Welcome to Alaska.org - Outspoken Travel Advice from Alaska Insiders

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Kris Capps

"People think we live in igloos and that we're far away from everything. Sure my grocery store is two hours away, but that's no big deal."

Who he is: Denali resident since 1991; weekend visitor since 1982. Kayak instructor and freelance writer.

Age: 50

Don't miss: Get off the bus and walk into the wilderness.

Why did you come to Alaska?
It was the only logical place to come next. I was living in Wyoming and moved to Denali when my husband got a job here.

What's your favorite thing about living in Alaska?
The people and the wilderness.

What is there about living in Denali that's unlike any other place in Alaska?
It's beautiful - the people and community are fabulous.

What's your favorite book on Alaska?
The one I wrote of course. It's a guide with a great combination of Denali and wildlife.

What's your favorite season and what do you like to do?
I love fall - depending on the year it could last a week to a month - but I also love winter. Skiing, dog mushing, potlucks with friends, snowmachine trips outside the parks.

How would you spend your perfect weekend in Denali?
Drink coffee on my deck and look at the view. Call a friend and spend the day paddling the Nenana River - either a flat, scenic stretch or a fast, whitewater stretch. If I don't feel like kayaking, I would probably go hiking around my neighborhood. I walk every morning about five miles - there are so many trails here. Have a barbecue on the deck with my friends.

What's your favorite local hidden treasure?
The trails around my house.

Where's your favorite place to have breakfast in Denali? Dinner?
Probably McKinley Creekside Café, with their awesome pancakes. I had a friend tell me that this was the only place she knew that could make better pancakes then her mother. For dinner, the Black Diamond restaurant.

What's one experience or attraction you think visitors should not miss in Denali?
Getting off the bus and walking into the wilderness.

What are top myths that tourists/outsiders have about Alaska?
That we live in igloos and we are far away from everything. Sure my grocery store is two hours away, but that's no big deal. Some people think the park is a zoo and the animals are tamed.

What's one thing about Alaska you think visitors may not know that you would like to share with them?
That it is really a special place. There aren't many places left like this in the world that are truly untouched by man. Sure there is a road in the park, but other than that, Denali is still the way it was 10,000 years ago.

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