We left Denali early the next day and headed towards the coast to Anchorage. Along the way, we made a stop in Talkeetna, a small town known for its stunning views of Mount Denali and its rich history as a base for mountaineers attempting to climb the mountain. We grabbed a delicious street lunch and browsed the charming little shops before continuing our journey. Once we arrived in Anchorage, we checked into the Golden Nugget RV Park and headed for the 49th State Brewery…YUM!!!
Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, was founded in 1915 as a construction camp for the Alaska Railroad. The city quickly grew as the railroad brought more people and resources to the area. During World War II, the US military established a presence in Anchorage, leading to further growth and development.
After the war, the city continued to grow and develop as a transportation hub and center of commerce for the state. In 1964, a massive earthquake struck Anchorage, causing significant damage and destruction to the city. However, the city quickly rebuilt and has since become a thriving metropolis with a diverse population and a variety of industries.
Today, Anchorage is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and Alaskan culture and history.
Native Cultural Center
The next day, we explored the city of Anchorage and all it had to offer. We visited the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which showcases the culture and history of Alaska’s indigenous people. We also took a trip to the Alaska Zoo, where we saw a variety of Alaskan animals such as bears, wolves, and moose. There were also a number of craft demonstrations by the indigenous people. . Click on thumbnail to view image
Turnagain Arm and Alyeska Ski Area
The next day we set out early to drive down Turnagain Arm, an inlet of the Gulf of Alaska that stretches from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula. The scenery along the drive was breathtaking, with snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and the blue waters of the inlet. We were especially lucky because it was a “blue bird day” with clear blue skies that made for perfect viewing conditions.
Our destination for the day was the Alyeska ski area, located in the town of Girdwood. Girdwood is a small town located in a valley surrounded by the Chugach Mountain Range. Girdwood used to be located at the edge of Turnagain Arm but the earthquake of 1964 caused the entire town to sink. It was later rebuilt inland. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and known for its beautiful scenery and friendly community.
We stopped for lunch in Girdwood and grabbed a bite to eat at the Girdwood Brewery, before heading to the ski area and Mt Alyeska at 2,300 feet. Once we arrived, we took the lift up the mountain, and the views were spectacular. The ski area is known for its challenging terrain and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.
Alyeska resort was opened in 1955, and since then it has been expanded and modernized to offer a wide range of activities for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. The resort is also popular with hikers and mountain bikers in the summer months.
After leaving Girdwood, we decided to continue our journey by heading up the road to Whittier as far as Portage Lake, which is known for its beautiful views and outdoor recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. We took a short hike around the lake and enjoyed the serene surroundings. Click on thumbnail to view image
After our visit to Portage Lake, we made our way back to the Alaska Wildlife Center. This center is a rehabilitation and education facility that is dedicated to the care and preservation of Alaska’s wild animals. They had a wonderful collection of animals such as bears, moose, lynx, and eagles, which we were able to see and learn about.
The center provides visitors with the opportunity to see Alaska’s wildlife up close and learn about the animals’ natural habitat, diet and behaviors. They also have a breeding program for endangered species and release back to the wild when possible.
We spent several hours at the center, taking in all the sights and sounds of the animals and learning about the important work that the center does to protect and conserve Alaska’s wildlife. It was a great way to end our time in the Anchorage area and a memorable experience that we will never forget.