The starting point of every Alaska round trip is Anchorage.
Our round trip through Alaska begins in Anchorage, the largest city in the state. Despite its size, it conveys a small but vibrant atmosphere – although the city offers little in terms of sights. This quickly changes as soon as we leave the city limits in the rearview mirror of our RV. It takes only about 30 minutes for the last signs of civilization to fade and for us to be welcomed by an endless nature. That's exactly what it's all about in Alaska.
On the way to the first highlight, Denali National Park, a stop in historic Talkeetna is worthwhile. In the early 20th century, the small town experienced a rapid rise during the gold rush and with the construction of the Alaska Railroad. Today, many historic buildings can be admired in the quaint town center of Talkeetna, all of which are well-preserved, and some of which are protected. A great preview of everything that is yet to come!
The mighty Denali National Park
"Then suddenly it appears before us, the massive Denali! On the George Parks Highway heading north, impressive panoramas of the mighty mountains of the nearly 1,000 km long Alaska Range unfold time and again. The national park is not as easily accessible as one might expect from other US national parks. There is only a single 146-kilometer long gravel road leading into the park, all the way to Wonder Lake and the historic Kantishna Mining District. For the entire route to Kantishna, you need to plan around 8 (!) hours. But there are alternatives:"A hike of about three kilometers leads from the Visitor Center down to Horseshoe Lake. It goes steeply downhill to the Nenana River, where a few brave souls take on the current in rafting boats.
Next, we continue deeper into the park. Numerous hiking trails branch off to the right and left, all leading into breathtaking landscapes. Our destination is the end of the private road: Here, the Savage River Trailhead not only offers a beautiful photo opportunity but also invites you to take another hike along the Savage River.
Into the Wild – onward to the North
In the small town of Healy, just 20 kilometers from the national park, a stop at the "49th State Brewery" is worthwhile. Besides the delicious beer, the old green bus is a sight to see, which served as a shelter for the dropout Christopher McCandless. Without equipment, without a compass, without map, he ventured into the wilderness in 1990 to escape societal pressure and simply be free. Jon Krakauer's book about McCandless' life story has long become a bestseller, as has the film "Into the Wild" by Sean Penn.From the second largest city Fairbanks, we continue north into the vastness of Alaska. Our next destination: the gold digger's nest Chicken. The theme of "chicken" still plays a central role here, whether on the restroom signs, in the small mini-saloon, or the bakery, everything flirts with the feathered creature. Those who are interested can get a gold pan and a map at the "Chicken Creek Outpost" and set out in Jack Wade Creek to search for gold.
From the Top of the World Highway through the vastness of Canada
Directly behind Chicken, the road winds further into the mountains, surrounded by nothing but deep green forests. The "Top of the World Highway" offers breathtaking views of nature (if wildfires don't obscure the sight) and takes us further across the border into Canada. We cross the legendary Yukon River, pay a visit to the famous gold rush town of Dawson City, and continue southeast along the Klondike Highway. 700 kilometers lead through deep green forests, interrupted by lakes where we spot moose and bears.
The best place to observe bears in Alaska
Arriving at the end of the Klondike Highway, we take the ferry to Haines, one of the best places to observe bears in the wild. In Chilkoot Lake State Park, about 10 miles outside of town, our patience in waiting is finally rewarded.
Kenai Fjords National Park
On the beautiful Haines Highway, another scenic road in Canada, we head back to Alaska. Nestled between the Kenai Mountains and the fjords of the northern Pacific, the main destination is the small town of Seward and the Kenai Fjords National Park. In this part of Alaska, a total of more than 30 glaciers form the Harding Icefield, eight of which flow directly into the Gulf of Alaska. The Kenai Fjords National Park offers two must-dos: a hike to Exit Glacier and a boat tour through the bays and fjords of the northern Pacific.
A crowning conclusion to our Alaska round trip is the picturesque Homer at the southwestern tip of the Kenai Peninsula and the Russian River Falls, where salmon can be observed on their upstream migration – all comfortably from the land.
'Our very detailed Alaska travel report with 18 highlights'
and numerous photos you can find with us in the large USA travel blog:
Alaska & Yukon Travel Report
– 18 Highlights, Tips & Attractions for the Perfect Round Trip
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