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The Kenai
e Kenai Peninsula, just south of Anchorage, is known as "Alaska's
Playground." You'll find spectacular scenery, wildlife, rich culture and
legendary fishing. e Kenai Mountains, which span the Chugach
National Forest, Kachemak Bay State Park, Kenai Fjords National Park
and Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, contain the easily accessible Exit
Glacier and hundreds of miles of trails. Experience wild whitewater and
placid scenic waterways or paddle more than 100 miles (161 km) of
canoe trails.
Witness calving glaciers and marine wildlife on a sightseeing cruise
from Seward, gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. e Alaska SeaLife
Center also offers up-close viewing of marine mammals and sea birds.
From the highway, enjoy the turquoise color of the rivers and lakes
surrounding Cooper Landing. Four species of salmon spawn on the
peninsula. Soldotna boasts the world record King salmon (97.25 lbs)
and more than 2,800 feet of elevated Kenai River boardwalk. e central
peninsula is home to four caribou herds, one near the city of Kenai,
known for its historical sites and cultural heritage.
A shoreline drive showcases four active volcanoes across Cook Inlet and,
at the end of the road, the Homer Spit extends five miles out to sea with
breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers and Kachemak Bay. e gateway
to Katmai National Park and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge,
Homer offers unrivaled bear viewing, kayaking and birding.
Mat-Su Valley
Located approximately 45 miles (72 km) north of Anchorage on the
Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway, the Matanuska Valley is a fertile
farmland settled by families from the Midwest as part of a New Deal
relief program in 1935. Tour Palmer to discover the history of these early
"colonists" and see the legendary, gigantic vegetables at the Alaska State
Fair in August.
In the neighboring Susitna Valley, explore Wasilla, home of the Iditarod
Trail Sled Dog Race®. Visitors can learn from an Iditarod veteran what it
takes to complete the "Last Great Race®" at the area's local dog kennels.
A few miles west is Big Lake, a popular destination for boating and
salmon fishing.
Farther north is Talkeetna – known as the staging site for climbers as they
begin their trip up Denali. Flightseeing tours of the mountain are a local
specialty. On clear days, Denali State Park offers breathtaking vistas of
Denali, North America's highest peak.
A 50-mile (80-km) scenic loop between the George Parks and Glenn
Highways takes you to Hatcher Pass and the Independence Mine State
Historical Park. Visit the park's interpretive center and explore abandoned
buildings and equipment in the old gold mines.
Copper River Valley & Wrangell-
St. Elias National Park & Preserve
e Copper River Valley is home to the Copper River red salmon and
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest national park
in the United States. e valley is a popular destination for backcountry
recreation, sport fishing, river raing, hiking, glacier climbing,
flightseeing and Native culture. Glennallen is the informational hub of
the region. Copper Center lies a few miles south of Glennallen, home to
the visitor center for Wrangell-St. Elias. e historical mining towns of
McCarthy and Kennicott lie at the heart of the park.
Monthly Temperature and Daylight Information
Hiking, Kennecott Copper Mine
Fishing, Cordova
