Alaska - National Parks

Ninilchik

One of my favorite things about traveling is visiting National Parks. Whether in the USA or around the world. You are guaranteed to see stunning landscapes. Alaska is one of my top places. There are so many National Parks and Monuments to experience.

I have been to Denali. I've seen the peak on a cloudless summer day and saw the "big four;" bears, Dall sheep, moose, and caribou. I rented an RV and did a large loop from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Driving allows to you see Alaska, unlike a cruise ship. Finding a place to park for the night is easy. There are many large gravel lots to pull over and bunk for the night. Each spot always seemed to have a unique feature. For instance, along the Pipeline in Delta Junction wander through the brush along the trail and you will be greeted with a museum, garden, and restaurant. Ninilchik, a small Russian town has beachfront RV parking. I sat on a driftwood log and photographed tens of eagles and seagulls fighting over bi-caught salmon. The birds didn't even seem to notice that I was there. That was an awesome sight. 

My all-time favorite was walking with Grizzly bears. Yes, you heard me correctly! Hire a pilot to fly to the preserve and don't forget your "bear whisperer." Sitting in the grass and watching some yearly cubs wrestle and play was amazing. The bears really don't seem to notice that you are there. I guess they are too busy grazing for food after a long winter's nap.

See the abandoned copper mine in Wrangell - St Elias. You can drive the old road, although I don't recommend this - it's long, dusty, and VERY bumpy. If you are up for a hike, and long one at that, trek the Root Glacier. Take along some red vine licorice and sip cool glacier water from it like a straw - a taste you will never forget.

Kenai Fjords out of Seward are perfect for whale watching. Seeing the humpbacks perform their bubble netting ritual is quite stunning.

Glacier Bay, which can only be accessed via cruise ship is a splendor to behold. Make sure you catch the nature guides that board the ship and of course get that Jr. Ranger Badge!