Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, has all the amenities
one would expect in a big American city, but is located, as all Alaskan
cities are, in the midst of some of the most gorgeous wilderness in
the hemisphere. Over 260,000 people live in Anchorage, some 2/5ths of
Alaska’s human population. Cultural amenities there include The
Alaskan Native Heritage Center, which features films, exhibits and 5
replica villages dedicated to Native Alaskan history and culture. The
Anchorage Museum of History & Art is one of the 10 most visited
attractions in Alaska thanks to its ever-expanding collections of indigenous
artifacts, traveling exhibits and regionally produced modern art.
Anchorage Alaska’s outdoor adventures are practically innumerable.
Ice-skating on Westchester Lagoon, year-round dog-sledding, gold panning,
berry picking, “flight-seeing” and golf under the midnight
sun; all this and more is possible in and around Anchorage.
Hiking and biking in Anchorage is fantastic thanks to what Bicycling
Magazine calls one of the best trail systems in the country. There are
120 miles of paved and 300 miles of unpaved roads to choose from. Far-North
Bi-Centennial Park’s Hilltop Ski Area may be a skiers dream in
winter but it’s a mountain biker’s paradise in the summer.
Speaking of skiing, Anchorage is well stocked in slopes. Downhill skiers
should look into the Alpenglow ski resort (www.skialpenglow.com). For
a more Nordic experience there are 31 miles of cross-country trails
to ski in Kincaid Park. Snowboarders can enjoy some great backcountry
runs at Hatcher’s Pass.
Anglers will be pleased to know that the Anchorage area has 28 lakes
fully stocked with Chinook Salmon. Campbell Lake is a fine spot to take
out a canoe and catch some trout. Ice-fishing is also a favorite winter
activity in Anchorage.
Paddlers of all types will find what they’re looking for in the
Anchorage area. A peaceful row over nearby Cheney Lake is a relaxing
way to take in the Alaskan scenery. Kayaking aficionados are bound to
have a ball given their options: Eagle River, Eklutna Lake and Prince
William Sound. There’s no shortage of whitewater adventure on
the Class IV and V rapids on Sixmile Creek.
Campers staying in Anchorage Alaska may want to look into staying in
a Yurt at the Eagle River Nature center for an interesting change of
pace (www.ernc.org). Flattop Mountain is a popular 1.5 mile
hike in Anchorage that yields a fine panorama.
Birding in and around Anchorage may give
visitors a glimpse of some of the 150 species that are found there,
like Puffins, Red-necked Pharalopes and Semipalmated Sandpipers.
Anchorage Attractions
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Anchorage Parks
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