Bird Point is on a rocky outpost that juts out into Cook Inlet, creating the best viewing post for watching the bore tide, Dall Sheep on the mountain faces,  and the white whales of its name sake. The belugas are often spotted from this location as they make their way further into the inlet. Belugas are often seen from mid-July through August.

A short walk up the paved path to the pavilion is rewarded with rich informational kiosks about the bore tides and belugas. Continuing on the short distance to the point a grand view of the inlet stretches from the horizon line of the Pacific ocean to the distant shores of Hope. There are also the cutest little sculptures of whales embedded in the pavement for children to play and stretch their legs on.

A bore tide, or tidal bore, is a wall of water coming in with the tide. It is created by a wide range between high and low tides (more than 35 feet in Cook Inlet) and the narrow, shallow and gentle sloping of the arm. The only places in the United States where tidal bores occur regularly are in Turnagain and Knik Arms. Come down the Turnagain Arm and stop at Bird Point to watch the tide rush into the bay.

But don’t wait around for a bore tide to just happen. Before you go, check out the 2013 Bore tide schedule!

Directions

Bird Point is located at milepost 110.5 on the Seward Highway and 6.5 miles south of the Anchorage city limits.

Facilities

Sorry, no toilets at this location. But there are spotting scopes and interpretive panels. Everything is paved and handicap accesible.

 

Directions

Bird Point Scenic Overlook is located on the Seward Highway 30.5 miles south of the Anchorage.

Maps and More

Find on Google Maps.

 

Thunderbird falls gushes out of the Chugach Mountains, surging through the tiny channel carved in the mountain side. This is just a glimpse of the raw beauty that the Chugach National Forest has to offer if you venture further into the heart.

The trail follows the curvature of the lower hills and folds of the mountains for a mile to the falls. Running through the birch forest, the area lays opposite Eklutna Canyon.

The path is wide and groomed providing easy access for all. When the terrain becomes rough and steep man made structures,including a ramps are provided.

The trail takes you to the bottom of a small gully. You are taken to where the  stream fed by Thunderbird Falls rushes by. The children will love the trees, as some have hollowed out trunks large enough for children to squeeze in and take a picture.

At the end there is a picturesque viewpoint to take in the majesty of the falling water and capture with photos.

You do not need to go down to the water at the bottom to have a wonderful view; however, a small trail makes its way closer to the waters edge.You can almost walk all the way up to the falls and touch the water. But don’t fall in! And hold your children’s hands!

Located just outside of Anchorage this stop is popular for folks looking for a quick walk. It may even be busy in the summer. Winter and late fall are the best times, as the falls are frozen or are in the process of freezing over, creating beautiful covering of ice.

Park Rules

No bikes allowed on the trail. The park service asks that you please keep your pets on a leash at all times and that you please clean up after them. Keep our parks clean for the enjoyment of all.

Directions

Mile 25 on the Glenn Highway headed North. Take exit marked ‘Thunderbird’. Follow signs one mile to trailhead parking.

 

Maps and More

Guide to Thunderbird Falls Trail

The blue face of Exit Glacier rises above the earth. The cracks of the glacier like swords and daggers.

Exit Glacier is the only part of the Kenai Fjord National Park that one can accessed by road.

Visitors can stroll along the trails up to the face of this active glacier. The result is a hands on display to  understand how a glacier transforms the landscape into a rubble of ground rock and observe how and what plant life has reclaimed the barren land for its own. How it rapidly covers the exposed rocky surface and spreads as the glacier retreats.

Activities

Numerous trails lead to a variety of viewing points of Exit Glacier. Before you head out check the map at the Nature Center that features all of the trails. Begin your adventure by taking a left at the Nature Center and and following the accessible trail through the cottonwoods to the Glacier View.  This one-mile accessible trail loops back to the parking area, but if you turn left at the trailside kiosk you can continue on toward the toe or terminus of the glacier.

Getting to the terminus of the Glacier requires you to cross the rocky outwash plain. Sometimes visitors are unable to access the toe of the Glacier due to the frequent floods and lack of developed trail to guide you across the outwash plain.

