We'll try to post photos of some of our activities.
Hope you all enjoy them.
Some online references:
Alaska Outdoor Journal
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Things to do...
Deep Sea Fishing
Whittier, AK (1 hour drive - 2 hours to the fish) ≈ $200
It may take 2 hours to get to the fish, but you travel through Prince William Sound. Nice sight-seeing location for orcas, humpbacks, otters and birds. Glaciers will be in the distance, not well visible during your trip. I prefer this to taking a Glacier cruise because you actually get to see some wildlife up close...at least the fish.
Most common trips are for halibut fishing. You are highly likely to catch lingcod which is actually my preference, but you can't keep them until July as the are breeding earlier. Some trips will allow you to troll for salmon as well.
Specialty trips can focus on salmon shark. The goal is one shark for the entire boat...and catching one can take several hours to reel in.
Ninilchik, AK (3 hour drive - 1.5-2 hours to the fish) ≈ $150-200
Very popular place to fish...and can find the most affordable charters as well. It is common to troll for salmon as well if you are interested. Have a personal friend that I would recommend:
Fishing Fool Charters - Jeff Glosser
phone: (907) 240-7895
web: http://www.fishingfoolcharters.us/
email: jeff@fishingfoolcharters.us
Seward, AK (3 hour drive - 1.5-2 hours to the fish) ≈ $200
If you have a mixed group and not everyone wants to fish, there is enough to keep people entertained for a day or two. The Alaska Sea Life Center is small but very well done and worth 1-2 hours. There are plenty of good restaurants and of course tourist shops as this is where the big Cruise Liners port.
Homer, AK (5 hour drive - 30 minutes to the fish) ≈ $150-200
If you want the most time on the water fishing for Halibut...this is your place. It's not a bad drive...only a long one. Plan on two days for this trip.
Homer is the Halibut capital of the world...but there isn't much else.
River Fishing
Kenai River, AK
This is one of the most popular rivers for salmon fishing. There are a slew of charters to choose from that will help you catch your limit for the day. There is also the popular Russian River, where everyone stands shoulder to shoulder to fish at the mouth where it joins the Kenai.
Hiking
Anchorage, AK
Plenty of places to hike within 10 minutes of downtown.
Kincaid Park
Take Minnesota to Raspberry Rd. Exit Raspberry and go west toward the water. You will pass Kulis Air National Guard Base and finally enter the park, approximately 3 miles from Minnesota. If you park as far in the park as possible it is an easy walk down to the ocean. Have had nearly 100% success taking guests who want to see wild moose. Evenings are best, as they are feeding near the trails.
Flat-top Mountain
Take O'Malley towards the mountains and follow the signs. The Trail-head parking is shared with PowerLine and GlennAlps. Take the stairs to begin your hike towards Flat-top. This hike begins easy and gradually increases in difficulty. This is a well maintained trail and can be accomplished by all ages. Have been able to easily complete hike within an hour, but typically takes 2 hours with the family.
Turnagain Arm, AK
Lots of hikes that are just off the highway, but these are a bit more strenuous due to elevation gain. Good overview of the water from Bird Ridge.
Girdwood has many hikes in the forest that are easier to tackle if you are inexperienced. You can also buy a ticket to ride the tram to the top of Alyeska and hike where you please. No pets allowed in the tram going up, but if you manage to hike to the Tram they will allow your pet a ride down.
Seward, AK
Exit Glacier = Free
Part of Kenai Fjords National Park. It is a simple walk from the parking lot to the base of the glacier. There has been a lot of recession of the glacier due to melting and you aren't as close to the glacier as you have been in the past, but still a nice visit.
Info from AlaskaOutdoorJournal.com
Sightseeing
Cruises
Whittier, AK
26 Glacier Cruise ≈ $70-130 / person
Seward, AK
Kenai Fjords Tours ≈ $60-150 / person
Small Plane Flights
Talkeetna, AK
Talkeetna Air ≈ $150-225
Recommend this trip if the weather is good. It's a 2 hour drive from Anchorage and a 30 minute flight to Denali. They have multiple flights available, but I would highly recommend landing on the glacier if you have a clear day.
Hunting
Don't know much about this. Have a patient who is a hunting guide and has been doing this with great success for a long time.
Mike Odin
web: http://mikeodin.com/
email: mike@mikeodin.com
Accomodations
Captain Cook Hotel ≈ $150+
Local luxury hotel. Located downtown with convenient access to local shopping and fishing.
Reviews
Fodor's
Yahoo
Alyeska Resort ≈ $175+
Girdwood, AK
Kenai Princess Lodge ≈ $150+
Cooper Landing, AK
Dining
Double Musky Inn, Girdwood, AK ($25-50)
Style: Cajun Steakhouse
One of the local claim to fame joints. Probably should try it out since it is supposed to be one of the top 10 restaurant's in the US.
Review
Yahoo
Anchorage, AK
Claire de Loon
Style: Cafe
Kincaid Grill
Style: Fine Dining
Mexico in Alaska
Style: Family-owned Mexican
Sack's Cafe
Style: Varied / Fine Dining
Tito's Gyros
Style: Greek
Eagle River, AK
Haute Quarter Grill
Style: Fine Dining
Surprisingly Eagle River has several of our favorite restaurants. Haute Quarter is one of the best I restaurants I have ever been to.
Jalapeños
Style: Mexican
Shine's Sushi
Style: Japanese