Alaska

5 Reasons to Skip Anchorage on Your Alaska Vacation

October 26, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

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Some of you may look at this title and think I’m crazy. ”I love Anchorage!” ”Anchorage is a must-see part of Alaska.” ”Anchorage was my favorite stop on our last Alaskan vacation.” ”I live in Anchorage, and I love it!” Okay, well I’ll save you some time and say clearly this post isn’t for you. But, if you’re thinking about visiting Alaska, and Anchorage in particular, read on.

When you think of Alaska, you think of traffic, views of multistory buildings, big box stores….. Wait, you don’t? Well, that’s what you get when you visit Anchorage. First of all, I’d like to say not everything about Anchorage is negative, though. There are many great people, restaurants, shops, and activities to do in Anchorage. But, if you only experience Anchorage, you’re not experiencing real Alaska, and these are some of the reasons why.

It’s Crowded

If you’re coming to Alaska, chances are you want to get away from it all and experience the quiet and solitude of The Last Frontier. Anchorage is not the place to do that. It’s population of less than 300,000 may not be large in comparison to where you’re from, but in Alaska that’s pretty crowded. People call it Los Anchorage for a reason. If you’re looking for a peaceful, wilderness experience, why come to the biggest city in the state?

Traffic

As I just said, Anchorage may not be a metropolis to you, but there still is traffic. Why spend your vacation stuck in the hustle and bustle of the city life when you can be out enjoying our great state? Skip Anchorage traffic and explore other areas of Alaska without the hassle of stoplights.

The View

Unless you enjoy looking at big box stores, you should set your sights on a different area. Don’t get me wrong, there are even beautiful views in Anchorage such as Point Woronzof and Flattop, but you’ll see much more without the obstructions of the city.

Touristy

I guess the fact that the more visited areas of Anchorage are more ”touristy” makes sense, but you’re not coming to Alaska to buy gimmicky souvenirs. Like any other tourist destination, Anchorage has a host of places that cater to visitors. But, if you end up in Anchorage and are looking for real, authentic, made in Alaska gifts, check out the Native Arts Market and other markets, small businesses, and even Safeway and Three Bears for Alaska made goods and food. Also, look for the ”Made in Alaska” bear logo on products as well.

If you’re looking for more genuine, fun, and educational experiences in Anchorage, check out Fur Rondy and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. If you do end up spending time in Anchorage, those are two great places to do it.

The Anchorage Iditarod start. Check out both the Anchorage and Willow restart for different views.

Big City Similarities

I never noticed this until I got to travel more, but all bigger cities tend to look the same no matter what state you’re in. The same chain restaurants, the same box stores, the same big roads, with the same slew of stoplights. If you enjoy that, then that’s awesome. But, if you’re coming to Alaska that might not be your cup of tea during your vacation here.

That isn’t to say there’s not a great number of local restaurants, small business shops, and local activities to do in Anchorage, though. If you do spend time in the big city, please take the time to look up local businesses while you’re there. Skip the chain restaurants and box stores, and shop, eat, and support local Alaskan places.

Chances are if you’re visiting Alaska you’ll be in Anchorage at some point. It’s hard to miss if you’re flying in and not going to Fairbanks or driving up through Canada. If you do find yourself in Los Anchorage on your Alaskan vacation, take time to shop local, avoid the gimmicky tourist traps, and visit educational and fun places while you’re there, but don’t spend your whole vacation in Anchorage. Get out of the city and experience the scenic beauty, local hangouts, and amazing adventures that you’re coming here to see.

Essential Things You Need to Do When Preparing Your Camper for Winter

October 12, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

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Winterizing. Yup, I said it. The time is upon us to get our campers, RVs, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and travel trailers ready for winter. Winter comes early here, so our fifth wheel is already winterized and parked for the snowy season. Now that we’ve gone through this winterization process for many seasons, I feel like I’ve got a good system down and can let you know about all the essential things you need to have and do to prepare you camper for winter.

The last trip of the season before the snow came.