If water levels are low, you can make your way to Exit Glacier’s terminus. Do not approach the glacier in places where the ice is over your head – huge, heavy chunks of ice fall off without warning. There is a well maintained trail to the edge of the glacier. This moderately strenuous trail brings you near a wall of blue ice providing the most dramatic close up view of Exit Glacier.

To experience a longer hike then take the Harding Icefield Trail that begins at the valley floor and winds into the folds of the cotton and alder forest and ultimately above the icefield. A total of 8.2-mile round trip provides an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. This trail is strenuous. Breaking through the tree line to the breath-taking view of the Icefield makes rewards the effort.

Campgrounds

Exit Glacier has a 12-site, walk-in, tent-campground nestled in the trees.  All sites have a first come first served policy. There are no reservations or camping fees.

Keep in mind that the campground frequently fills by early evening in July and August and you are only allowed 14 day limit. A central food storage, cooking and dining shelter is provided. Cooking and/or storing food in campsites is prohibited because of bears. There is a pump for drinking water and pit toilets are available. Although pets are not permitted in campsites.

Facilities

• Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Nature Center

Maps and More

National Park Service Exit Glacier brochure

Directions

To get there, turn onto the Herman Leirer/Exit Glacier Road at mile 3 of the Seward Highway. The 8.6 mile road to the Exit Glacier Area is paved, making it easily accessible to all types of vehicles.

 

 

In the heart of the Kenai Mountains, Devil’s Creek cabin rests in an alpine glade before the plunge into the wide open valley of Resurrection Pass.  Most seasons snow still covers patches of green. Here between the mountains it is safe from the heat of the summer. Fireweed grows alongside the snow patches while the grass is a vibrant green contrast against the white.

Devil’s Pass cabin sits on the intersection of Devil’s Creek Trail and Resurrection Pass Trail. The cabin is roughly 10 miles from Devil’s Pass Trailhead and 17.2 miles from the south trailhead of Resurrection Pass Trail. You can hike and mountain bike in, and in the winter snow-machine, snowshoe, or ski into the cabin.

The cabin can easily fit eight people, but sleeps four comfortably on the bunks along the wall. If you have a larger group than eight, then there are grassy spots outside the cabin for tents. There is a table and benches, counter tops for making meals and a oil burning stove for heat when the nights are still chilly. There is no oil to burn at the cabin. Visitors must bring their own in. Plan on one gallon of oil for every 10 hours of light. The cabin should be left clean by previous visitors. And since the cabin has been rebuilt in recent years it still smells like fresh wood.

There is a outhouse a distance from the cabin. When the breeze tunnels through the valley it takes with it the worst of the odors. A small creek outside the cabin is used as a water source. Make sure you filter the water.

This is a remote location in the depth of the Chugach National Forest and there is no access to electricity for almost ten miles. You must pack in all your own necessities  bedding, food, water pumps, cook stove, food and clothing, and whatever other necessities  There is nothing of this nature at the cabin except maybe paper towels, a few matches and an emergency candle. There is also no firewood outside the cabin, nor is there really any material for burning because of the tundra valley that the cabin is nestled in.

Reservations

To book your nights and for fees visit  Recreation.gov

Facilities

• Outhouse
• Benches and Table
• Oil Stove
• Bunk-beds
• Water Source (bring a filter)

Maps and More

Taking the Richardson Highway junction to Valdez, there are 82 miles of rivers and waterfalls surging down and around green knolls. A single river points towards the monolithic mountains towering over the valley. The valley, filled with rolling hills, was made when glaciers hiccuped and left behind solid slabs of the earths rocky face. Climb through the highest jagged and distorted arches of the Chugach spine running through Thompson Pass where the elevation reaches 2,805 feet.

The precipice of the mountains are a skiers galore. They trek up the snowy alpine glades, where all the dips and cramped spaces between the mountains are filled with massive and imperceptible glaciers. In the valley snow falls in ample albatrosses. It creates a design as it falls between the depressions of the cracks and crevasses of the earth.

