I by no means got down to go to all 50 states, however because the years handed and the quantity grew—47, 48, then 49—the unstated problem started to stir inside me. One state remained, looming within the distance like a closing frontier, a spot each wild and elusive. Alaska, along with her rugged landscapes and untamed spirit, appeared to maintain her distance, slipping via my plans 12 months after 12 months. That was till the autumn of 2024, when the celebrities aligned, and I discovered myself on the TBEX journey convention, able to embrace the Final Frontier and eventually full the journey I hadn’t meant to take. [Note: I have provided helpful links for your travel planning throughout.]
Earlier than TBEX started, I had the prospect to whet my Alaska journey urge for food with a tour led by Revel Treks + Excursions, owned and run by Kierre Childers. Kierre, an completed information and wilderness skilled, introduced extra than simply her experience to the journey—her charming character and deep information of the realm infused each second with intrigue. She identified edible vegetation alongside our paths and shared fascinating tales concerning the land, reworking every path and vista right into a dwelling tapestry of historical past and nature.
The itinerary for our journey provided a various style of Alaska’s rugged magnificence:
- Mountaineering within the Chugach Mountains at some point, surrounded by towering peaks and wild surroundings. The following we discovered ourselves exploring the gorgeous Hatcher Move and Independence Mine, now a historic park.
- Biking across the serene glacial waters of Eklutna Lake.
- Kayaking on the clear blue waters, the place we paddled amongst reflections of the mountains.
- A brewery tour within the historic city of Palmer, with a cease at a Fjord-to-Fork restaurant.
- House Base at BlueWater BaseCamp: A comfortable and scenic retreat nestled within the coronary heart of nature, the place we relaxed after every day’s journey, surrounded by breathtaking views and the serenity of Alaska’s wilderness.
It was the right introduction to Alaska’s wild aspect, and Kierre made positive each second felt like a real journey.
Arrival into Anchorage: A Great Alaskan Journey Welcome
Upon arriving in Anchorage, I used to be greeted by a lovely day, the type that instantly makes you’re feeling such as you’re in for one thing particular. My first cease was checking into the Historic Anchorage Resort, a captivating relic of the previous that has hosted vacationers for the reason that early twentieth century. The resort has retained its classic appeal, with traditional structure and a comfortable environment that transports you again in time whereas providing trendy comforts. It was the right place to start my Alaskan journey.
After settling in, I spent a few hours strolling via downtown Anchorage. The town’s streets, lined with native retailers and artwork galleries, provided a glimpse into each its wealthy historical past and vibrant tradition. I soaked up the ambiance as I wandered, admiring murals, exploring small boutiques, and getting a really feel for this northern metropolis that blends wilderness and concrete life so effortlessly.
Because the night approached, I made my solution to F-Avenue Station, a well known native establishment well-known for its informal environment and unbelievable seafood. The restaurant is a favourite amongst locals and guests alike, and it didn’t disappoint. I loved a scrumptious meal, that includes a few of Alaska’s most interesting contemporary catch, earlier than retreating to my resort, prepared for the adventures that awaited within the days to come back.
Day 2: Alaskan Journey Continues Mountaineering within the Chugach Mountains
We started our hike within the Chugach Mountains on a light day, the air crisp however comfy as we ascended the path. The incline was pretty steep, guiding us up towards a ridge that promised gorgeous views above the treeline. Nonetheless, as typically occurs in Alaska, the climate started to shift. Up right here, the panorama modifications within the blink of an eye fixed, and being ready for unpredictable circumstances is vital. As we climbed increased, we have been reminded of the wild and ever-changing nature of this place.
About midway up the path, we stopped to get pleasure from a implausible lunch, ready upfront and completely suited to an out of doors feast. We discovered a scenic spot to sit down and take within the huge magnificence surrounding us, the ridge nonetheless looming forward. After lunch, Kierre, our information, shared her information concerning the wild berries discovered at this elevation. Although it was late within the season, we eagerly foraged for a wide range of berries, together with blueberries, crowberries, and the extra elusive lingonberries. Whereas the berries weren’t at their prime, it was nonetheless enjoyable to pattern them and find out about their flavors and significance within the Alaskan ecosystem.
After our berry foraging, we continued onward, the path narrowing to a rocky ledge. That’s when the snow started to fall—large, mild flakes that blanketed the panorama round us. Fairly than dampening our spirits, the snowfall appeared to reinforce the expertise, including a magical contact to the journey. We pressed on, undeterred, soaking within the snowy wonderland round us.
As soon as the hike concluded, we made our means again down and drove to our lodging. [Click the following link for an article I wrote about this remarkable place called BlueWater BaseCamp]. After checking into our lodging and taking a while to clean up, we headed out to dinner in Eagle River to Corks and Hops, a neighborhood gem recognized for its laid-back environment and scrumptious, domestically sourced fare. It was the right solution to unwind after a day within the wild.
Later that night time, again at BlueWater, we gathered round a campfire, having fun with the heat and the gorgeous Alaskan night time sky. The celebrities have been brilliant, and the crackle of the fireplace made for a becoming finish to a day crammed with journey.