Empty Your Tanks

This is an essential step, and my least favorite part of camper chores. It’s time to dump the tanks. Gray tanks, black tanks, fresh water, it all needs to be out so nothing freezes up. By the time our fifth wheel camping ends, dump stations here are already closed. If you have the same problem in your area, check into septic pumping services near you. That’s what I did this season, and they come right to your house to pump your tanks out for you. So convenient! Just be sure to follow the instructions on your individual RV to dump your camper properly and completely.

Pro Tip: Using a clear elbow when dumping your tanks makes a major difference. You can ensure that it’s completely empty, and see if it needs to be flushed out more, if you have that option on your camper. Check them out here!

Empty Out Your Food

Even if that pasta sauce’s expiration date isn’t until next summer, and you’ll be back in your camper by then, take it out. Any perishable item, even if it’s in a can or jar, should be out of you travel trailer. You don’t want any rodents or other pests to be moving in for the winter, so take the food source out. Also, during the freeze/thaw of winter, things will expand, contract, and possibly explode. No one wants to open their camper up to the remnants of summer soda pop’s past splattered all over their walls.

There was a lot to clean out after our last trip! Hopefully we’ll be more organized next year!

Pest Control

Knock on wood, we haven’t had this problem in our fifth wheel, and I hope we never do. “Prevention is the best cure” though, so stop your pest problem before it starts. My aunt suggested Irish Spring Soap to keep mice away, which I’m going to buy this weekend to leave in our camper for the winter. I’ve also heard that the scent of peppermint and a few other things keeps unwanted guests away. Have you tried these options or any others before? If so, please leave a comment, and let everyone know how it worked!

Antifreeze

Now it’s time to prevent any freezing in your camper’s plumbing. We use -50°F antifreeze, but you can use whatever formula is appropriate for your winter temperatures. Follow the instructions provided with your RV to complete this step, or hire someone who can do this for you.

Pro Tip: From what I have experienced, it seems like Walmart is the cheapest place to purchase your RV antifreeze, but shop around in your area as well for the best price

DampRid

There is a surprising amount of condensation and moisture that occurs in your camper over the winter. I wouldn’t have realized this until we started using DampRid. DampRid buckets absorb moisture in the air and trap in within the absorbent crystals in the buckets. We use large buckets in our toy haulers garage and living room, and smaller ones for the bathroom and bedroom. They do a fantastic job of keeping our toy hauler free of excess moisture.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Unfortunately, we didn’t have a lot of time to do this before freeze up this year, but cleaning and maintenance are important steps in preparing your camper for winter. Make sure slide out seals are conditioned, inspect your roof for leaks or damage, reseal any areas that need it, wash your camper, and do whatever else needs to be done so you can hop on in and start camping ASAP once spring hits!

Pro Tip: Double check that all of your roof vents are closed! Leaks from snow and rain can cause serious damage to your camper, so it’s always good to make 100% sure these are closed.

I hope this list has helped you prepare you RV, camper, fifth wheel, or travel trailer for the winter ahead. Putting away our camper is usually the last winter chore we have before the snow really starts, so it’s the official end of fall for us. But don’t fret, there’s plenty of things to enjoy during winter as well! And it’s the perfect time to plan your summer camping trips and determine what else you need in your RV! Winter isn’t the end of camping, it’s just a season to plan your next adventure. Happy planning, folks!

The Real Cost of Winter in Alaska

October 12, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

Are you thinking about moving to Alaska or are maybe just curious about the cost of living here? That’s great, I’m here to help! I’ve prepared a list of items to help you learn about the cost of living in Alaska during the winter. This list isn’t 100% comprehensive, but contains many of the things you’ll need to think about when budgeting for Alaskan winters.

I know as you read this some of these things may sound discouraging and overwhelming. This list isn’t intended to dismay you, but to inform you so you can be prepared for our longest and coldest season. The reality is, winter in Alaska is harsh, cold, and dark. But this season is also full of fun adventures, cozy nights by the fire, beautiful crisp days, and so much more. Winter is one of my favorite seasons in The Last Frontier, and the more you are prepared for it, the more you can enjoy it.