 

Campgrounds

Rest and camp for only $12 a night at Squirrel Creek at Mile 79 and Little Tonsina at Mile 65 among the spruce and tundra brush. The history of the pipeline, oil spills, the turbines, and the pump station is pasted on signboards across the highway from the pump station at mile 56. The (also at Mile 56) Tiekel River Lodge welcomes new explorers and has food, gas, rooms, and a pleasant gift shop (you can reach them at 907/822-3259)

 

 

Maps 

Follow the great oil pipeline through the pass. The precious crude cargo carried from the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay, now a constant and solid companion ducking in and out of sight along the the mountain side.

Valdez lingers on the other side of Thompson pass, beside the Valdez port and backed by glacial slues and mountain peaks.

 

Explore one of Alaska’s most beautiful outdoor museums. The historic Crow Creek Mine teaches you how to pan for your own gold. Aside from just panning, Crow Creek Mine also has other activities such as discovering the old hydraulic water canyons, the black smith shop and barn, and tools and machinery used in the turn of the century. The mine is also home to walking trails and camp grounds.

Things to do

-Explore the historic buildings from 1896

-Pan for gold

-Trail walking

What to bring

-Dress comfortably, with walking shoes

-Rain jacket and pants (In Girdwood it tend sot rain most of the time. Be prepared)

-Lunch (If you are planning on staying for a long period of time, pack a lunch)

-Camera!

Guided Tours

-Tours are by reservation only

-There are limited availability

-Accepts groups of any size

-Groups can combine with a catered luncheon or dinner

There are two different types of tours:

Prospector Tour- This tour teaches you how to pan for gold using a sluice box. (By reservation only)

Gold Miner Tour- This tour is more for the adventurers and gold seekers. On this tour you will be using a High-Banker over sluice box which will greatly increase your chance of find gold. (By reservation only)

Prices

-Panning $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children

-Sightseer’s tickets are $10.00 for adults and free for children under 7.

-Metal detector’s tickets are $25.00(Please note that you much bring your own detector)

-Dredging $20.00 per inch(intake nozzle) per day. (Bring your own)

-Sluice box rentals $20.00 per day

-Camping/RV Parking $10.00 per night(No hook-ups)

Contact Information

-To reserve a tour please call (907)229-3105 or e-mail crowcreekmine@yahoo.com

-Check out their website http://www.crowcreekmine.com/

Directions

Driving directions to Crow Creek Historic Gold Mine from Anchorage, AK. Head north on 1st towards W 4th Ave. Take the 1st right onto W 4th Ave. Turn onto Gambell St. Continue onto Seward Hwy. Turn left onto Alyeska Hwy. Slight left onto Crow Creek Rd. Destination will be on the right.

Address: 601 Crow Creek Rd

Girdwood, AK 99587

Map

What is better than digging for your own food!? Get down on your hands and knees, dig for the razor claims that bury themselves into the wet sand when the tide is out. Clam Gulch is absolutely  famous for the hundreds of thousands of razor clams harvested annually from the sandy beaches of the Kenia. These razor clams are found on the sandy tidal beaches of the Bering Sea. The beaches from Clam Gulch to Ninilchik are the most popular razor clam beaches for this sport, because of the major concentration of the razor clams.

To dig the little critters up, the water must be during a low tide, a tide of minus two feet or lower is recommended for best results. Consult a tide book for times of minus tides to make sure you know when to go.

To locate razor clams look for small round dimples or holes on the surface of the sand. Once you have found a dimple use a clam shovel to dig a small hole about six inches from the dimple and search through the sand until you find the clam. Be careful when handling the clams as they are “razor” sharp. In order to harvest the clams, state law requires that all clams dug up regardless of their size and conditions are not to be wasted. Also, anyone 16 years or older must have a valid Alaska sport fishing license to dig clams.  Contact the Department of Fish and Game for the daily limit of clams per person.

