Moon Alaska: Scenic Drives, National Parks, Best Hikes

by Lisa Maloney

Overview

Remote, wild, and all-around otherworldly, Alaska promises unforgettable adventure. Discover the heart of "The Last Frontier" with Moon Alaska. Inside you'll find:

• Strategic itineraries, whether you have a week to hit the top sights or a month to explore the whole state, with ideas for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, road-trippers, wildlife enthusiasts, and more
• The top outdoor activities: Embark on a glacier hike, cast your line in the halibut capital of the world, or take an intrepid "flightseeing" tour to secluded glacier landings in Denali National Park. Experience the thrill of spotting wild bears, moose, wolves, or even a walrus, or hop on a boat at Columbia Glacier to watch sea otters, harbor seals, and whales glide through the water. Kayak on tranquil sounds and secluded lakes or camp under a crystal-clear sky full of stars
• Unique experiences: Learn about Alaska's native cultures, visit quirky small towns, and discover the best spots to witness the enchanting northern lights
• Honest advice from Anchorage local and outdoor aficionado Lisa Maloney on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from campsites and hostels to B&Bs and resort fishing lodges
• Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout, plus a full-color foldout map
• How to get there and get around by plane, train, ferry, cruise ship, or guided tour
• Thorough background on the culture, climate, wildlife, local customs, and history, plus health and safety information

With Moon Alaska's practical tips and expert insight, you can find your adventure.

Headed to Canada? Try Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip or Moon Victoria & Vancouver Island.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781640496538
Publisher:	Avalon Publishing
Publication date:	12/20/2022
Series:	Travel Guide
Edition description:	3rd ed.
Pages:	496
Sales rank:	233,011
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 7.60(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Lisa Maloney has lived in Anchorage, Alaska since the late 1980s, and travels extensively throughout the state for work and play. Even though she lives in "the big city," Lisa thrives on the self-sufficient mentality that drives the rest of the state forward. She makes her living as a freelance writer, focused primarily on travel, the outdoors, and profiling the unique personalities that call Alaska home. She is also the author of 50 Hikes Around Anchorage and a second guidebook tentatively titled Day Hiking Southcentral Alaska. You can see more of Lisa's writing at maloneywrites.com or catch up with her latest adventures at hikingalaska.net and cometoalaska.net.

Table of Contents

Discover Alaska 6

15 Top Experiences 10

Planning Your Trip 20

Travel Lifelines: Roads, Ferries, Planes, and Regional Hubs 22

Know Before You Go 23

If You're Looking For 24

Best of Alaska 25

If You Have 26

Alaska's Top Towns 31

Best Hikes 32

Best Scenic Drives 34

The Inside Passage 35

The Alaska Railroad 36

Bear Viewing 39

Chasing the Northern Lights 41

Alaskan Cruise Ports of Call 42

Explore the Interior 43

Juneau and Southeast Alaska 45

Ketchikan 49

Prince of Wales Island 65

Wrangell 68

Petersburg 75

Sitka 83

Juneau 93

Skagway 114

Haines 122

Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska 133

Anchorage 137

North of Anchorage 168

The Seward Highway 177

Seward 191

Kenai Peninsula 202

Homer 220

Around Homer 228

Prince William Sound 230

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve 249

Denali, Fairbanks, and the Interior 257

Talkeetna 261

Denali National Park and Preserve 270

Outside Denali National Park 289

Fairbanks 296

Around Fairbanks 316

Along the Richardson Highway 320

Kodiak and Southwest Alaska 329

Kodiak Island 334

Alaska Peninsula 343

The Aleutian Islands 355

The Pribilof Islands 362

The Arctic 367

Nome 371

Kotzebue 380

Utqiagvik (Formerly Barrow) 384

Driving North to Prudhoe Bay 391

Remote Arctic Parks 395

Alaska Wildlife 399

Land Mammals 400

Birds 411

Aquatic Wildlife 418

Background 426

The Landscape 426

Plants 433

History 436

Local Culture 440

Essentials 446

Transportation 446

Travel Tips 452

Conduct and Customs 460

Recreation 464

Health and Safety 469

Resources 476

Suggested Reading 476

Internet and Digital Resources 478

Index 480

List of Maps 489

Editorial Reviews

"Moon handbooks are always a pleasure to read. The writing is crisp, the research impressive, and the recommendations practical and down to earth."—Chicago Tribune

“The books are more easily readable than other guides. The main attractions are also marked with a special icon and sidebars and boxes highlight special information, making the Moon handbooks one of the most user-friendly guides in terms of visual appeal and organization…the quality is uniformly excellent."—Transitions Abroad

"Far from narrow minded, each Moon travel guide gives itinerary options for a variety of travelers’ budgets—from frugal to lavish. They make books catering to those who love the outdoors, those who have limited time, those staying exclusively in cities and those who’ve fully committed to living abroad. In all, they have hundreds of titles, ranging Bermuda to Budapest, that’ll teach you to embrace a new culture."—Gear Patrol, “The Best Travel Guidebooks for Every Journey”

"Moon handbooks have become known as well-written and exceptionally informative guides."—The New York Times

"Moon guides are perfect for the relaxed road tripper or outdoor explorer." —No Small Plan

"Moon handbooks are known for cannily combining logistical information with cultural background of a country or state."—Los Angeles Times

From the Publisher