Winter Tires

You’ll want to have studded tires on your vehicle during winter. Some will say you can get by without them, but I think they make an immense difference. Things to think about as it relates to the cost are the tires themselves, tire change over (if you won’t be doing it yourself), and storing the tires. For example, we have a dually pickup, so we have the cost of six tires, spring and winter tire changes if we don’t have time to do it, and an area in our backyard to store them on a pallet under a tarp. Ideally, I’d love to have a shed to store them in, but it’s just too costly currently.

Winterizing

If you have an RV, camper, equipment, boat, or anything else that can freeze up during winter, you’ll need to winterize it. For example, if you are winterizing a fifth wheel like we just did, some things to take into account are the price of RV antifreeze, dumping your camper, Damp Rid (if you plan on using it for moisture control), and whatever else you may need. Plus, if you don’t do the service yourself, factoring in the cost of labor will have to be considered, too. You can check out a list of camper winterization tips here!

Storage

If you want any campers/RVs/vehicles/boats stored for the winter, that will be another cost of winter in Alaska. It’s handy to have those types of things covered during winter, but it can be costly. Pro tip, storage facilities fill up fast, so call as early as possible to get a spot. You can also check into getting things wrapped so snow will slide better, and snow can be brushed off easier.

Home Servicing

If you need your furnace serviced, yard maintenance, sewer pumped, gutter work, or any other services done for winter, you’ll need to consider these in your budget.

Utilities

Utilities are a big thing to factor into the cost of winter in Alaska. With dropping temperatures and darker days, your lights will be on more. Also, your heat will be up, and so will your bills. If you have an older, less energy efficient home like we do, you’ll obviously be paying more. If you supplement heat with wood you cut yourself for zero cost, that’ll lower your cost. If you plug your tuck in, your electric bill will be higher. There are many things that can cause your utilities to fluctuate, so be aware of those costs.

Vehicles plugged in outlets in Fairbanks, Alaska where you’ll 100% need to use that block heater!

Frozen Pipes

If you have issues with heating your home, you may end up with frozen pipes. I don’t know how much it costs to fix this, and I never want to find out. This is where keeping your furnace and other heat sources in tip top shape really comes in handy. And it’s also where house sitters come in handy.

House Sitters

Did I mention winter’s are dark and cold? This usually leads to people traveling outside (lower 48) at some point during the winter, if they’re can, to get some sunshine and vitamin D. But when you’re gone in the winter, you can’t just leave your house unattended. If you do, it may lead to the frozen pipes problem mentioned above. Thus, you’ll need a house sitter. If you’re lucky, a friend, family member, or good neighbor may be able to watch it while you’re gone. If not, you may need to hire someone in your area to check on it for you and ensure the heat is on and things are good while you’re soaking up the sun.

Vitamin D

What does this have to do with your winter budget? Well, with longer, dark winters, us Alaskans don’t get much sun in the winter. Thus we don’t get enough vitamin D. I’m not a medical professional, so I am only speaking from personal experience here, but your doctor will likely recommend that you take vitamin D. Just another small thing to budget for during winter and year round.

Snow Removal

Do you plan on doing your own snow removal? Will you need shovels, a snow blower, a four wheeler or truck plow? Those options, and the maintenance on them, can get pretty pricy. Depending on what area you move to, you may be able to get away with just a shovel and snowblower (although I’ve never used a snowblower, honestly). Or, you may need a plow on your four wheeler or truck, which is what I’d recommend if you’re in a snowier area. If you plan on hiring out for your snow removal, that can also bring your budget up. You then have to depend on someone else to show up before the snow gets too deep, but sometimes that’s the only option. Just make sure whomever you hire has many good reviews before entrusting them to take on the job.

Okay, are you sufficiently stressed out about the cost of winter in Alaska yet? No? Awesome! Yes? Don’t worry too much! Being prepared for the next season is a big part of living in Alaska. Budgeting for the next season is a big part of being prepared. Now that you know what you’re getting into, I sincerely hope this helps you plan ahead and have a successful winter in our beautiful state. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments!

The Alaska Winter Bucket List

October 1, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

Are you new to Alaska or planning a visit during winter? Wondering what the must-do Alaskan winter activities are? Perfect, I’ve got the Alaska winter bucket list for you!

