| Posted in: Land Package, Planning
Ways To Enhance Your Time In Alaska With Added Adventure Activities
Alaska is by far the largest state in the U.S. and planning a trip to this majestic wilderness can be overwhelming. Thankfully, John Hall’s Alaska takes care of all of the details, guaranteeing that guests will get to see the best of the best all along the tour route, spending plenty of time at each destination to create unique and unforgettable memories.
But…there is always more to see and do! In this vast wilderness of rugged mountains, awe-inspiring glaciers, flowing rivers, and an incredibly diverse wildlife population, there are endless opportunities to enhance the time spent in Alaska. By land, air or water, breathtaking sights await, memories are ready to be made, and once-in-a-lifetime (though we recommend two, three or more times!) experiences are waiting for adventurers of all ages. Whether during an included “Pick Your Adventure” day, or through an added optional enhancement during the tour, or even spending some extra time on your own in Alaska before or after your planned tour, the options are limitless. But don’t worry – we are here to help with plenty of recommendations to make the most of your adventure!
Denali National Park Activities
Every John Hall’s Alaska summer tour spends time exploring Denali National Park and Preserve and guests will have the opportunity to travel deep into the park on a wildlife sightseeing bus tour. This is a prime location and opportunity to spot Alaska’s “Big Five”: bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. But for adventure seekers looking to enhance their experience and take it to the next level, welcome to nature’s playground! With a wide tundra, snowcapped mountain peaks, and the flowing Nenana River all offering multiple ways to explore, here are a few of our favorite options:
Denali Park Zipline
Feel like a kid again on a thrilling Denali Park Zipline Adventure, soaring above the treetops through a boreal forest and over a vast tundra! Just outside the park’s entrance, enjoy spectacular views of the Alaska Range while gliding across multiple ziplines and traversing sky bridges. A dual racer finale is sure to leave a smile on your face!
Denali ATV Adventures
For the adventurers that don’t mind getting a little dirty, grab a helmet and goggles and hop onto an ATV for an unforgettable wilderness experience with Denali ATV Adventures! Travel the trails surrounding Denali National Park through rocky creek beds and rugged terrain, stopping to take in the incredible mountain, lake and valley views. Get up close to nature, all the while keeping an eye out for moose and other wildlife along the trail.
Denali Raft Adventures
With names like “Razorback” and “Coffee Grinder”, the thrilling rapids of the Nenana River are sure to leave an impression on a guided Denali Raft Adventures whitewater rafting trip! Surrounded by pristine wilderness, float peacefully along the river and take in the abundance of nature along the most scenic portion of the Nenana River. With mild water and class I and II rapids, this experience is perfect for families of all ages. Looking for a bigger thrill? Head 11 miles downriver towards Healy for a truly unforgettable journey with class III and IV whitewater rapids. Hang on tight while paddling through the ride of a lifetime!
TEMSCO Helicopters
With the incredible panoramic scenery, there is no better view than from above! Take to the skies to get an eagle’s eye view on a TEMSCO Helicopters flightseeing tour above the rugged Alaska Range. Soar past snowcapped peaks and massive glaciers while travelling through this unique glacially carved environment. Enhance this awe-inspiring experience with a glacier landing, setting down on a river of ice to explore this mystical wonderland on foot before taking to the air once more. From above, keep an eye out for Denali’s local wildlife!
Talkeetna Activities
Located halfway between Denali and Anchorage, the quaint town of Talkeetna has more to offer than its size may suggest. With its prime location, the incredible panoramic view of the Alaska Range, Denali and the Susitna River valley makes the journey well worth it.
Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures
Experience the splendor of Denali and the Alaska Range from a spectacular vantage point on the Susitna River on board Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures, travelling 130-miles round trip through calm waters and mild whitewater, Denali State Park, and into Devil’s Canyon. Along the way, stop at an adventure site for a ¼-mile nature walk and learn about the Dena’ina people, the earliest native settlers of the area. Visit an authentic trapper’s cabin and witness how trappers in “Bush” Alaska once lived. This river excursion takes guests into a remote part of Alaska, few will ever have the opportunity to see.
K2 Aviation
Talkeetna is the launching site for an absolutely amazing flightseeing tour with K2 Aviation. Board a small plane and fly over the lush Susitna Valley before entering the Ice Age world of the Alaska Range. Fly up to 6 miles from Denali’s summit before descending into Ruth Amphitheater and Great Gorge. Surrounded by some of the world’s most spectacular peaks, this pilot-narrated flight will leave guests breathless. Enhance this experience by landing on one of Denali’s surrounding icefields, with the opportunity to explore a glacier on foot, before the awe-inspiring flight returning to Talkeetna.
Cordova Activities
Located on Orca Inlet in the southeast portion of Prince William Sound, approximately 150 miles southeast from Anchorage and 50 miles from Valdez, lies the quaint community of Cordova. Accessible only by boat or plane, planning a visit ahead of time is essential, but well worth the effort. Although remote, it is fortunately easy to get there with Alaska Airlines, which offers a daily 1-hour non-stop flight from Anchorage to Cordova. For the more adventurous traveler, board a ferry with the Alaska Marine Highway System for a 7-hour journey from Whittier. Traveling by ferry allows you to bring a car along to maximize your exploring options once in Cordova, and also affords plenty of time for marine wildlife watching and chatting with local Alaskans while crossing Prince William Sound.