Off-Road Vehicle Use

At Clam Gulch the use of ATV’s is permitted on the campground loop road, the beach access road and the saltwater beach. But you are asked to observe traffic rules.  Although your use of ATV’s in the campground is limited to your direct travel to and from your campsite to the beach. Stay safe when driving and keep children safe with helmets. Go the speed limit of five miles per hour and do not drive on Clam Gulch Road from the Sterling Highway to the intersection of the campground loop road and the beach access road as it is prohibited.

Things to Consider Bringing

• Firewood. It rains most often on the Kenai peninsula and raining in Alaska means that it becomes quiet chilly, I would suggest bringing your own firewood. Expect that it has been raining and that the wood there is all wet.
• A shovel for digging the claims out of the sand.
• A bucket to put the clams in once you have dug them out of the sand.
• Rain gear and rubber boots.
• Expect the rain and bring rain proof gear for your trip.

Campground and Parking Fees

The daily parking fee is $5

There are 120 available campsites, so there are plenty to choose from. Each campsite is  $10 a night.

Facilities

• Dumpsters
• Bring your own wood (do not cut any live trees, you may collect dead and down wood)
• Water
• Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Covered Picnic Tables
• Firepits

Maps and More

Directions

Sterling Highway to mile 117.5. Turn on Clam Gulch Road.

Map

At an elevation of 1,300 feet in the Chugach National Forest Juneau Lake Cabin is one of the first rustic cabins on the Resurrection Pass Trail. The cabin is immersed in the spruce and birch that are common in South Central Alaska. It sits on a hill overlooking the scenic Juneau Lake. Beware the notorious stairs leading to the cabin! Up the first flight of stairs there are grassy places to camp for those in your group that prefer a tent.

The cabin comfortably sleeps four on the bunk-beds, but at least six adults can easily fit as the cabin space is large and there is plenty of room on the floor. A table and benches, counter space for meals, and a wood stove for the chilly months are provided. The outhouse is behind the cabin along with a small lean-to that may store chopped wood. A splitting maul and crosscut saw are available to aid your task in finding and chopping wood to fit the stove.

Remember that this a remote cabin and that you must pack in and pack out all necessities. The source of water is the lake. Be sure to bring a filter or have some way to boil the water to before drinking.

Visitors may enjoy the opportunities that the area provides. Take the canoe (safely) out onto the water and fish for the rainbow trout, whitefish, burbot and grayling found in the lake. The paddles and floatation devices are provided at the cabin lean-to. All poles and fishing equipment must be packed in and you must have a permit to fish or hunt in Alaska.

Items to Share

Leave enough cut wood to get the next guest settled in. Do not cut down any trees! Just clean up the brush and store it in the lean-to.

Reservations

You may only stay in the cabin if you have reservations. Cabin reservations can be made by calling 1-877-444-6777 (518-885-3639 overseas)  or visiting www.recreation.gov.

Cabin reservations (check-in & check out time) are from noon to noon. Cost is $45 per night per party.

Please take into account that the trail is closed to motorized vehicles from May 1-November 30 and is closed to pack/saddle stock April 1-June 30. Provided adequate snow coverage snowmachine access is open every other year.

Map and More

Directions

The cabin is located about 9.5 miles from the south trail head on the Resurrection Pass Trail. It can be accessed by hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, floatplane and snowmobiles during open seasons.

Map

You begin your adventure on the McCarthy road by driving through a keystone wedge through the rock just large enough for one vehicle to pass. The rock of the mountain blown away by dynamite  this wedge is the gateway to the McCarthy road.

The 60 miles of dirt road carries you into the heart of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A unique opportunity is presented to any who venture onto this wild stretch of road. Natural and Historic landmarks decorate the landscape all for visitors to enjoy, as long as they are willing to accept the rough love Alaska has to offer.

Although the State of Alaska claims to regularly maintain the road, the gravel surface is riddled with potholes, making it slow for travel-it usually takes three hours each way. Expect the worse, as the road is hazardous with heavy rains when the roads become so muddy and slippery. These hazards can be preferred to the constant clouds of dust from the dry dirt road.

