| What should I do on the drive to Denali? |
The incomparably beautiful Denali is the
pinnacle of many travelers' Alaskan visits. The park holds six million acres
of lakes, tundra, peaks, and wildlife dominated by North America's highest
peak and interrupted by a single 90 - mile road. It's a good five - hour
drive up to the park, and you'll find a number of scenic highlights and
activities along the way - here are a few of our favorites:
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| Eagle River Nature Center
(mile 13.4) |
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Eklutna Village Historical Park
(mile 26.5) |
Just 30 minutes out of town, you'll come to the dramatic
Eagle River Valley and the nature center, the gateway to Chugach State Park.
Pick the brains of the volunteers for activities; perhaps you'll hike a
section of the Iditarod Trail and hark back to the days when the trail was
used as a mail route. Albert Loop Trail meanders three miles through prime
beaver - watching territory and serves up great peak views.
- 907 - 694 - 2108; exit at mile 13.4 and take Old Glenn Highway, follow
signs to Eagle River Rd. Take it up the valley all the way to the end;
you'll see the parking area there.
- More on hiking in the nature cente (www.akhs.atfreeweb.com/hikes/EagleRiver.htm)
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Dating back to 1650, the park is the area's oldest continuously
inhabited Athabaskan Indian settlement. Russian Orthodox missionaries came
here in the early 1800s, and you can still see St. Nicholas Church, the
oldest standing building in greater Anchorage. Snap some pictures of the
colorful Spirit Houses build over the graves of the deceased - a custom
that came from the melding of the cultures. Up for a walk? It'll pay off
with a glacier view, as well as the chance to see foxes, eagles, and black
bears.
- 907 - 696 - 2828; exit at mile 26.5 and take Eklutna Lake Rd. to the
north side of the highway
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| Thunderbird Falls (mile 25.2) |
Eklutna Lake |
| Walk through the mossy forest of birch trees about one
mile; you're soon surrounded by ferns, and then at the viewing platform,
where you can watch the thunderous falls tumble down the rocky cliff face.
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On the south side of the highway, a 10 - mile road leads
to this secluded lake, a great spot to picnic, hike, or fish. Trails include
the easy 8 - mile Lakeside Trail or 6.5 - mile Twin
Peaks Trail, which climbs to magnificent views
Eklutna
Lake hiking |
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| Old Glenn Highway (mile 29.6) |
Parks Highway Junction (mile 35.3) |
| To explore the road less traveled, take the Old Glenn
Highway to Palmer, a back road that feels like old Alaska. The roadside
homes and farms are rural and private, with space and beauty all around
them. You'll cross the old Knik River Bridge where you can get out and hike
around, but there tend to be a lot of four - wheelers in the area. |
Turn off onto the George Parks Highway, which leads north
to Talkeetna, as well as Denali and Fairbanks. The Glenn Highway continues
east toward Hatcher Pass, Matanuska Glacier and McCarthy. |
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| Wasilla (mile 42.2) |
Talkeetna (mile 98.7 - halfway to
Denali) |
Wasilla boasts historic buildings and, for
dog - mushing fans, the Iditarod Headquarters. Here you
can buy sled - dog booties actually used in the race - you're practically
guaranteed to be the only one on your block with 'em!
- Iditarod HQ: mile 2.2 Knik Road (south from Wasilla); 907 - 376 -
5155; www.iditarod.com; open daily 8am - 7pm (summer hours, May15 -
Sep 18)
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The 15 - mile drive down a spur road into Talkeetna is
a worthwhile detour. This authentic pioneer town offers awe - inspiring
southern views of McKinley, gorgeous flightseeing, world - class fishing,
and the staging ground for climbing expeditions. Take in a slice of Alaska's
past - and have a drink - at the historic watering hole, the Fairview Inn. |
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| Scenic stops |
Denali Highway Junction (mile 210)
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| You'll cross the mighty Susitna River (mile 104.3), get
your first clear view of the Alaska Range (mile 107.6), and drive through
wide open Broad Pass (mile 194.5). |
This 135 - mile dirt road leads you through the high country
to lakes, lodges, and tons of camping and hiking. |
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| Denali National Park (mile 237)
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| Turn west here into the park. You'll find the visitors
center, hotels, and entrance campgrounds within a few miles. |
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Transportation option coming soon!
