Glacier – A Road Trip to Glacial Marvels

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Hop in your car and embark on an exhilarating journey to Matanuska Glacier. Just two hours north of Anchorage, this 26-mile long and four-mile wide behemoth awaits your arrival. Prepare to be amazed as you traverse the scenic Glenn Highway, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Once you reach Matanuska Glacier, the real adventure begins. Strap on your hiking boots and set foot on the ice, immersing yourself in a world of frozen beauty. Whether you’re an experienced glacier trekker or a newbie looking for a thrilling day out, Matanuska Glacier has something for everyone.

Exit Glacier – Nature’s Playground in Seward

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Make your way to the charming town of Seward and discover the unique beauty of Exit Glacier. This accessible wonder is the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park that you can reach by road. As you explore the area, you’ll find a multitude of hiking trails, a nature center, and knowledgeable park rangers ready to enhance your experience. From easy strolls to the challenging Harding Icefield Trail, there’s a path for every level of adventurer. Soak in the awe-inspiring views of Exit Glacier and revel in the sense of accomplishment as you conquer the trails.

Mendenhall Glacier – Majestic Splendor near Juneau

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Prepare to be captivated by the sheer beauty of Mendenhall Glacier, nestled near Juneau. Embark on a hike from the visitor center, where short trails lead to stunning views of the glacier and the magnificent Nugget Falls. Choose your own adventure by exploring the various trails in the area, ranging from easy to moderate. Experienced kayakers can also paddle their way across the lake to get up close and personal with this frozen masterpiece. Dress for the occasion, as weather conditions can change quickly, and prepare to be amazed by the grandeur of Mendenhall Glacier.

Worthington Glacier – A Roadside Marvel near Valdez

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Discover the breathtaking Worthington Glacier, conveniently located off the Richardson Highway. As you drive, admire the stunning views from the roadside, but don’t miss the chance to stop at the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site. Take a short hike to a viewing area near the face of the glacier and prepare to be in awe of its icy splendor. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, Worthington Glacier offers a memorable experience that will make you appreciate the wonders of nature.

Root Glacier – A Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Gem

Credit: NPS.org

Head to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and embark on an unforgettable adventure to Root Glacier. Take a short hike from Kennecott Mines National Historical Landmark and witness breathtaking views of Mount Blackburn, Regal Mountain, and Donoho Peak along the way. For those craving a glacier trekking experience, gear rentals and guided tours are available from McCarthy. Even if you prefer a more leisurely stroll, the easy hike to the edge of Root Glacier offers a chance to soak in the beauty of this icy wonder.

Portage Glacier – Where Alpine Beauty Meets Adventure

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Discover the wonders of Portage Glacier, situated off the scenic Seward Highway. Begin your adventure by exploring the trails that lead to glacier views, such as the Byron Glacier Trail, the paved Trail of Blue Ice, or the Portage Pass Trail. For a unique experience, embark on a short cruise that takes you right up to the face of Portage Glacier. Learn about the local ecosystem at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center and marvel at the power and beauty of glaciers. Portage Glacier offers a variety of activities, from hiking to boat tours, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers.

There you have it – an array of thrilling opportunities to experience Alaska’s glaciers by road, rail, water, and air. Pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the icy wonders of the Last Frontier. Alaska’s glaciers are waiting to amaze you with their grandeur, beauty, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in the land of glaciers!

Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Alaska, the Last Frontier, is calling out to the adventurer in you, beckoning you to embark on an unforgettable journey in 2023. This stunningly beautiful state, brimming with untouched wilderness and spectacular vistas, promises a unique and exhilarating experience that you will cherish for years to come.

In Alaska, nature is in her full, untamed glory. The state’s vast landscapes are adorned with towering mountain ranges, expansive tundras, pristine forests, and dynamic coastlines. From the Denali, the highest peak in North America, to the awe-inspiring glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska’s natural wonders are nothing short of majestic.

Experience the enchantment of the Northern Lights, as the sky gets painted with brilliant colors, creating an ethereal spectacle that’s beyond imagination. Or, if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, get ready to meet Alaska’s diverse inhabitants up close, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and an array of marine life.

Planning a trip to Alaska in 2023? Awesome! Let’s dive into some of the best ways to explore this untamed wilderness.

Discover Alaska at Your Pace with a Fly-In and Car Rental

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One of the best ways to experience Alaska is to fly in and rent a car. It gives you the freedom to navigate through the beautiful landscapes at your own pace. Drive through spectacular mountain passes, alongside stunning coastlines, or across high tundra where the views are limitless.

Stay at lodges or hotels, or choose a private cabin with a kitchen in the heart of the wilderness. Plan a trip ranging from 5 to 10 days, exploring different towns along the way. Start your journey from Anchorage or Fairbanks, or fly into the charming city of Juneau, which is just a short flight from Seattle.

Credit: Alaska.org

Embrace the Open Road with an RV or Campervan

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For a more immersive experience, rent an RV or campervan. Travel along the vast open roads, surrounded by stunning landscapes, and stop at your leisure to soak in the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. Spend your nights under the midnight sun, enjoy the melodies of the birds in the morning, and step out for a hike right from your doorstep.

Cruise the Alaskan Waters with a Small Ship or Yacht

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Experience the magnificent Alaskan coastline on a small ship cruise or a yacht charter. Enjoy the sight of majestic wildlife, including whales, seals, and bald eagles. With numerous islands to discover, you’ll find ample secluded bays and coves to anchor in. You can fish, kayak, or explore the coastline at your own pace.