There are so many things to see, experience, and do during Alaskan winters. Personally, I think winters here are way underrated. The shimmering snow, clear blue days, cozy days inside with some tasty hot chocolate. It’s really a winter wonderland, and there’s so much to explore.

As you go through this list, you may begin to wonder how you can accomplish these things. My advice is to not expect to do all of these in one year. Also, check into doing tours to see some of these sights and activities, and look into gear rental shops to help you save money and get the correct gear to stay warm and enjoy your experience.

Also, I have a few safety warnings before you venture out to conquer this bucket list. Please dress for the weather and conditions. Frostbite and hypothermia are real, and you really don’t want that to ruin your excursions. Let a few people you trust know where you’ll be and when to expect you back. If you will be in an avalanche area, take the proper precautions, bring the right gear, and have training for worst case scenarios. If you are going out on the ice, be one-hundred percent sure it’s thick enough. Also, keep in mind the shorter daylight hours.

Believe it or not, I’m not trying to discourage anyone from enjoying winter activities, I just want you to be safe and have fun while you’re out enjoying all Alaskan winters have to offer. And speaking of winter, I know that winter doesn’t start until later in December, but this list of activities will contain ideas ranging from December through February, with some overlap on either side. So, let’s get to it!

Snowshoeing

Strap on some snowshoes and go take in the sights of winter on foot. There’s nothing quite like seeing the peace and quiet of a crisp winter afternoon via snowshoes.

Skiing

Another great way to see the winter sights, while also getting exercise, is by skiing. Checking out a list of groomed trails online is a great place to start.

Sledding

Sledding is one of my favorite activities. It doesn’t even require much gear, just warm clothing, a sled, the perfect hill, and some hot chocolate to enjoy when you’re done!

Bonfires

Hoping to thaw out? A bonfire is the perfect solution. Hang out by the fire and warm up for your next winter activity!

S’mores

Once you’ve got that fire going it’s time to fuel yourself up with a delicious s’more! Chocolate, gram crackers, marshmallow, yummmmm!

The Alyeska Resort and Hotel Alyeska

Hit the slopes, grab a bite, or just relax at The Alyeska Resort and Hotel Alyeska .

The Alyeska Nordic Spa

Speaking of Alyeska, one of the things on my bucket list for this winter is their Nordic Spa. Relax, unwind, and rejuvenate at this new addition to Alyeska Resort. Learn more about it here!

Snowboarding

If you’re more coordinated than I am, hitting the slopes on a snowboard should be on your Alaska winter bucket list. Check out slopes near your area, or look up classes if you’re just starting out.

Fur Rondy

Fur auctions, winter carnival, fireworks, snow sculptures, outhouse races (Yup, you read that right!), running with reindeer (You also read that right!), and more! This ”only in Alaska” celebration occurs during the end of February/beginning of March, around the time of the Iditarod start. Hope to see you there!

Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market

This Alaska Native arts market should be near the very top of your Alaska winter bucket list. Alaska Native artists and craftsmen from many different regions of Alaska gather together at the Dimond Center during Fur Rondy to showcase and sell a variety of items. You’ll see scrimshaw work, furs, paintings, jewelry, carvings, masks, and more. It’s an amazing display of talent, and it’s really interesting to talk to the artisans and learn more about their crafts and culture.

The Iditarod

Watch “The Last Great Race” at the exciting ceremonial start in downtown Anchorage, view the official restart in Willow, or check out the race along different spots on the trail. You can watch mushers, handlers, and the stars of the show, the pups, get ready for their long journey across the vast landscape of Alaska. It an exciting and adrenaline filled time for competitors and viewers alike, and an experience you will never forget.

Dog Sledding

You don’t have to be a pro Iditarod musher to get a chance to experience a little bit of mushing! Check out dog sledding tours (You can even do some of these in the summer!), and experience the ride yourself!

The Northern Lights

The Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis. The lights. Whatever you call them, they’re a must-see. It’s a light display like no Vegas show or New Year’s fireworks can ever compete with. There’s really just no way to describe it, so you’ll have to visit Alaska, and see the beauty of the Northern Light yourself! Download this Aurora Forecast app to get notified when the Northern Lights are showing in your area.