Remember that this is a dirt road and the sharp rocks can cause flat tires; narrow and one-lane bridges make maneuvering large vehicles difficult. In fact, large vehicles are not recommended at all.  Because the road used to be where railroad tracks were laid, watch for the railroad ties and spikes.

The view from the road of St.Elias are spectacular and you will have plenty of chances to take pictures of moose, eagles, and dozens even hundreds of bunnies.

Don’t worry you won’t have to use the woods for bathroom facilities, there are four outhouses along the way.

• The first is at the rest stop in Chitna at mile 0.
• Next, take a break on the far end of the Kuskalana bridge at mile 17.2 – enjoy the sites and take advantage of the outhouse.
• The third is located beneath the shadow of the Gilahina trestle at mile 29.
• And  the final one can be found at mile 55 at the Department of Natural Resources wayside.

At the end of the road, you will find a parking area and a footbridge to cross the Kennicott River. Parking fees apply so be sure to meet up with the attendant and don’t forget to live a tip. The town of McCarthy is a mile by foot, bike, ATV, or even shuttle. A shuttle to Kennecott is also available or enjoy a bike or ATV ride on your own.

Map and More

The McCarthy Road begins in Chitna.

Items to Bring

• Be sure to carry at least two spare tires
• An adequate jack and lug wrench
• Gasoline for the round trip (no gas in McCarthy)
• Plenty of food and water in the event of a break down
• Tarp (if you have to change a tire in the pouring rain)

Remember too this is a remote area and cell service is intermittent at best.

Three places we often stop for fuel is Glenn Allen, Kenny Lake and Chitna. Carry an extra 5 gallon fuel can for safe keeping.

Plenty of vehicles travel the roadway so help will not be too far away . Plan and be resourceful before you need help and be prepared to help anyone in need you come across along the way.

The blue water of the lake stretches to the feet of the mountains here on the Kenai Peninsula. A light breeze greets you from off the lake, making the flames atop the burning logs dance. In your campsite here at the outlet of Skilak Lake you are at peace. There is almost no one here, except for the boaters loading their crafts with gear for a trip across the lake. At both upper and lower Skilak Lake there are campgrounds with a first come first serve policy. But you can also bring your boat and find the hidden campsites along the lake and at the outlet into the Kenai River.  Tucked between the woods and the lake each are much more preferable than the ones off the parking lots.

Campsites

The campsites can not be reserved in advance, it is a first come first serve policy. There are campsites along the lake off the parking lots at the upper and lower lake. There are also campsites that are only accessible by boat. At the lower campground there are 14 campsites and the upper there are 24 campsites. Fees for the campsites are posted on the bulletin board at the campground. Make sure to check the board for any other announcements, such as bear sightings.

Both banks at the outlet into the Kenai River at the south end of the lake offer camping sites. The sandy beach is welcoming and the emerald green water mesmerizing.

Parking

A $5 per car day use fee can be paid at the self serve registration and drop box. Or purchase a permit online or at REI. Snowmachine and ATV riders are required to park in the upper lot – its larger and provides ample room for trailers.

Facilities

Lower Campground

• Drinking Water
• Toilets
• Tables
• Fire pits
• Boat Launch

Upper Campground

• Drinking Water
• Toilets
• Fire pits
• Trash pickup
• Boat Launch

Activities

Sport Fishing: Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Dolly Varden.Swimming if you dare! I suggest with a wet or dry suit to keep your blood from freezing.

 

Directions

Skilak Lake Road runs for 19 miles, with entrances at Sterling Highway mileposts 58 and 75.2. Upper Skilak Lake at mile post 8.4 and Lower at mile post 15 on the Skilak Lake Road.

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Contact Station at Sterling Highway milepost 57.8; stop for refuge information, June 10—August 15, 10am to 4pm daily.

