Top 5 adventure travel destinations in Alaska

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Among all the other states of the US, Alaska is special on several accounts. Not only is it the largest, but it is also separated from the rest, and the coldest on top of it all. Granted, judging by this description, Alaska is not exactly the typical holiday destination.

But Alaska has gone a long way since it was bought in 1867 for 2 cents an acre, and the frozen wasteland (as it was referred to) became a great destination for adventure travelers who don’t mind a bit of cold. So for those who need a bit of excitement in their lives, here are the top 5 adventure travel destinations in Alaska.

Denali National Park

Alaska is a place of wilderness and pretty much unspoiled natural beauty, but nothing beats Denali National Park. The six million acre park is bigger than some of the US states, and it is home to the highest mountain peak in the States, Mt. McKinley.

The mountain is also known under the name of Denali, meaning the ‘high one’ in Athabascan. There are several hiking trails in the park, but backpacking is also popular (you can go on for days without meeting another soul).

McCarthy and Kennicott ghost towns

If your definition of adventure also includes some good old fashioned spooking, then don’t hesitate to visit these two vestiges of the Gold Rush in Alaska. McCarthy used to the the property of Athabaskan natives, until McCarthy sprung up after the discovery of a copper mine at Kennecot Mountain (in Kennicott, the company town, prostitution and gambling were illegal, hence the need for McCarthy). The twin towns are almost completely abandoned,but the old buildings are still standing.

Glacier Bay National Park

This Unesco World Heritage Site is a great destinations for those who would like to see some truly impressive glaciers, as well as those who would like to see some wildlife in its natural habitat.

A sizable chunk of the park can be toured via raft or kayak, and there are several tour operators that can set up a trip for you (but if you have enough experience, you can tour on your own too). Alsek River and its tributary, Tatshenshini River, are great for rafting.

Girdwood

©Nathan Searles

Girdwood is the most popular ski resort in Alaska, located about 30 miles south of Anchorage, the state capital. The ski area around Girdwood, Alyeska and the rest of the surrounding area are great places for skiing, fishing, snow mobiling, and biking during the warmer months. You can also go cross country skiing, or book a place on a snowshoeing tour.

Homer

Homer, on the Kenai Peninsula, is the halibut fishing capital of the world, and the only way to get bored around there is if you really hate fishing. Ice fishing, in particular, can be really exciting, but if you want to try your luck in the ocean waters, you can book a place on a charter boat leaving Homer Marina in search on halibut, salmon, lingcod and rockfish.

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Neil wrote on February 11, 2011:

McCarthy and Kennecott are two restored ghost towns that are surrounded by three major mountain ranges and many glaciers. Visit our website for more info on the town and what to do in the area.

 

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