Traveling north...

Arctic Valley
Arctic Valley/Alpenglow is a ski area in the winter, and a great hiking spot in the summer.  You can be to trailhead of Arctic Valley in 20 minutes.  From there, the timing is all up to you.  It takes about 40 minutes to make the steady, uphill climb to the saddle that overlooks Eagle River.  Those with extra energy can spend all day hiking up Rendevous Peak and exploring farther back into the mountains.  Late summer visitors will find plenty of blueberry picking opportunities.  There is a $5 parking fee.

Eagle River Nature Center
Expect to drive for about 30 minutes to reach the nature center.  There are wonderful trails - some go all the way to Girdwood!  Lots of wildlife, a small gift shop, and cabin/yurt rentals.  The yurts are especially fun, and allow you to camp right on Eagle River.  Parking fee.

Eklutna
About 30 minutes from Anchorage.  There is a Russian Orthodox cemetery and museum you can tour.  Head up the mountain and you'll find Eklutna lake, Anchorage's water source.  There are great trails.  Some people rent kayaks and bikes as well.  Parking fee.

Hatcher Pass/Independence Mine
It will take you about one hour to drive to Hatcher Pass.  You'll follow a gorgeous river full of boulders up to Independence Mine.  Tour the museum or simply hike in the hills and enjoy the scenery.  Take a break at the Motherlode Lodge after your excursion.

Matanuska Glacier

If you want to see a glacier up close and personal, this is your best bet.  It will take you about an hour and a half to get there, and you'll be charged $10 per person for access.  Most of our visitors agree that it's worth it!  Guided ice treks or raft trips are also available, or you can stay on the low level ice by yourself.

Glennallen
You'll spend about three hours on the Glenn Highway to get there, but it's one of the closest ways to see the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline.  Most of the drive is spectacular, but once you get past Eureka expect to see flatter landscapes and black spruce forests.  (Those poor, sickly looking trees! If you don't care about the pipeline, turn around here!)  If the weather cooperates in Glennallen, you'll get glimpses of the massive peaks in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.  As for the town - there's really nothing there.  You can find a hotel, grab a bite to eat, or buy a souvenir.  That's about it!

Lillian at the Pipeline                                    Quigley's on the Glenn Hwy

Traveling south...

Big Game Alaska
Located on the Seward Highway about 40 miles south of Anchorage.  It's an outdoor wildlife park that cares for injured and orphaned animals.  You can drive through, or park your car and walk.

Alyeska
Located 40 miles south of Anchorage in Girdwood, this premiere Alaska ski resort offers plenty of recreation in the summer as well.  If it's a sunny day, take the tram to the top of Mt. Alyeska.  Paraglide back down (or simply watch others do it), take a hike, or grab a bite to eat.  Enjoy the view!  This photo is of DeDe and Elle at the top of the mountain in June 2004.

Back at sea level, there is a wonderful hiking trail behind the hotel.  Take the easy, three mile trek to Winner Creek Gorge and pull yourself across on the hand tram.


Portage Glacier
Portage is 50 miles south of Anchorage.  Enjoy the views of several hanging glaciers along Portage Road, explore the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center, or take a one-hour boat ride across Portage Lake to see the glacier up close.

Whittier Tunnel
While there's not much to do in Whittier, you might be interested in the tunnel you drive through to get there.  It's 2.5 miles long... the longest highway tunnel in North America.  Be sure to check the tunnel schedule and toll.  Access to the tunnel is 50 miles south of Anchorage, at the end of Portage Road.

Sam and Staci, in Prince William Sound about 12 miles off the coast of Whittier

Glacier cruises out of Seward or Whittier
There are a variety of tour options available, from half-day to full-day trips.  Glacier cruises offer a wonderful opportunity to see both marine wildlife (otters, sea lions, seals, and maybe even whales) as well as glaciers.  Transportation from Anchorage is provided on some tour packages.

Major Marine Tours - offers tours out of both Seward and Whittier
Alaska Heritage Tours - offers tours out of both Seward and Whittier
Renown Charters and Tours - offers tours out of Seward only