Anchorage, Alaska
The stunning mountain vistas surrounding the city are just the beginning. Nothing can compare to the warmth of the vibrant people who live here.
Sunset outside of Earthquake Park.
Anchorage is heaven for people who love the outdoors. The number of green spaces, parks, hikes, and paths around the city mean you can always find a beautiful place to spend some time outside.
“This was one of the places people told me to go, it was one the big trips that you should see: Alaska.”
— Jeff Goldblum
Anchorage has many great areas to watch the sunset over the Cook Inlet. These two pictures were taken at Point Woronzof Park. It’s just a short downhill hike to the water’s edge or stay by the parking lot. Either way, you are going to have some spectacular views. I recommend walking down to the beach and walk around the lighthouse to see back toward downtown Anchorage.
Anchorage has a lot of day hikes close by. A great entry level hike is Thunderbird Falls. The hike is less than two miles round trip, and it takes you to the overlook of the waterfall. You can also take the hike down to the creek, which will lead you to the bottom of the falls. This is a picture from the overlook.
Highway 1 is the main north/south highway in Alaska. It runs from Tok, through Anchorage, ending in Homer. There are many opportunities for hiking, kayaking, fishing, coupled with beautiful mountain vistas. The pictures above were taken along Highway 1 in between Anchorage and Girdwood. I highly recommend taking some time and driving this highway even if you don’t plan on leaving Anchorage.
Visit Alaska’s Wildlife Conservation Center to get up close and personal with some amazing animals.
Northern Lights
One major positive to only having a few hours of daylight during the winter is the sky lighting up with the Northern Lights. Luckily, I was able to see them both in and out of Anchorage. The picture below was taken during February at a location right outside of Palmer, AK.
The lights are visible to the naked eye, and on nights like the night I took this picture, can even be witnessed in color. Many nights were spent out in the cold with hot chocolate and my camera.
“Amid the majesty of night, What splendid vision strikes my eyes, In glory bursting on the sight, Forth from the northern skies? – Stephen Greenleaf Bulfinch
The quiet majesty of the Northern Lights is unparalleled. “Lady A” as the aurora is called by locals, is a bright spot of traveling to Alaska in the winter.