Guests travelling on the Untamed Alaska itinerary with John Hall’s Alaska will fly from Anchorage to Cordova and spend two nights at the locally owned and operated Orca Adventure Lodge. During the stay, guests will have the opportunity to take advantage of one of several activities, launching right from the lodge.
Sheridan Glacier
Experience firsthand the awe-inspiring blue ice of the magnificent Sheridan Glacier. Begin with a guided hike through a spruce-hemlock forest following a cobbled trail surrounded by alders and wildflowers before arriving at the icy face. Spend time traversing the jagged crevasses, crystal blue caves and glacial lakes by foot before climbing into a kayak to explore the southern and eastern portions of Sheridan Lake. Kayaking amongst the icebergs, the ever-changing topography and views of the glacier and stunning landscape are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Explore The Copper River Delta
Explore the vast wetland complex of the Copper River Delta, a critical stop for an estimated 12 million of migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway. The vegetation also draws in a plethora of mammals, including black and brown bears, moose, wolverine, and wolves. Travelling along the Copper River Highway, the former railbed of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, take in the scenic vistas of the Sheridan Glacier and local wildlife.
Fishing
Situated at the mouth of the Copper River and surrounded by naturally protected waters, commercial fishing has been a major industry for Cordova since the 1940’s. Combined with numerous freshwater streams and rivers, it’s a fisherman’s paradise, and a major draw for visitors. A variety of species can be found in the surrounding waters including halibut, rockfish, lingcod and all five species of pacific salmon: red (sockeye) salmon, king (chinook) salmon, pink (humpy) salmon, silver (coho) salmon, and chum (dog) salmon. Whether fishing the freshwater streams or heading out into the deeper marine waters, the scenic beauty of Prince William Sound and great fishing combine for an experience that cannot be beat!
Activities In Other Frequently Requested Locations
As I’m sure you have likely begun to realize, Alaska is HUGE! Try as we might, it simply isn’t possible to include every experience there is available throughout this incredible state on every tour. However, John Hall’s Alaska is more than happy to assist guests with adding pre-tour or post-tour activities to help customize and expand on each individual’s Alaskan adventure. Whether you have just a few extra hours in Anchorage before your flight home, or you’d like to spend a few extra days exploring, the options are limitless, but here are a few of our favorites:
Katmai National Park and Preserve
For travelers looking for a wildly unique experience, Katmai National Park and Preserve will exceed all expectations! Spanning over four million acres, this vast volcanic region is known for its large brown bear population with roughly 2,200 resident bears. During the peak salmon run in July, up to 50 bears can be seen at one time feeding at Brooks Falls, with dozens more spread out along the Brooks River. Visitors can spend the day observing the bears safely from boardwalks and viewing platforms. Due to the remote location and full day of activity and travel, plan to spend an extra night in Anchorage – the launching site for flights to Katmai. With any remote small plane travel, weather can play a factor, so having extra time is always a good plan. There are some fantastic tour operators flying to Katmai from Anchorage, including Katmai Air, Regal Air, and Rust’s Flying Service.
Seward
Fishing is one of the favorite pastimes of Alaskan visitors and residents alike, and some might argue that a trip to Alaska never really happened if there isn’t a cooler full of fish on its way to their home at the end of the trip. In fact, you’ll likely see just as many coolers of fish on the luggage belts at the airport as you will suitcases! World-class fishing can be found throughout the state, but Seward is arguably one of the best and most convenient locations to set sail from. Located on the Kenai Peninsula at the head of Resurrection Bay, Seward based Crackerjack Charters is sure to put you on the fish with their fully equipped state-of-the-art charter boats. With half day and full day salmon and halibut options, the next “big one” is just a catch away! To make the most of the experience, consider travelling between Anchorage and Seward on the Alaska Railroad along the majestic Turnagain Arm.
National Parks
With 8 national parks located in Alaska, it’s quite possible there are one or two more elusive stamps missing from your National Parks Passport! John Hall’s Alaska is well equipped to arrange for a visit to remote parks like Kobuk Valley National Park, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, and even Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
Conclusion
The adventure options are limitless and there are always many more to consider. Wherever your interest lies, John Hall’s Alaska can help make it happen. Quilt shops? You bet. Biking? Certainly. Museums? Countless. An upside-down forest? Not as strange as you may think! The point is, no matter where you go or what you do in Alaska, it is sure to be unforgettable and the adventure of a lifetime. And of course, every John Hall’s Alaska tour is going to exceed your expectations, with each day filled with unique and exciting experiences. We realize that there is no ”one size fits all” when it comes to travelling, so feel free to lean on our expertise to help customize your journey. You’ll soon learn that no matter how much you do or how many times you visit, Alaska is a destination that will bury itself deep in your heart and will always leaving you wanting more – in the absolute best way possible!