All Alaska Route
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The Kenai, Alaska
As you wave goodbye to the city of Anchorage, your journey continues south on the Seward Highway, a designated All-American Road. Include time to stop along the way, as this scenic drive is beyond compare. There are many trailheads and picnic opportunities, such as the McHugh Creek Picnic Area at Mile 112, or whale watch at Beluga Point Interpretive Site just a little bit farther down the road. The village areas of Bird and Indian Valley showcase some rustic flair, and you can stop in for a bite to eat or fill up your gas tank. It’s very common to see sheep grazing along the way, so keep your cameras ready! You will pass the small community of Girdwood, home to Alyeska Resort. There are tram rides offered in the summer for incredible views as you ride up the mountain.
Continuing down the highway, you will also want to drive five miles down Portage Valley Road to visit the Begich Boggs Visitor Center to learn about glaciers and the Chugach National Forest. Across the inlet, view the Kenai Mountains. Truly exceptional, this is one of the most scenic, spectacular drives you can make. At the intersection of the Sterling Highway, you have the choice of driving west to Kenai, Soldotna and Homer, or take a quick side trip to the quaint fishing town of Seward, nestled on the waters of Resurrection Bay. If you decide to take the drive over to Seward, you will find this picturesque town well worth the drive. This is a regular port stop for cruise ships, and there are many small shops, hotels, restaurants and the Alaska SeaLife Center to choose from. Visit Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the state’s most accessible glaciers and an easy half-mile (.8 km) walk. More adventurous hikers can continue another 3.5 miles (5.6 km) up the trail to the Harding Icefield, the largest icefield entirely within the U.S.
The Kenai/Soldotna area has some great fishing areas, as well as camping and canoeing. Stop in at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge in Soldotna for wildlife displays and information about available activities. The Kenai Convention and Visitors Bureau showcases the early Russian influence of the area, with icons, photos and historical artifacts. As you drive along the Sterling Highway, look across Cook Inlet for a view of four active volcanoes.
Founded in 1896 by early gold seekers, Homer is now home to many artists and is a major fish-processing center. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and fishing charters out of Homer, and the five-mile “Spit” beach area offers some great beachcombing. The Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center will give you information on all the fun things to do and see in the area.
SIDE TRIPS
With so many places to visit in this massive state, it makes sense to take a few side trips and enjoy as much of it as possible. We’ve highlighted a few options for you to consider:
Fairbanks to Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay
Driving north of Fairbanks via the Elliott Highway on to the Dalton Highway will take you to Deadhorse, a few miles from the oilfields of Prudhoe Bay. Known by locals as the Haul Road, this is the farthest north you can drive on Alaska’s road systems. Not for the faint of heart, this road can be a challenge, as it has several gravel stretches that are moderately maintained at best. However, the beauty of the landscape makes it all worthwhile. Stop in at Coldfoot for gas and supplies and then continue on to Wiseman, where photo opportunities of this historic mining town abound. You will see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline as you drive, snaking its way through the wilderness and going underground at some points. Prudhoe Bay does offer some accommodations and a couple eateries, but summer populations tend to run high and hotel space is limited, so be sure to call ahead. Allow about two days up and two days back for this excursion.
Tok to Chicken and Eagle
From Tok, take the Taylor Highway north to visit the towns of Chicken and Eagle. Eagle is the park headquarters for Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve where canoe and raft rentals are available. Or you can try your hand at gold panning in Chicken. Both communities also feature several historical buildings, along with campgrounds, gas stations and groceries.
