Alaska Sports & Outdoors

  Picture of fishermen - passed around on...
by grandmaR
 
  • Picture of fishermen - passed around on the Duck
      Picture of fishermen - passed around on...
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  • Fishing boats in the marina
      Fishing boats in the marina
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  • More boats in the marina
      More boats in the marina
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  • Fishing boats on the island across from Ketchikan
      Fishing boats on the island across from...
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  • Boats in the marina
      Boats in the marina
    by grandmaR
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Hiking

by PA2AKgirl

Overall, there are few developed trails in Alaska. Coming from a state where each little piece of land is owned by someone or something, I was so used to finding a marked trail and taking it. Alaska isn't like that but sometimes I still feel like I'm trespassing if I just hike wherever. Near Anchorage, in Chugach State Park and in Chugach National Forest, you will find developed trails that vary in length and ability but these are so popular, you're likely to see plenty of people sharing your hike with you (in the summer). In areas the Bureau of Land Management controls, there are few trails but you're able to hike pretty much anywhere (unless otherwise specified). Denali National Park has some trails as well but the backcountry--almost all of the park-- is undeveloped (like in many national parks)Having this freedom not as easy as it seems, though...a lot of this land is muskeg (boggy)...

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Fishing for Salmon-yum!

by butterfly_girl

If you want to have fun...take a fishing trip on Millers Landing. If you hit it right, the salmon fishing can be great. Todd took the morning trip for 4 hours and caught a bunch! You can bring your own pole or rent one of theirs.

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Sport Fishing (Fresh-Water)

by Matyas

One of the most popular activities in Alaska and you will love it I'm sure! Hooking a huge salmon must be a great memory for everyone who is visiting the Kenai peninsula an interested in fresh-water fishing from early May to August. Favourite pastime for many fisherman from beginners and professional sport fisherman equally. During the annual migration that the sport fishing for the king salmon in both the saltwater and freshwater is excellent. Well liked destinations for fresh-water fisherman: Anchor River, Deep Creek, Kenai River, Kasilof River, Russian River and Ninilchick river. I would recommend to buy a fishing guide in one of the equipment shops or visiter centres to make the best decision. Fishing Equipment, Fishing Licence, Bug spray, etc.

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Rafting!

by Matyas

The most popular watersport in Alaska. One of the best rivers for rafting is definitely the swift Nenana River which offers thrilling raft adventures to visitors of Denali National Park. It runs along the park actually where you'll find many rafting outfitters in the region that will suit you up and take you down the river. The Cantwell outfitter semmed to be a good one, the more so since you can take a longer rafting tour starting from Cantwell. In the summer season there are at least eight small rafting companies operating just near Denali National Park.If you are the adventurous type, try the whitewater rafting trip. You'll leave behind the Denali entrance and go towards Cantwell through a beautiful canyon which can be seen from car as well. Beautiful.

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Glacier Hiking / Climbing

by Matyas

There are lots of different guided tours at Matanuska Glacier for all. Can be great fun for families and for people who have no experience and prefer a guided trip. There are easy hikes doable for everybody and do not cost more than about 20 dollars, of course longer hikes are more expensive. Visit the website to find out more. Well, I'm not interested in visiting the Matanuska Glacier anymore. One of the not too many places that I didn't like while in Alaska. It was too busy. If you're an experienced climber/hiker you'll probably know where to go for the best experience. You don't have to bring anything beside money:))

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Canoe Trails on the Kenai Peninsula

by PA2AKgirl

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is made up of a lot of lakes and a great system of canoe trails. You're able to either arrange a tour of this area which will supply you with the canoes/kayaks or you can bring your own. The Swan Lake canoe system, for example, takes you through like 20 lakes (and this is realitively small area when compared with the rest of Peninsula.) Another one nearby is the Swanson River Canoe System over a larger area which includes the river and 30 or so lakes. A great thing about this area is that it's prime brown bear habitat (maybe not great if you're scared of them, but great if you want to see them) and you don't have to hurry to do this. Roads that go up to these places have campsites on the way, trails to hike if you don't want to paddle anymore, fishing and towns not that far away. We'll be exploring these trails in depth next spring, but this Wildlife Refuge...

