Day Trips from Anchorage, Alaska

1. Turnagain Arm

Over four miles of pristine shoreline span this section of the Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm is arguably the most gorgeous scenic road in America.

The expansive flat of Turnagain Arm stretches across to the mountains of Cook Inlet and, when driving south from Anchorage, the Chugach State Park 3000-foot mountain impresses on the left side of the drive.

The highway provides access to the mountains for hiking, ranging from recreational streamside walks to challenging ascents.

But of greater interest is the impressive rush of water, known as the bore tide, which produces a tidal wave of six feet with speeds up of to 20mph – a truly unforgettable sight.

2. Chugach National Forest

With over 5.4 million acres of spectacular scenery, visitors will need more than one day to take in the wonders of Chugach National Forest.

Driving along the Copper River Highway takes visitors through rainforests, wetlands leading to the impressive Childs Glacier.

Prince William Sound can be explored by sea or land, spanning 3 million acres of ocean and land.

Summer campgrounds and cabins should be reserved in advance, or visitors can take advantage of the innumerable hiking trails and cycling paths.

Fishing is also a popular pastime in his region, world-class for salmon, grayling, trout and bottomfish.

Supervisor’s Office: 161 E. 1st Ave., Door 8, Anchorage, AK 99501, Phone: 907-743-9500

3. Katmai National Park

A significant historical habitat, Katmai protects and preserves rich wilderness, and has been a dynamic part of Novarupta and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes since the surrounding region was devastated by volcanic action in 1918.

A vital habitat for thousands of brown bears and Bristol Bay sockeye salmon that spans more than four million acres, including miles of wild waters. Visitors can respectfully enjoy the living laboratory, bear watching, boating, and backcountry hiking in designated areas.

Accessibility is limited to the Brooks Campgrounds, which has a maximum capacity of sixty people and has public facilities, although guests are required to be prepared to experience backcountry Alaska.

Katmai National Park, King Salmon, Anchorage, AK 99501, Phone: 907-246-3305

4. Portage Valley

An hour southeast of Anchorage, at the head of Turnagain Arm, is the adventure oasis of Portage Valley. Starting at the Moose Flats Day Use Area, visitors can hike or bike the five-mile Trail of Blue Ice through stunning forest.

Family friendly activities continue at Alder Pond, a popular fishing destination stocked with rainbow trout.

Whitewater sports can be enjoyed in the accessible Portage Creek, or paddling in the Portage Lake below Portage Pass, although the Gold Rush route can be prone to inclement weather.

A spectacular drive through glaciers and ice-covered mountains, visitors can enjoy the state-of-the-art educational exhibits at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center as the beginning of their Portage valley experience.

Portage Lake Loop, Girdwood, AK 99587, Phone: 907-783-2326

5. Alaska Railroad

Offering day trips during the summer season, Alaska Railroad readily customizes to create the ultimate travel package.

The Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop can only be accessed by rail and is an opportunity to partake in a guided nature walk, climb ice or raft the glacial waters in backcountry Alaska.

Day trips to Talkeetna, Seward, Girdwood, Whittier, Portage, Spencer Glacier and Grandview can all be accessed from Anchorage.

Additional features include flightseeing Denali, cruising through Resurrection Bay or the Kenai Fjord National Park and a summer dog sled tour. Route maps, schedules, fares and bookings can all be accessed online.

Phone: 800-544-0552

6. Eagle River Nature Centre

At the heart of the Eagle River Valley is the log cabin Nature Center, the gateway to the fluid landscape and its rich history since 1995.

The organization has, through generous donation and charitable community, revitalized the public facilities to better connect visitors to the natural world through opportunities for education, preservation and enhancement.

Eagle River Nature Centre, 32750 Eagle River Road, Eagle River, AK 99577, Phone: 907-694-2108

7. Rendezvous Peak

The close proximity to Anchorage makes this hike a popular attraction, especially with the family-friendly 3.1 mile loop route found on the Arctic Valley side.

The Arctic Valley trailhead is accessed via a military reservation and the trail is littered with lush wildflowers. In contrast, the Eagle River trailhead is a cardio workout with a relatively steep climb.

From Rendezvous Peak, stunning views of Anchorage and Eagle River Valley are seen, with the more challenging trail rewarding visitors with additional views of South Fork Valley, Sleeping Lady and the Alaska Range.

8. Kenai Fjords National Park

A pristine winter wonderland, Kenai Fjords is a thriving icy landscape, rich with wildlife. Kenai Fjords National Park is open year-round, yet the effects of climate change are seen in the changes to accessible areas for visitors.

Historically, the Sugpiaq people relied on this abundant life source to survive – an educational experience awaits on a ranger-led hike.

The 8.2 mile Harding Icefield Trail is a rigorous, though spectacular hike and kayaking is another popular way to experience the amazing Fjords.

Visitor Center: 1212 4th Avenue, Seward, AK 99664, Phone: 907-422-0500

9. Alyeska Resort Aerial Tram

The breathtaking panoramic views from the Alyeska Aerial Tram are unforgettable. Travelling from the Hotel Alyeska to the top of Mt Alyeska is a 2,300 foot elevation, with each of the two cars holding a maximum of 60 people; winter speeds are quicker so visitors can resume their time on the slopes; summer is a leisurely 7 minutes so the views of Turnagain Arm and seven hanging glaciers can be relished. The Upper Tram Terminal is the ideal location for a meal before a half-day hike.

Alyeska Resort Aerial Tram, 1000 Arlberg Avenue, Girdwood, AK 99587, Phone: 907-754-2111

10. Crow Creek Gold Mine

Established in 1896, Crow Creek Gold Mine continues to offer visitors a genuine gold mining experience. Historical buildings, including the oldest building in the Anchorage municipality, as well as antiques and access to the mines’ original claims make Crow Creek a community treasure. With experienced staff on offer to assist, as well as the provision of gold panning essentials, visitors with a range of experiences are catered to. Mining excursions are on offer for a more immersive experience and sluice boxes can be rented. General admissions to the grounds means enjoying the flower gardens and the restful atmosphere, while camping is also permitted on site.

601 Crow Creek Road, Girdwood, AK, Phone: 907-229-3105