Day 3: Exploring the Gorgeous Hatcher Move and Independence Mine
The climate on our third day was nothing in need of spectacular. The early morning mist gave solution to the bluest sky you’ll be able to think about, completely framing the snow-capped peaks that surrounded us as we made our solution to Hatcher Move. This space, nestled within the Talkeetna Mountains, is a favourite for adventurers and nature lovers alike, providing breathtaking vistas and wealthy historical past. The move itself is thought for its rugged magnificence, winding roads, and panoramic views of alpine landscapes.
We spent the morning exploring Independence Mine Historic Park, a remnant of Alaska’s gold mining previous. As soon as a bustling mining hub within the early twentieth century, the mine now stands as a preserved piece of historical past. Strolling via the outdated buildings and studying concerning the miners’ lives gave us a glimpse into the hardships and hopes that fueled the gold rush period.
After our exploration, we paused for a fast snack earlier than heading again down the mountain. On our means, we stopped at a scenic overlook to absorb the sweetness the Little Susitna River, its clear waters dashing via the valley, including a peaceable soundtrack to the awe-inspiring panorama.
With two extra experiences lined up for the day, we needed to depart the mountain behind. Our subsequent cease was Bleeding Coronary heart Brewery, a unusual and beloved microbrewery nestled simply exterior downtown Palmer. Recognized for its small-batch craft beers, the brewery presents a comfortable and relaxed environment with a touch of native aptitude. We loved a tasting flight paired with appetizers, every beer reflecting the Alaskan spirit of independence and creativity.
Our day didn’t finish there. After exploring the city of Palmer, we capped off the night at Feather + Flour, a nice eating restaurant that focuses on contemporary, domestically sourced elements. The meal was nothing in need of distinctive, an ideal mix of refined flavors and Alaskan appeal. I’ve written a devoted article about this unbelievable eating expertise, which you will discover right here.
It was the right conclusion to a day crammed with pure magnificence, historical past, and native taste.
Day 4: Kayaking, Biking, and Grilling by Eklutna Lake
The ultimate day of our Alaskan journey introduced us to the breathtaking Eklutna Lake, only a brief distance from BlueWater BaseCamp. Nestled on the base of the Chugach Mountains, this glacier-fed lake shouldn’t be solely gorgeous but additionally offers Anchorage with its consuming water. Its crystal-clear blue waters stretch for miles, surrounded by towering peaks and dense forest, making a peaceable and majestic backdrop for our day of actions.
We started the day by kayaking on the calm, serene waters of the lake. Gliding throughout the lake’s floor, we have been handled to panoramic views of snow-capped mountains mirrored within the water under. The glacier-fed lake was chilly however inviting, and as we paddled additional, we felt actually immersed within the uncooked great thing about Alaska.
Subsequent, we transitioned to mountain biking across the lake. The path was an ideal mixture of problem and delight, winding via lush greenery and providing occasional views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. The contemporary mountain air and the sound of our tires crunching on the path made for an exhilarating journey, one which felt like a celebration of the rugged panorama round us.
After the biking tour, we set out on a brief hike via the forest, with the lake often peeking via the timber. The path was mild however rewarding, permitting us to understand the tranquil great thing about the realm from a brand new perspective.
Following our out of doors adventures, we returned to LifeTime Adventures, the place a scrumptious grilled lunch awaited us. The meal was an ideal finish to the day’s actions, that includes juicy burgers, savory reindeer sausages, and a refreshing salad—all loved round a crackling campfire. The scent of grilling meals mingled with the crisp mountain air, making for a memorable Alaskan meal.
For dessert, we took half in a enjoyable, hands-on exercise—a blender bike. We hopped on these stationary bike to mix our personal espresso drinks, pedaling our solution to the right post-adventure deal with. It was a lighthearted and distinctive solution to cap off our Alaskan journey, mixing a little bit of enjoyable with the right gasoline for our closing moments at Eklutna Lake.
The day was an impressive mix of outside journey, scenic magnificence, and camaraderie, leaving us with lasting recollections of this unbelievable journey within the coronary heart of Alaska.
A Good Finish: Kierre, Revel Treks + Excursions, and the Journey to 50 States
Kierre and her crew at Revel Treks + Excursions have been distinctive from begin to end, making certain each facet of our journey was seamless and unforgettable. Whether or not you’re searching for an identical journey via the wilds of Alaska or searching for one thing completely custom-made, Kierre can craft the right expertise. Her partnerships with native lodging, eating, and journey outfitters permit her to supply a turn-key answer that makes exploring Alaska each simple and deeply private. In the event you’re planning your individual Alaskan journey, I can’t suggest reaching out to Kierre and her crew extremely sufficient—they’ll convey your wildest Alaskan desires to life.
As I replicate on my journey, there’s a deep sense of success in having lastly visited all 50 states. Alaska, the final to be checked off, was greater than only a vacation spot—it was a end result of exploration, discovery, and awe. Alaska’s rugged magnificence, ever-changing landscapes, and untamed spirit stand as a testomony to the facility of nature and the joys of journey. It’s becoming that the “Final Frontier” ought to mark the tip of my journey, a spot the place the horizon stretches infinitely, very like the will to discover. In the long run, Alaska wasn’t simply my fiftieth state—it was a reminder that the highway by no means actually ends; it simply results in new beginnings.