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Timing Your Fishing Trip – Southcentral Alaska

by onebadcat

I have had many people ask me what time of year they should come ffishing for certain species so I have decided to post a fish run timing chart. This chart covers an area roughly from Talkeetna to Homer or about 2 hours North of Anchorage to 4 Hours South. It should give you a pretty good idea of what fish you should plan to target when you get to this region.For more information on run timing in Alaska see the website listed below.

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Skiing/Snowboarding - Hatcher Pass

by onebadcat

Unlimited routes, easy access and miles of untracked snow - can't imagine a better way to spend a winter's day!Hatcher Pass has many opportunities to explore for every ability and experience level. From 15 km of groomed ski tracks at Independence Mine to over a dozen peaks - snowboarders, skiiers sledders and snowmachiners all find plenty of snow to play on. This is truly one of the biggest meccas in southcentral Alaska for winter sports enthusiasts! Don't like to work for turns? There is even a 'run' called 16-mile that you can ski/snowboard then hitch back up to your car as well as a local snowcat skiing operation. Ask at the lodge for trails and activities advice.As always if you are venturing on to steeper slopes be aware of avalanche potential, have safety gear and know how to use it. There are plenty of options that keep you off of these steep slopes so if you are new to the...

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Skiing/Snowboarding - Manitoba Mountain

by onebadcat

"Some of the best telemark skiing to be had on the Kenai Peninsula"Manitoba Mountain is a backcountry ski area located an hour and a half south of Anchorage. It gets very little traffic and makes for a fantastic day out. One of the best features about Manitoba is it's relatively benine slopes. It is a safe place to ski and ride in ALMOST all conditions. (You should still practice safe mountain travel and carry avalanche safety gear and know how to use it.)From the turnout ski downhill in a northerly direction where you will pick up the trail. Cross the bridge over Canyon Creek and continue along the trail onto the base of the mountain. It is about 2500 ft vertical from the parking area to the top. Don't feel the need to go all the way up? - the lower slopes are a lot of fun too. The whole mountain left to right is great terrain just be careful not to get down too low when you want your...

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Center Ridge Ski Tour - Turnagain Pass

by onebadcat

This is one of my favorite day ski trips because Turnagain Pass often gets piles of new snow every week of the winter. Another feature that makes this area so idyllic is that motorized use is restricted to the other side of the highway so there is no competition for skiiers. (NOTE: Please don't get the wrong idea - I love snowmachines - they are a blast to ride - but when you work all day to get somewhere on skis and have someone on a machine running circles around you with no effort it kinda takes the fun out of earning your tracks.)Center Ridge divides Tincan Creek and Lyons Creek with large peaks and ridges on all sides. The route is a fairly gentle climb up to the ridge then a rolling ski out to it's terminus at the base of an unamed mountain on a connecting spine of Tincan Peak. The trip up is about 1200 feet of elevation gain with a round trip distance (depending on where you turn...

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Top 3 Hotels in Alaska

Hotel Captain Cook  Anchorage

 9 Reviews and 246 Opinions  Excellent amenities, with an excellent outlook. The higher the room the better the view, always ask... 

 Hotels in Anchorage

Westmark Baranof Hotel  Juneau

 4 Reviews and 83 Opinions  We stayed twice in the past month for a couple of days each trip and found the front desk staff... 

 Hotels in Juneau

Sophie Station  Fairbanks

 1 Review and 93 Opinions  We stayed at Sophie Station as part of our package tour and one night before the tour. It was clean... 

 Hotels in Fairbanks

Questions and Answers

crazy4ocean profile photo

Q:  Hello, I am thinking about flying to Fairbanks the long weekend 2/18-2/20/12 to view the northern light. Anyone has been... 

GrumpyDiver profile photo

A: The moon phases will be in your favour; new moon is on Feb 23. You have to be out of town and away from "light pollution", and of course there has to be good weather... 

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