Maps

Come see the valleys aflame with Fireweed, the ice blue ponds and lakes nestled at the feet of the mountains. The Alaska Horsemen share their favorite spots in the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai Wildlife Refuge that few will ever see. If you truly want that olden feel to your adventure in Alaska, with the horses, cowboy hats and oil skin dusters, then come and take a trip with the Alaska Horsemen.

A unique experience

When you first arrive plan on a warm welcome by your host Gretchen, who owns the ranch with her father Alex Kime. Each member of your group will pick a cowboy/girl hat from the wide selection hanging from the porch ceilings and walls. Next, pick out an oil skin jacket for protection against the weather. If you’re going to be riding into the backcountry on horseback you should look the part!

A day with the Alaska Horsemen was the highlight of a week on the Kenai. The horses are gentle creatures, sure footed, and well prepared for riders of any skill level.

The trails and campsites nestled alongside Kings River offer convenience and uniqueness of the Alaska backcountry without venturing far from the road. The river pushes its blue waters into the muddy silt water of the Matanuska river with a rushing sound of hundreds of liters being shoved through the canal of the river beds.

This is the peaceful sound of the wild. The mountains towering over you, almost as constant gardians, watching natures back from destruction. If you stop to take pictures, or for a lunch along the swift waters of the Matanuska and Kings Rivers, or if you find you enjoy the sound of the birds and the comfort of civilization that the road symbolizes, then stay a night.

At the headwaters it’s a clear rushing mountain stream. It changes to a slowly meandering river filled with mud that eventually drains into marshy lowlands. The terrain transforms with the water. It ranges from steep hillside on the upper river where the water is pristine and clear, to flat and rolling lowlands filled with smelly marsh water on the lower river. A typical trip on the lower Little Sue begins at the boat launch next to the George Parks Highways in Houston and ends at Burma Landing.

The lower part of the river makes for a tough work out when rafting. The meandering river moves slowly and has many turns with lots of opportunities to get caught up in “sweepers”. Scenic views are the best on the upper river where the water runs clean and fresh, this is where you are able to gaze upon the Talkeetna Mountains. The lower river is silty and visibility is reduced by rolling terrain, heavy brush and trees. Beginning the trip in Houston views are cluttered with signs of civilization, such as power lines  bridges, and other structures. Soon the river turns away from town and a sense of peace is offerred.

The Little Sue is a great place for beginners and families. The slow pace allows for rowers of all ages to have an opportunity to learn, make mistakes, and corrections. Plan for plenty of time on the river – at least three nights for beginners. Shorter two day trips are possible for serious paddlers, especially for kayakers and canoers. Expert rafters should plan on 2 nights and long days! The twists and turns can make for lots of work, and even if the weather is cool, the sun can take its toll. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.

Use of power boats are common below the Parks Highway, rafts and canoes below Schrock Road. Power boats gain their access from the Little Susitna River Access, the Parks Highway access, or across Cook Inlet from Anchorage. Remember to bring and wear a flotation device.

Worthington Glacier State Recreational Site is a stunning example of the beauty found in this great country. Like many of Alaska’s glaciers Worthington Glacier has been retreating into the mountains for over 150 years. So take the walk up to the ice and explore the cracks in the blue ice and pools of glacial water at the terminus. To think that this ice is hundreds, even thousands of years old!

Because of it’s convenient location right off the Richardson Highway take the trail to stretch your legs, remember to bring a light jacket! The wind off the glacier is chilly most any time of the year. A pathway is paved leading from the parking lot down towards the glacier. A short hike is necessary to complete the journey.

Features and Services

Glacier Access

The glacier can be reached by a one-mile paved Moraine Trail. The pavement does not continue to the face of the glacier. You must take the Ridge Trail to explore the alpine tundra, more hanging glaciers, and for a spectacular view of the grand valley.

Facilities

• Tolets
• Trails
• Picnic tables and sites
• Picnic Shelter
• Access to Water
• Benches

Directions

Drive the scenic Richardson Highway through Thompson Pass and turn off onto mile 28 outside Valdez. Milepost 28.7.

Maps and More

Visit the Alaska State Parks for more information.