Adventure Guide

Talkeetna

**WEDDING BELLS*** This is where we are tying the knot! A small historic town between Anchorage and Denali National Park. There are panoramic views of the mountains (on a clear day, this is a great place to view Denali), a few nice walking paths, cute shops, good food, and a great brewery... oh, and the mayor is a cat. You can't go wrong in Talkeetna!

Things to do in Talkeetna (continued)

It's a small town, but there's lots to do! Head to this website for more info for things to do around our Wedding day. North Shore Cyclery didn't make the list- here's their website to check out as well: https://www.northshorecyclery.bike/

Byers Lake

Remote area known for camping, hiking (Kesugi Ridge) and fishing. Between Talkeetna and Denali.

Denali National Park and Preserve

This is where Tanner Proposed to Gloria! Outside vehicles are not normally allowed into the park but they opened it up for vehicles to drive a ways in this year, see link below. The train can take you into the town from Anchorage/Talkeenta. Lots of hiking, rafting and sightseeing options. https://www.nps.gov/dena/learn/news/pov-access-2021.htm

Fly around Denali

This is going to be pretty weather dependent, but could be really rad if we're lucky!

Anchorage Day Hikes

We are so lucky to be surrounded by so many awesome trails, right in our backyard! Here's a link to a list of some pretty stellar day-hikes in/near Anchorage.

Anchorage Museum

This is a rad museum filled with AK history and info about the populations that were here first. Check it out if you've got an afternoon in the city to spare.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

This 11 mile (round trip) paved trail runs along the coast of ANC, from downtown then wraps around to Kincaid park. You can rent ebikes from downtown and zip along the route. It is also easily accessible from various points in the city if you just want to do a section of it. However, if you make it all they way to Kincaid Park, there is a popular reindeer dog stand to refuel for the journey back. There is usually moose on the trail so keep your eyes peeled and camera ready!

Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary

Eagle River Nature Center

About 30 minutes outside of ANC. This is a great option for nature lovers and a nice place to stretch your legs. There are beautiful views along the walking trails. Expect to see wildlife!

Hatcher Pass & Independence Mine

This is an old gold mining area, 45 mins North of Anchorage. Tons of hiking options and beautiful scenery. Reed Lakes (Gloria's Favorite) and Gold Mint Trail are good options. Be sure to check out the old mining buildings from Independence Mine at the top! There's also an option to take the "summer road" all the way to the other side of the pass. It'll make the trip a bit longer as it's a dirt road, but makes for a scenic road trip!

Girdwood

Hike up Alyeska ski resort, take the gondola down, or up! Have a drink at the top of Alyeska, there's a bar. Or grab a beer from Girdwood Brewing Co in town. Also, get something from The Bakeshop.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

40min drive from ANC, just past Girdwood. The sanctuary takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round. It's pretty neat to see all the AK wildlife up close but not be in a zoo. This is a great place to bring kiddos.

Portage Pass Trail

The only way to get to Whittier is to go through a one-way tunnel about 40 minutes outside of Anchorage. You'll have to watch the tunnel schedule and plan your trip accordingly. This is a really cool hike and doable for all experience levels.

Fishing on the Kenai

This river has some quality fish. If you're into trout fishing, Tanner recommends checking out Troutfitters. They supply fishing gear and are experienced fishing guides. Salmon season has begun to slow down, but with a good guide to put ya at the right fishing hole, your almost guaranteed to catch at least one. You're looking at silver salmon this time of year.

Kenai Fjords National Park

A popular activity out of Seward is to go on a Glacier and Marine boat tour through the fjords. The whales might be on their way out of Alaska, but there's still the chance to see some as well as other wildlife. Plus a ton of glaciers.

Harding Icefield and Exit Glacier

Really nice if you're in the Seward area. Couple options for activities. You can hike up to Harding Icefield and see an absolutely massive icefield that feeds a ton of glaciers. This is a full day hike, about 9 miles. There is also a pedestrian walk that takes you to Exit Glacier. Who knows what the glacier will look like come next year, but this can be pretty cool. Also bit of a sobering reminder as you drive in. They have mileposts for where the glacier had extended to. You start seeing those posts about 10 min away.

Homer

Homer is a small city on Kachemak Bay, on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. It is about 6 hours south of Anchorage. If you have the time, and desire to go, it's a neat area to explore. A focal point is the Homer Spit, a long strip of land with shops, art galleries, seafood restaurants and beaches. This is also a popular area for deep sea fishing.

Alaska Skydive Center

Some of you have asked, so here you go! About 30 min from ANC, in the valley between two mountain ranges. Would be pretty rad to see!