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Off the Beaten Path in Alaska
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Alaska Off the Beaten Path


the Yukon River - Alaska
the Yukon River
by Matyas
Tips and photos of unusual, out-of-the-way Alaska attractions, posted by real travelers and locals.
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Watch for the Bore Tide, Turnagain Arm
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  • sue&gene
  • By sue&gene on September 7, 2004
  • Alaska Page by sue&gene
  • Small bore tie, Turnagain Arm - Alaska
    Small bore tie, Turnagain Arm
    by sue&gene
    I put this in "off the beaten path" because you have to make an effort to see it. We got up early and waited in very cool weather (August) to be disappointed. We had not checked carefully enough to see that the tide was very small on the day we choose to watch for it. The bore tide is a wave, or series of waves, that forms when a rising tide enters a shallow and narrowing river from a broad bay. At times it can be several feet. Do check ahead of time for a good day to watch for it. Begula Point in Chugach State Park is a good place to watch for it.

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    Be Different – Experience Alaska in the Winter
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  • onebadcat
  • By onebadcat on January 20, 2005
  • Alaska Page by onebadcat
  • February Skiing - Alaska
    February Skiing
    by onebadcat
    Most travellers dismiss Alaska in the winter because movies and media have scared them with stories of bitter cold temperatures and living in igloos. While both of these scenarios can be experienced they certainly aren't the norm.

    Alaska in the winter offers great opportunities to do and see things that most people only hear stories about. It is a winter sports destination like no other. Snowmobiling, dogsledding, backcountry skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, ice fishing, heli and snowcat skiing, ice skating, winter camping or just hanging out in a great cabin or lodge waiting for the Aurora Borealis to come out at night. More things to do with fewer travellers competing for "the wilderness". And, the views are awesome on clear winter days.

    One rule to keep in mind is that daylight is short between November and February. I always tell my friends that if you are coming for the Northern Lights come during those months. If you are coming for snowsports and want more daylight come in February or March.

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  • Phone: Website for Aurora Forecasts
  • Website: http://www.gi.alaska.edu/cgi-bin/predict.cgi
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    Portage Glacier
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  • Updated By Matyas on November 8, 2006
  • Alaska Page by Matyas
  • Portage Glacier - Alaska
    Portage Glacier
    by Matyas, 2 more photos
    Just a few minutes driving from Whittier or from the junction. The Portage Glacier is a must.

    When the National Forest visitor center was built in 1986, Portage Glacier lay directly in front of it. The rest of Portage was destroyed by an erthquake in 1964. You can take a boat and have a close look or you can even walk.

    The walking trail is not steep at all super easy for everybody. Don't cross the closed area unless you are experienced glacier climber. If you have questions visit the local visitor centre.

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    to the arctic circle and beyond
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  • PA2AKgirl
  • Updated By PA2AKgirl on July 9, 2007
  • Alaska Page by PA2AKgirl
  • the road (bumpier than it looks) and pipeline - Alaska
    the road (bumpier than it
    looks) and pipeline
    by PA2AKgirl, 1 more photos
    The Dalton Highway, known as “The Haul” or “The Long Haul” is considered the last great highway. I suppose this depends on your idea of great highways. This one is the most desolate of all highways, certainly in Alaska & that is a high standard to have as most of our roads are desolate. It’s technically Alaska route 11, runs 414 miles north of Livengood to Deadhorse up near the Arctic Ocean. Very few sections are paved and parts of the road are in terrible condition. It’s mainly used as a way to get supplies up to the oil fields at Prudhoe Bay but almost the entire thing is pure wilderness. For 240 miles, there are no services whatsoever so bringing your own gasoline, spare tires and tools to fix your car are a must. Plus food and something to sleep in, on or with. Once you get to Deadhorse, you cannot go to the Arctic Ocean by yourself—you have to arrange a tour to get out there. While on this road, it’s important to remember that truckers have the right of way, so you have to let them pass.

    There are many good & bad things about this road. Because it’s so difficult, private vehicle don’t take it very often. It’s impossible to go fast, it’s not built up at all, you cross the Arctic Circle & who knows what adventures you can have while taking this road. You need to have a lot of time and until recently, a lot faith in your own vehicle and the others on it. I say this because it’s likely rocks will crack the glass or cause other damage. You might have car trouble and you have to be able to fix it yourself or hope someone can help you. Now, there’s a place in Fairbanks that allows you to rent vehicles outfitted to make this trip and a couple other rental companies as well. We took a test drive on this road and because it was April, there wasn't much traffic at all. No gas at the 2 gas stations at mile 60 either. But after doing this, we probably will try to use our own car. The cost of the rental doesn't cover cracked glass or any other damage and our insurance does.

