There are superlatives galore when it comes to Alaska: twice the size of Texas, it has America’s highest mountain, largest glacier and all three types of bear!
In three months, we explored nearly every road plus a couple of islands. The scenery was superb throughout and whilst the people are of an independent mien, they were perfectly friendly!
The following articles cover our wanderings!
We started off with the great roadtrip of the north: the Dalton Highway, with side trips on the equally rewarding Steese and Elliot Highways.
Then the stunningly beautiful Denali Highway running across the middle of the country.
We did another side trip to McCarthy and the fascinating remains of the Kennecott mining town.
Followed by the short but rewarding road through the Hatcher Pass with more mining ruins en route.
A flight to the Aleutian Islands bought us to Unalaska and Dutch Harbour where the Rat reigned supreme!
We then travelled the Alaska Marine Highway on the trusty Tusty from Dutch Harbour to Homer, via Kodiak.
Big bears and big scenery: Kodiak was a wonderful stop.
Back on the mainland, we headed north again to Denali National Park and found bears in abundance.
From Fairbanks, there is a delicious detour to Chena Hot Springs – go in winter for the northern lights!
Another road we couldn’t resist took us to the Canadian border on the Alaska Highway with a side trip to Chicken.
Driving south, we visited the enchanting town of Valdez and discovered the amazing salmon life cycle.
Last but not least: the playground of Alaska – the Kenai Peninsula.
Turnagain Arm is a unique sight – try and catch a bore tide whilst you are there. At the end of the line, Whittier feels suitably Cold War.
There was more lovely scenery en route to Seward, although Hope was quieter than we’d hoped!
And finally the quintessential Alaskan fishing town on the Homer Spit.