Trip to the Last Frontier - Alaska
My long-time wish of visiting Alaska finally became a reality in August of last year. While I initially planned a 5-day trip, it quickly became apparent that a week wouldn't even begin to do justice to this breathtaking state. Being National Park enthusiasts, my partner and I decided to focus on Denali National Park and a quick day trip to Fairbanks.
Timeline:
Arrived late at night in Anchorage and stayed at this Airbnb
Day 1: Heading to Denali - stay at McKinley Creekside Cabins
Day 2: Denali Bus tour
Day 3: Denali Raft Adventures / Heading to Fairbanks
Day 4: Chena Hot Springs / Northpole
Day 5: Heading back to Anchorage.
Places we ate at:
Prospector's Pizza and Alehouse
49th State Brewing - Denali Park
Landing in Anchorage
Hoping to avoid peak-season crowds and catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis, we planned our trip for late August. Flights to Anchorage were significantly cheaper than Fairbanks, so we landed there and rented a car for our Alaskan adventure.
Arriving late at night in Anchorage, we opted for a comfortable Airbnb (linked here). The amenities were fantastic, and the hosts left thoughtful touches like informative notes. The beds were incredibly comfortable, ensuring a restful night before hitting the road the next day.
Day 1: Heading to Denali
We stumbled upon a delightful spot at Kava’s Pancake House for breakfast. I enjoyed a delicious omelette while my partner savoured Eggs, Benedict. The fresh and perfectly cooked food is highly recommended for anyone staying in East Anchorage.
With bellies full and excitement brewing, we set off for the legendary Denali National Park. We'd heard much about Denali, the tallest mountain peak in North America and the highest mountain peak measured base-to-peak in the world.
The drive to our lodgings was a tranquil journey, offering breathtaking vistas. We stopped at the Denali South Viewpoint, hoping to glimpse the majestic Mount Denali and surrounding mountain ranges. Though overcast skies obscured the mountains, we discovered a delightful surprise along the trail: vibrant, colourful mushrooms. The drive to our accommodations at McKinley Creekside Cabins took approximately 4-4.5 hours. After settling in, we had a delicious meal at the lodge's restaurant. However, the true highlight of our stay was the lodge's captivating scenery and the mesmerising stream that flowed behind it. We spent the evening exploring the area, soaking in the natural beauty.
Day 2 : Mt Denali Bus Tour
We had booked a Denali Park Village bus tour for the next day. Due to park restoration from a landslide, the bus tours only go up to Mile 43. We had booked a Tundra Wilderness tour, which goes until this milepost. The whole tour takes around 5-6 hours. Our friendly host, who doubled as driver and guide, shared captivating stories about the park and life in the local community during the long, dark winter months (lasting up to 16 hours a night!).
The wildlife viewing on the tour was simply incredible. We spotted caribou, moose, stunning Dall sheep, and even a mama bear with her cubs! This was undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable experiences of our entire trip. The tour lasted about four hours, with a turnaround point due to ongoing park repairs. The landscape’s vastness and raw beauty were breathtaking – the crisp air, the awe-inspiring scenery, and the serene silence.
After the tour, we treated ourselves to pizza at Prospector's Pizza and Alehouse. This rustic-style restaurant offered a welcome change and a variety of delicious pizzas and draft beers. Needless to say, we devoured every last bite!
Day 3: Denali Visitor Center
The Denali Visitor Center boasts a fantastic interactive and informative information centre showcasing the history of the land, the Indigenous people, and the diverse activities offered within the park and around Alaska. We spent a good two hours immersing ourselves in each exhibit. The documentaries about Alaskan Huskies and their vital role during the winter months were particularly fascinating.
Our next adventure was a thrilling L3 rafting excursion with Denali Raft Adventures on the Nenana River. Our experienced and friendly guide provided fascinating insights into the river's history and the surrounding landscape. The two hours flew by as we navigated the rapids in a blur of excitement and exhilaration. The river’s power, the guide’s engaging commentary, and the stunning scenery combined to create an unforgettable experience.
After our rafting adventure, we called it a day and headed to our Airbnb in Fairbanks after grabbing an early dinner at the 49th State Brewing - Denali Park.
We also planned to go on the Northern Lights tour, which was booked with the Incredible Aurora Viewing Adventure. However, due to unfavourable weather, the tour was cancelled. Fortunately, their cancellation policies are great, and there is always an option to book the next available tour in case one gets cancelled due to bad weather.
Day 4: Chena Hot Springs / NorthPole
We started our day in Fairbanks with a delightful breakfast at a charming local cafe - Little Owl Cafe. Their coffee, pastries, and sandwiches were simply delicious. Next, we ventured to Chena Hot Springs. We purchased day passes to enjoy the pool and hot springs, a refreshing escape from the chilly weather. Remember to bring quarters for the lockers! The outdoor rock pool was a peaceful oasis, especially on a rainy day. Since the season was winding down, there were fewer crowds, making it even more enjoyable. We missed the geothermal tour, but the hot springs were a highlight. After a relaxing few hours, we headed to the North Pole. This isn't the Arctic Circle North Pole, but it's known as Santa Claus's official address. The Christmas atmosphere is palpable year-round, with streets like Mistletoe Lane. We visited Santa's House, a treasure trove of holiday gifts.
For dinner, we indulged in delicious Indian cuisine at Hari Om Cuisine of India. The food was fantastic, and the hosts were incredibly welcoming.
After a satisfying meal, we prepared to return to Anchorage the next day and catch our flight back to San Jose.
Concluding Remarks:
My Alaskan adventure was a dream come true. The natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and unique experiences surpassed all expectations. Denali National Park was a highlight, with its majestic mountains, diverse wildlife, and informative visitor centre. The rafting excursion on the Nenana River was an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
Fairbanks offered a charming glimpse into local life and a festive atmosphere at the North Pole. Chena Hot Springs provided a relaxing respite from the cold.
While a week was insufficient to explore the entire state, it gave us a taste of Alaska's wonders. I'm already planning my return trip to delve deeper into this incredible state.
Key Takeaways:
Denali National Park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Wildlife viewing in Alaska is unparalleled.
Chena Hot Springs offers a unique and relaxing experience.
Fairbanks and NorthPole are charming towns with a festive atmosphere.
Thank you for joining me on this Alaskan adventure!
