Talkeetna Alaska Drive | ALASKA.ORG Alaska Highway Drives

Just two hours north from Anchorage, Talkeetna is a town with authentic pioneer feel and modern tour and lodging facilities. You'll find 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.

Talkeetna is actually closer to Mt. McKinley than the entrance of Denali National Park. If the mountain's out, you'll get spectacular southern views of North America's tallest peak. There are a number of scenic highlights and activities on the drive up-here are a few of our favorites:

Eagle River Nature Center (Mile 13.4)

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 rangers 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.

Details

907-694-2108

Exit at mile 13.4 and take Old Glenn Highway, follow signs to mile 12.5 Eagle River Rd.

32 min from downtown

27 miles one-way

Thunderbird Falls (Mile 25.2)

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.

31 min from downtown

26 miles one-way

Eklutna Village Historical Park (Mile 26.5)

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.

Details

907-696-2828

Exit at mile 26.5 and take Eklutna Lake Rd.

32 min from downtown

27 miles one-way

Eklutna Lake

On the other 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.

44 min from downtown

37 miles one-way

Old Glenn Highway (Mile 29.6)

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.

36 min from downtown

30 miles one-way

Parks Highway Junction (Mile 35.3)

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.

43 min from downtown

36 miles one-way

Wasilla (Mile 42.2)

Wasilla boasts historic buildings and, for dog-mushing fans, the Iditarod Headquarters. You can purchase souvenirs, watch footage of past races, and take a ride with a veteran musher on a cart pulled by a sled dog team.

Details

Iditarod HQ: Mile 2.2 Knik Road (south from Wasilla); 907-376-5155; www.iditarod.com; open daily 8:00am-7:00pm (summer hours, May15-Sep 18)

52 min from downtown

43 miles one-way

Talkeetna (Mile 98.7-halfway to Denali)

A 15-mile spur road leads you into town.

2 hr 17 min from downtown

114 miles one-way

Alaska Highway Drives from Anchorage

Other Drives: To Nearby Destinations » Talkeetna