If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, charter a small yacht or sailboat for your group or family. The options are limitless: go fishing, cook a seafood dinner, kayak in front of a glacier, and more!

Experience Luxury in the Wild at a Wilderness Lodge

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For a luxurious experience amidst Alaska’s pristine nature, consider staying at a wilderness lodge. These remote lodges offer top-notch amenities in the heart of the wilderness and can only be accessed by small boats or air taxis. Some lodges even specialize in world-class bear viewing or fishing.

Embark on a Backcountry Excursion

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For the intrepid traveler, a backcountry excursion offers an unrivaled immersion into Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness. Engage in guided journeys that let you experience remote places under the guidance of local experts. You can go backpacking, rafting, or take a multi-day sea kayaking trip, camping on the beach.

If you’re an experienced adventurer, you can simply team up with a local outfitter to get to the right spot with the right gear. Whether it’s hiking in the vast national parks, rafting down wild rivers, or camping on a beach after a day of sea kayaking, Alaska’s backcountry is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Alaska awaits you with open arms and a promise of an extraordinary adventure. So why wait? Start planning your 2023 Alaskan journey today and prepare yourself for a truly memorable experience that will leave you with stories to tell and a longing to return.

Ready to embark on this wild ride? Let’s make your Alaskan dream come true. Adventure awaits!

Ready for a mind-blowing adventure to the end of the road? Hitch a ride with us to Homer, Alaska! Homer is a charming town at the end of the road in Alaska, and it’s a great place to experience the best of what the Last Frontier has to offer. With its breathtaking landscape and myriad of activities, Homer is the perfect destination for those who love the outdoors. Here are six amazing things you can do that will make your journey unforgettable!

1. Witness Majestic Bears in the Wild!

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If you’ve ever dreamed of spotting a majestic Alaskan bear in the wild, Homer is the place to be. Take a 1.5 hour scenic flight across Cook Inlet to Katmai National Park or Lake Clark National Park, home to a multitude of these magnificent creatures. Witness them in their natural habitats along the coastline or at the famed Brooks Falls, where you can snap an iconic photo of a bear catching salmon as they leap up the falls. If you’re looking for a more serene experience, follow your guide on a hike and watch coastal brown bears feast on sedge grass, dig for clams, or catch salmon with the tide. Either choice promises a day of fascinating wildlife viewing that you won’t forget.

2. Embark on a Marine Adventure at Kachemak Bay!

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Welcome to Kachemak Bay, one of the richest marine estuaries in the world! Hire a small boat or water taxi for a personalized day cruise, where you can spot humpbacks and orcas, or appreciate the spectacular landscape. For the thrill-seekers, how about paddleboarding or sea kayaking past remote islands and seabird rookeries? Keep an eye out for puffins, sea otters, and other marine life. For an exclusive experience, use Homer as a launching point to jet ski near glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park with Destination Alaska.

3. Take a Hike or an Argo Tour!

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Step into nature with a hike in the hills above Homer, or explore the backcountry on an 8×8 Argo tour. Marvel at the beauty of trees and flowers, and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains across Kachemak Bay. For more adventurous hikers, Kachemak Bay State Park offers over 80 miles of trails leading to glaciers, mountain lakes, and miles of uninhabited beaches. Take a water taxi across the Bay and embark on popular trails like the Grewingk Glacier hike, or challenge yourself with the Sadie Knob or Grace Ridge Trail hikes that promise higher elevations and stunning vistas.

4. Experience World-Class Fishing!

Credit: Homer Ocean Charters

Did you know Homer is known for some of the world’s best halibut fishing? Just an hour’s boat ride away, you can cast your lure in search of monster halibut that can weigh several hundred pounds! Look out for migrating whales while you fish, and try a variety of fishing experiences – halibut, the spectacular salmon fishery, or even a combo trip where you can chase after different species of salmon, rockfish, lingcod, or salmon sharks. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable charter operators are ready to guide you on this fishing adventure of a lifetime.

5. Stroll the Beach, Discover Marine Life and Enjoy Birding!

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Put on your boots, grab a windbreaker and head to Homer’s easily accessible beaches. Walk for miles along the bustling Homer Spit, teeming with tourists, tent-campers, water taxis, and charter boats. Explore the tidepools at Bishop’s Beach, where you can spot colorful anemones, sea stars, jellyfish, and mussels. Experience the dramatic changes brought by extreme tides, which create a rich ecosystem around you. Don’t miss the nearby boardwalk trail around Beluga Slough, a haven for shorebirds in all seasons.

6. Immerse Yourself in Local Art & Museums!

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Homer’s gorgeous setting on Kachemak Bay has inspired a multitude of artists. Take a leisurely stroll along “Gallery Row” or the shops on the boardwalk of The Homer Spit. From detailed prints made with octopus ink to historic Alaskan photographs, colorful jewelry, and stylish but functional pottery, you’ll be amazed by the creativity of Homer’s artistic community. And don’t forget to spend a day learning about Kachemak Bay and Homer’s history at various indoor and outdoor exhibits. It’s a treat for both serious and impromptu art collectors.

With so much to see and do, Homer, Alaska promises an unforgettable adventure! Pack your bags and get ready to explore this gem of a destination. We can’t wait to welcome you!