"Keep an Eye on Your Heart Here" Alaska by Scandic

Alaska Travel Guide: 7,877 reviews and 13,795 photos

Too Good to Be True - This largest state of US

Alaska is the last great wilderness in the United States. Civilization has only encroached on about 160,000 acres of its 365 million acres. This is less than 1/20th of 1% of the State, the rest is still untouched wilderness.

I had the most amazing summer in Alaska 2004. My whole year in Last Frontier was unforgetable, but the summer there was definitely the best time of my life.

The friendliest people, the most gorgeous nature and the fresh air in this huge state made a difference in my life. I really miss it.
Alaska is definitely an experience for a traveller, even a short trip. It is so much different than any other states, the hars condition of nature has tought people how to survive by helping each other.

Then the long dark winter. Believe, three long months when the temperature stays under 35F is quickly forgotten, when the summer starts to come on May and June. The nature changes drastically and everything blossom. It is so green there and if the summer is really hot, like it was now, only the highest top of the mountains stay white.

Outdooring in Alaska

HipHey, it is the happy trail runner here!

There are Rocky Mountains in West and Key West in South. Not to talk even about Grand Canyon, the United States is blessed with many wonders of beautiful nature.

State of Alaska is basically one big state park. There is so much to see and do and so much land, that even in a week long hike you may not meet any other human being. Most likely a bear or two and bunch of mooses. You will certainly be alone and without any other tourists if you hit out of the main spots like Denali in the summer. But if you plan to travel alone in the bush, prepare well. There is more than enough stories of lost hikers, as sad it is.

But just prepare well and you are good to go. What waits for you there? The highest peak of North America, Mt Mc Kinley. Bering Glacier complex larger than the US state of Delaware. More coastline than the rest of the US states put together.3 million lakes and more then 3000 rivers.

Once there, you have to really enjoy the nature and the people. I highly recommend to spend a day or two in Anchorage, even if your feet are sparkling to hit the trail;) But Anchorage is a wonderful, wonderful town and the nature starts from right there. Just around the corner begins Chugach State Park. And then there is 14 other ones, like Kenai Fjord N'ntl Park and Denali.

And Ladies...The typical Alaskan is a 28.9 year old male, this compares with 32.2 years for the lower 48 states. 52 percent of Alaskans are male, which is the highest percentage of any state.

Thoughts of 49th State

The midnight sun at Prince William Sound

Eight stars of gold on a field of blue,
Alaska's Flag, may it mean to you

The blue of the sea, the evening sky,
The mountain lakes and the flows nearby,
The gold of the early sourdough dreams,
The precious gold of the hills and streams,
The brilliant stars in the northern sky,
The Bear, the Dipper, and shining high,
The great North star with its steady light.
O'er land and sea a beacon bright,
Alaska's Flag to Alaskans dear,
The simple flag of a last frontier.

Pros and Cons

Pros:The Nature, the People
Cons:Don't bother to deny, the long-lasting darkness is hard to accept
In a nutshell:It have to be experienced by yourself

Last visit to Alaska: Aug 2004
Intro Updated Nov 5, 2004
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Reviews (47)

Cordova Off The Beaten Path (4)

You can read more about this beautiful town on it's own site here in my VT, but just to give you a hint here, if you... more travel advice

Sourdoughs against Lower 48'ers Local Customs (5)

Let's explain it clearly, the real Alaskans called themselves sourdougs. Alaska born and grown person is a sourdough,... more travel advice

Coffeee and ice cream Off The Beaten Path (4)

If Alaskans do something, they drink coffee and eat ice cream. Just pop into the local super market or gorcery store and... more travel advice

Milepost Favorites (9)

No need for special guides or different catalogies, just grab the Milepost and road-trip to Alaska can start! This thick... more travel advice

Restaurants (3)
See All Diners with local delicates
Hotels (3)
See All Real Life Alaska
Tourist Traps (1)
Be careful when buying 'Alaskan' stuff
Things to Do (4)
See All Kenai Peninsula
Warnings Or Dangers (5)
See All Blackflies

Nightlife (2)
See All Not so casual what comes to ID's
Sports & Outdoors (4)
See All Hydration pack
Transportation (5)
See All Alaska Railroad
Shopping (1)
Native Arts and Crafts
What to Pack (1)
Mosquito Repellents and covering clothes

Travelogues (1)

Written Apr 13, 2006

7 photos

Mountain Running in Alaska!

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Comments (8)

Martin_S. Jan 16, 2011 at 5:03 AM Report Abuse

Planning on taking my wife to Alaska (the only US state that I have not been to) and your pages have helped, thanks. Martin
rcsparty Jan 16, 2010 at 1:20 PM Report Abuse

beautiful Alaska page, we are anxiously planning a visit to my wife's cousin in Anchorage....happy birthday
JessH Oct 20, 2008 at 5:56 AM Report Abuse

Hi Niina, I've always wanted to visit Alaska and your pages have really inspired me! Superb tips and very nice photos here, thanks for sharing. I recently went to Scotland and the natural scenery was also breathtaking. Greetings / Jess :-)
RickinDutch Dec 24, 2005 at 9:44 AM Report Abuse

Nice overview of Alaska! Christmas greetings from there.
WAHEEDASLAM Oct 24, 2005 at 2:05 AM Report Abuse

Wot a place & wot a page..U have some great tips & enchanting pictures on Alaska..Really enjoyed it
spintobecca Mar 24, 2005 at 11:12 PM Report Abuse

I think you found the love that so many people found for my state!! Thank you for this page!
minstrel74 Dec 11, 2004 at 5:20 PM Report Abuse

Ahh, brings back such wonderful memories from the time I lived there. Very heart-felt narrative and great tips. Hope you have a chance to return!
frankcanfly Dec 7, 2004 at 5:03 AM Report Abuse

You've found my favorite US State! But Salmon is really the fish KING! and Bush Pilots Rock! Hey I saw the same Moose on the coastal trail! Next week, I go to the other extreme... it's summertime in Antarctica!!