Chena Hot Springs

I have been trying for years to check Chena Hot Springs off of my Alaska winter bucket list. It is a natural hot spring in Interior Alaska, located outside of Fairbanks. The Chena Hot Springs Resort has many activities for all seasons, but my main reason for wanting to visit during the winter is to view the Northern Lights from the warmth and comfort of the springs. It just sounds magical to me. I hope you get to check it out for yourself!

Aurora Ice Museum

If you’re visiting Chena Hot Springs, stop on by the Aurora Ice Museum! You can take tour, spend the night, or even get hitched at this year-round ice building!

Snowmachining

Snowmachining, or snowmobiling as many of you may refer to it, is a winter staple in Alaska. If you don’t have one of your own and/or haven’t been on one before, a snowmachine tour may be the perfect route for you to experience this Alaska winter activity.

Alaska Snow Cone

Ok, so maybe this is just on my winter to-do list, but it’s kind of fun. Grab snow fresh fallen snow (No yellow snow!), put it in a bowl, and top with some maple, or other variety, of syrup. Boom, you have yourself a fresh snow cone! It’s a pretty tasty winter treat.

Snowball Fight

Speaking of snow, why not have a good, ol’ fashion snowball fight! It costs zero dollars and is probably one of the most fun things you can do for free these days. Just no head shots and no yellow snow, and you’re good to go!

World Ice Art Championship

Head up to Fairbanks and check out the mesmerizing sculptures that artist’s carve from mammoth blocks of ice. It’s incredible what they can create; you won’t believe you eyes!

Ice Fishing

I’ve saved my favorite winter activity for last. If I could only choose one thing to be on my Alaska winter bucket list, it would be this. The excitement of not knowing what fish you’ll pull through the ice, the time on the ice, the views. It’s truly the best.

I know this is a long list, so if you’re visiting and think you should cram all of this into one trip, or if you’re local and want to check everything off in one season, don’t. What I’m saying is if you get the opportunity to have all of these amazing adventures in one winter and check them off your bucket list, that’s amazing. But, don’t cram your schedule with so many fun things that turns it into a chore. That’s not what bucket lists are about. Enjoy the activities. Enjoy the people you’re with. Enjoy winter. And be safe out there, folks.

What do you have on your Alaska winter bucket list? Add it in the comments below!

The Best Ways to Enjoy Fall in Alaska

September 3, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

Are you looking for the best things to do during fall in Alaska? Perfect, I’ve got the list for you! Whether you’re a local or coming to Alaska on vacation, these places and activities will fill your fall with happiness and adventure!

First things first. If you want to get the most out of any season in Alaska, you need to get outside. The beauty of Alaska is there is always something to do outdoors during any season. You just need the right gear for the season you’re out in. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy as well, which I’ll be sure to include!

I know that technically fall doesn’t start until the end of September. I’m not very precise with my seasons, though, so for the sake of this list we’re going to call all of September, October, and November “fall” because that’s basically when it’s occurring here. So, lets get on with our list, shall we!

Berry Picking

Ripe berries and bloomed out fireweed are signs that my favorite season is upon us! Many people spend their fall picking, foraging, and canning. This year berries weren’t as plentiful and seemed to be ripe earlier in the season, but normally you can pick a variety of berries throughout September. People often pick after the first frost as they say it makes the berries sweeten up.

If you plan on berry picking be sure to identify the berries you’re picking correctly as some are poisonous. It’s best to go with an experienced berry picker, grab a berry identification guide like this one, and use the Seek app to confirm the berry type before picking. There are really a variety of things you can do with the berries, and it is a really enjoyable hobby.

The Alaska State Fair

The Alaska State Fair ends during the beginning of fall. If you find yourself in Alaska while the fair is going on, you should definitely make the trip. The Alaska State Fair takes place in Palmer, Alaska, and has a fantastic combination of foods, rides, games, Alaskan vendors and artists, a giant vegetable competition, livestock, concerts, shows, displays, and much more.

If you’d like to go to a fair or festival but won’t be making it to the Alaska State Fair, there are many other options. A quick search about events going on in the town you’ll be in should show you all the fall activities.