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    Continue driving down the Richardson Hwy to Valdez
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  • catalysta
  • By catalysta on November 13, 2003
  • Alaska Page by catalysta
  • Alaska Off the Beaten Path
    by catalysta
    Just when you think you've reached your limit of beautiful mountains and spectacular views, you'll drive around a curve and spot the view across a pristine lake to Wrangell-Mt. Elias Wilderness Area.

    Keep going - the pass area to Valdez ain't called "the Alps of North America' for nothing!

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    Animals in Hatcher Pass
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  • By Matyas on November 7, 2006
  • Alaska Page by Matyas
  • Marmot - Alaska
    Marmot
    by Matyas, 2 more photos
    There are lots of different kinds of animals all over the area. Check at trailheads for posted signs about recent bear activity according as you're planning to do some hiking and keep the rules of course. The Hatcher Pass Management Area is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Be on the lookout for moose, caribou, black and brown bear, beaver,eagles, waterfowl, raptors, ptarmigan, mink and marmots (picture 1 & 2 & 3).

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    Wrangell - St. Elias National Park and Preserve
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  • Updated By Matyas on November 14, 2006
  • Alaska Page by Matyas
  • Wrangell - St. Elias National Park - Alaska
    Wrangell - St. Elias National
    Park
    by Matyas, 4 more photos
    My favourite National Park on Earth!

    Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the point where the Chugach, Wrangell and St eLias mountain ranges all converge in what is often referred to as the mountain kingdom of North America. This is the largest unit of the National Park System and a half-day's drive east of Anchorage.

    The Park includes the continent's largest assemblage of glaciers and the greatest collection of peaks above 16,000 feet. Mount St. Elias, at 18,008 feet is the second highest peak in the United States. With towering mountains, massive glaciers, powerful rivers, a seemingly endless variety of flora and fauna, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a national treasure with something for everyone.

    Have no opportunity for hiking? Take a plane and get around haha!:) Consisting of more than 13 million acres, the park is located in a setting full of natural and historic wonders.

    Backcountry travel in the park presents challenges to even the hardiest travelers maybe therefore i love this place sooo much! Above all visit the visitor centre and the ranger station!

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    Rent an RV and see Alaska!
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  • sherrillbland
  • By sherrillbland on March 15, 2009
  • Alaska Page by sherrillbland
  • This is the ONLY way to see Alaska properly! - Alaska
    This is the ONLY way to see
    Alaska properly!
    by sherrillbland, 1 more photos
    We chose to rent an RV in Anchorage upon our arrival in Alaska because we wanted to do our own thing at our own pace. I highly recommend this mode of travel....you've got your vehicle and your hotel room all in one! The roads are a bit rough, but the rental companies are aware of this and offer advice on how to navigate them. The cost was around $150 per day, not including gas. And the vehicle is self-contained. It's a lovely way to see this beautiful state.

    To find a rental agency, simply google RV rentals, Alaska and there's a plethora of links to follow.

    Our experience was just wonderful. We stopped to capture wildlife and scenery on film at our leisure. And the best thing about the Mini-Wini (motorhome) is when you decide you've had all the fun you can have for one day.....pull over. You're home! No hotels to drive back to or hunting for restaurants. Pull up into a campsite, build a fire and enjoy a meal al fresco!

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    Wild Life at it's Best at Big Game Wildlife Ctr
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  • By Sassy417 on November 16, 2003
  • Alaska Page by Sassy417
  • Just off the beaten path, you will want to travel to see The Big Game of Alaska. A sanctuary, if you will, where all kinds of animals are protected and housed. You will see bears, moose, elk, reindeer, buffalo, all different kinds of deer, birds, eagles, etc., mountain goats, caribou, of all shapes and sizes. This was a highlight of our vacation. We spent a full day experiencing these great species. Gift shop on site. hands-on feeding with some animals such as baby deer. Located at Portage Glacier Alaska.

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    Hiking in Skagway
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  • Updated By Matyas on November 15, 2006
  • Alaska Page by Matyas
  • Skagway - Alaska
    Skagway
    by Matyas, 4 more photos
    The rest of the people miss it. Probably they're not interested or just have to get back to the cruise ship in time:)

    Anyway i can highly recommend visiting the mountains around Skagway. You can get the best view of the bay in clear weather from here (picture 5). In addition there are lots of lakes rivers and waterfalls which are definitely worth a visit (picture 1).

    I know not so much chance for sun but it's not raining head to the mountains and do not forget to watch for wild animals. Both sides have a good network of hiking trails. Cross the railway lines and chose a good hike.

    On the other side you can find rather just walking paths which lead you along the shore, these are also beautiful (picture 2 & 3 & 4).

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