I provided my little bud a warning when we departed for Alaska, “No water parks or swimming pools, just mountains, understood?” He frowned. I am sure there are well-equipped resorts in Alaska, but our Alaskan mission was plain and simple of spending uninterrupted, rustic time in nature. Setting the right expectations was key and now, Alaska is my little children’s new favorite place. Far from the maddening crowd of cruise ships, we, a family of five, rented a car and set off.
Favorite Alaskan Drives and Towns
1. Anchorage to McKinley Park
About 230 miles, four hours of scenic vistas. As you get close to Denali, there are several lookout points and the trademark purple lupine flowers in the valley.
Eat at the Creekside Café where you get to enjoy the creek as well as the food. Stop at Nenana river overlook for a quiet moment or a rafting adventure. Drink coffee at the Black Bear Cafe and before you leave, dine at the Artisan Café at Tonglan Lake for a quiet, outdoor dinner at the lake.
If in budget, check out the Grande Denali Lodge atop its own mountain.
2. Denali National Park
Don’t be deterred by the “get your own car seats” restriction and book the Denali shuttle days ahead. We did not book the bus due to the forecast of rain. But, really, what better to do on a rainy day than staying dry and yet, getting to go on a drive on one of the major US national parks? Book in advance.
Buses were sold out for us the morning of our excursion. If same fate befalls you, here is the alternate free experience of Denali. Drive to the end of the road and take the “Savage River” trek. Save a couple of hours for it.
For those craving the sights of Mt. Denali, know this, only 30% of reported visitors (even the ones that take the bus past the first fifteen miles) get to behold Mt. Denali.
3. Mckinley Park to Paxson
154 miles, 4 hours (but reserve 6.)
Stock up on gas, leave the faint heart behind and embark on Hwy 8 better known as Denali Highway, sections of which are gravel. You will get the true Alaskan rural experience. From glaciers to rivers, to valleys, to mountains, you get to experience what it feels to be truly separated from the world with few to no vehicle around you.
Practice patience, leave the rush behind and be prepared to drive slow and stop often as picture-taking opportunities are endless. This road is closed in the winter, so check ahead. Eat at the Maclaren River Lodge and a great scheduled stop for gas could be at the Tangle Lakes River Inn.
4. Chitina to Valdez
Wrangall-St. Elias is the most remote National Park of Alaska. But if helicopter tour or the five-hour car excursion into the national park is too much for you, drive to Chitina at the start of the park. Attractions from Chitina are plenty and include the Liberty Falls, which is a quick roadside, ten-minute photo opportunity. Campsites available here in the most RV-friendly state of the US.
An hour and half from Liberty Falls toward Valdez is the Worthington Glacier, also accessible right from the main freeway. The overlook is a quick, five-minute walk from the parking lot.
Next, driving toward Valdez takes you right through the Keystone canyon studded with waterfalls falling right by the road. There are pull-overs by the waterfalls. Hands-down, one of the most scenic drives I have driven on.
At Valdez, grab coffee from Sacred Grounds while filling up at the gas station across from Old Town Burgers. Drive to the Civic Center and take the short hike for amazing views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
A must for all, but if you have children who love playing with potato heads, literally, eat at Roadside Potatohead restaurant where the food is as delicious as the enjoyment for kids. Be prepared to stand in line to order and wait for your table. The restaurant is rightfully popular. Optionally, take the Dock Point Trail (1.2 miles) in the vicinity of this restaurant.
For overnight stay, consider staying at the Willow Lake B&B, a wooden cabin right on the lake with majestic views of Wrangell- St. Elias and equipped with all the comforts you need.
5. Tolsona to Anchorage
162 miles, 3 hours.
This is the area of the Matanuska Glacier that dominates one side of the road and a curvaceous road takes you down to a row of shops where you have the option of purchasing a tour or take your own car to the glacier trekking by yourself along the marked way. We did not buy a tour, and the short walk up to the glacier with boards along the way is easy for families with children. Bundle up, as it is cold even in summer.
6. Whittier to Seward
88.6 miles, about 2 hours.
Portage Glacier is the highlight of this drive, and there are plethora of roadside lakes and lodges in Chugach National Forest to take a moment’s pause at. Even if you choose not to hike to the Portage Glacier, there are plenty of photo opportunities along the road. Keep in mind, a tunnel separates Whittier from the rest of Alaska, and the tunnel is one-way, that is, it opens for your side every half hour. Factor that in your travel plan and chill back and enjoy the surroundings.
Take the day-long cruise at Seward. Grab an inside table. Alaska gets chilly, and you will thank me for the inside-table tip as you will be moving around the ship to take photos regardless, and it will be nice to have a warm, wind-free landing spot.
Do not forget to stop at one of the drive-though coffee shops like The Cup Espresso or the Brewed Awakenings
7. Homer
221 miles south of Anchorage, about 4.5 hours.
Homer is a destination that is scenic by itself and probably missed by a typical tourist. Visit this “Halibut Fishing Capital of the world” and enjoy the 12-mile strip along the pacific coast line. On your way back from Homer to Anchorage, make sure to take funicular up to Seven Glaciers Restaurants or one of the other restaurants if upscale is not your thing, but the views from the top speak for themselves.
All in all, stock up on food, gas, conversations and prepare for an uninterrupted family time under the spell only pure, untainted nature can cast.