Fall Photography

I know the East Coast is the hot spot for beautiful autumn colors, but don’t count us northern places out! In my opinion, fall is the most beautiful time in Alaska. The mix of warm fall colors contrasting with the cold blue of glacial ice and the white caps on the shadowy mountains makes the views look surreal. It’s a photographers dream, and if you visit Alaska in fall you’ll get to view this scenery not only in photos but from behind the lens as well.

Fall in Alaska bringing out colors in the mountains. — The oranges, chocolates, and rusts of fall displayed on the mountains.

Garden Harvest

If you’re a local and have been dutifully tending to your garden all summer, now is the time you can reap the benefits of the rest of your work before winter comes. There’s nothing like that satisfying carrot pull after a long summer of growing, or picking potatoes for stew to start fall off right.

Scenic Drives

Fall drives in Alaska are my favorite. Of all the drives I’ve taken, the ones from Anchorage to Valdez and Anchorage to Denali are by far the best. Glaciers, mountains, lakes, tundra, rivers, and more span the sides of the highways, and give you breathtaking views that you won’t soon forget.

The Alaska Railroad

All aboard! Are you hoping to see Alaska’s fall colors without having to make the drive yourself? The Alaska Railroad might be the perfect option for you! Although I haven’t taken it yet, the railroad is definitely on my Alaska bucket list, and I hope to travel on it soon .

Hiking

Another great way to experience fall in Alaska is on your own two feet. There are an abundance of trails, many close to towns and cities, so you can easily find trails for any level of hiking experience. Fall weather brings cool hiking temps along with the views, so be sure to be prepared and layer up. Also, be bear aware! Don’t go if you don’t have proper bear protection that you know how to use, and follow the usual hiking safety rules (have first aid, let people know where you’re going, etc).

Fishing

There’s always good fishing in Alaska no matter what time of year. During fall you’ll be able to get silver salmon, rainbow trout, and more. If you want to fish but don’t want to invest in gear quite yet, or are just up visiting, check out the ”rod loaner program” with Alaska Department of Fish and Game. I’ve also heard that there are libraries that loan gear, too, but haven’t confirmed this yet, and there are businesses such as The Bait Shack that rent fishing gear, too.

Hunting

Fall in Alaska is when many residents look to fill their freezers with delicious, organic meat. The season is filled with packing (as I’m doing this weekend), scouting, hiking, processing game, and more. Many of the people who visit Alaska during this season have traveled to hunt, but other than that the tourist season begins to quiet down, so wherever you go is a bit less crowded than it is in the summer. This makes traveling around much easier, and you can get into places without a wait.

Preparing for Winter

This might sound like more of a chore than a fun activity, but really it’s both. Some of these things really are just chores, but others become hobbies. The things we need to do, such as filling our freezers, cleaning up gardens, storing away outdoor furniture, canning berries and vegetables, and more, just build excitement for the next beautiful season in Alaska.

Have I convinced you to visit Alaska in the fall yet? I hope so! Alaska is beautiful year-round, and especially so in fall. If you get the chance to visit our beautiful state and have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below!

The Best Ways to See Glaciers in Alaska

August 11, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

Seeing glaciers in Alaska is on the bucket list of many. That glacier blue, the massive calving chunks of ice, and the surrounding scenery lure many to the ice cold beauty of glaciers. But where, exactly, do you go to see them? After spending my whole life in Alaska, I’ve got the inside scoop on information you need to view glaciers by air, water, and land.

Viewing Glaciers by Air

Unless you count flying in, out, and around Alaska on commercial flights, I’ve never actually been on a glacier flight. Glacier sightseeing flights will fly you around these massive mountains of ice, and even land on them for you to explore! There are many companies that fly to a variety of different glaciers in Alaska. Since I’ve never gone on one of these flights I can’t give you any reviews, but a quick Google or Tripadvisor search will be able to show you tour options and reviews.

Viewing Glaciers by Water

Glacier cruises are a perfect way to view many glaciers in Alaska from the water. I’ve gone out on these cruises in Valdez and Seward, and have really enjoyed them. These full or half-day tours will not only give you great views of the glaciers, but you may see a variety of wildlife, too. And since you’ll be right where the glacier and water meet, chances are you’ll see some glacial calving.

Other great ways to view glaciers by water are with kayaks or jet skis. As for kayaking, two of the spots are at Portage Glacier and Valdez Glacier. Jet skiing can be done out of Whittier. Always be sure to wear your lifejacket, don’t get too close to the glaciers or icebergs, and watch out for other boats and paddlers while you’re out in the water. And if you’re not familiar with these areas and activities, I’d highly suggest getting a guide.

A large iceberg floating near the edge of portage lake.

Viewing Glaciers by Land

If you’re thinking you’ll miss out on viewing beautiful glaciers in Alaska because you won’t be able to take a glacier cruise or go on a glacier viewing flight, think again! You can view glaciers right from the road! Two of the best places to do this are Worthington Glacier on your way to Valdez, Alaska, and the Matanuska Glacier along the Glenn Highway.

Worthington Glacier can be viewed from the Richardson Highway on your way to Valdez, or, if you want a closer look, you can pull on into the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site. Here, you’ll find trails to great viewing areas (some of which are wheelchair accessible), informative signs, ample parking, and restrooms (hooray!). It’s really a must-stop if you’re passing through.

Matanuska Glacier is visible from the Glenn Highway. As you take this highway from Anchorage to Glennallen you’ll see many large pull-offs for you to stop and take photos of the glacier. It’s a beautiful sight, especially in September when leaves are turning. The contrast between them and the glacier is fantastic. There are ways you can get a very close look at this glacier as well, which are well explained here.

Another glacier that you can get to is the Knik Glacier. In the winter, when the river is frozen, people take bikes, four wheelers, side by sides, and even vehicles over the ice to see the glacier. I have yet to do this, but if you attempt this glacier adventure as always make a plan, go with others, use caution, bring safety equipment, and don’t go out on thin ice!

A way to view Knik glacier in the summer is by taking a four wheeler or side by side. I’ve never done this, but after following Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours, I’d definitely like to try. I’ve never taken any tours with them, but they look like a fun group and have fantastic reviews!

The Matanuska Glacier with fall yellow and orange leafs and snow topped mountains. — The majestic Matanuska Glacier in Alaska.

Things to Note

Safety

Safety first. Glaciers can be very dangerous. Crevasses, calving, icebergs and more can turn a fun viewing experience into a dangerous one. View them from a safe distance, and if you don’t know your way around glaciers, please find a knowledgeable and seasoned guide. Or use a guide even if you are comfortable around glaciers since they might help you learn more!

Guides and Tours

Throughly researching guides, reading reviews, and even just calling them up to see what they’re about is a great way to pick a tour. Since I can only vouch for a couple of tours (linked in the post), Google and Tripadvisor will have to help with that. But, as soon as I get to do any other tours I’ll be sure to post a review!

Viewing Seasons

Obviously, no matter what season you visit Alaska during, the glaciers will be there. It really depends on what you hope the surrounding scenery will be, and how you’d like to view them. Do you want to see glaciers surrounded by colors other than white and blue? Don’t come in winter! Sometimes, it might be hard to decipher what part is glacier and what part is snow covered mountains. Hoping to leisurely paddle a glacial lake? Visit Alaska in summertime and you’ll be able to do just that! Just keep in mind that some of these viewing areas and tours are seasonal, so check ahead for dates.

Budget

If you’re on a budget, seeing glaciers in Alaska from the road or in recreation sites, like the Worthington Glacier site, is probably the best way to go. There are hundreds of glaciers here, so check your maps before you hit the road and see which glaciers you can view on the way.

If you are making the trek to Alaska just to see glaciers, take a guided four wheeler tour, cruise, flight, or whatever you choose. Make sure to save up and budget accordingly though, as many of these are not cheap to do, especially for larger parties. It’s always good to check for military, senior, and group discounts!

I hope this helps you fulfill one of your bucket list items, or if it wasn’t already on your bucket list I hope that you’re now thinking of adding it! Visiting glaciers in Alaska is an unforgettable experience, and I hope you get the opportunity to do it.

A glacier viewed from a Major Marine glacier cruise out of Seward, Alaska.

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