Anchorage Hub of
Alaska:
Surrounded by some of the most spectacular wilderness in the
United States, Anchorage is a first-class destination, with all the amenities you've come to expect in any "traditional" meeting place.
Anchorage sits at the base of the
Chugach Mountains along the coast of
Cook Inlet and lies as far west as the
Hawaiian Islands and as far north as
Helsinki yet it boasts a mild climate. Four mountain ranges, (the Chugach, Alaska,
Kenai and
Talkeetna) and the warm
Japanese Chugach current combine to create pleasant year-round temperatures.
Spring through fall, Anchorage's climate is similar to
San Francisco's spring weather; winter comparisons usually remind visitors of ski resorts in the
Rocky Mountains,
Canada or
Europe.
The Ted Stevens
Anchorage International Airport serves as the primary port of entry into Alaska's largest city. With more than
300 flights either originating or terminating here each day, reaching Anchorage via air is both comfortable, convenient and time-efficient.
Visitors venturing to Anchorage can also drive from anywhere on the continent, any time of the year.
The Alaska Highway, which links Alaska with Canada and the contiguous United States, is fully paved and offers services all year long. Another option is to take the
Alaska Marine Highway to a nearby port such as Whittier, then take the highway or railway to Anchorage from there. See the Alaska Marine Highway section of this guide for more information or go to www.AlaskaFerry.com.
The parks system within Anchorage showcases some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Virtually every aspect of Anchorage's unique past is represented in the historic, cultural or natural themes of these accessible parks.
There are more than
180 miles of groomed trails in Anchorage, many of which are lighted, as well as hundreds of backcountry treks. The grand
Chugach State Park embraces the south side of the Anchorage Bowl and offers backcountry access literally minutes from downtown.
Kincaid Park is a cross-country skier's delight and one of only two courses certified for international competition in the United States.
Hundreds of trails cross through wooded areas abundant with wildlife and vistas of the
Alaska Range and
Mt. Denali.
Often, flying is the only way to reach backcountry areas that offer an unforgettable experience in the pristine wilderness of Alaska.
Flying is so popular in Alaska that 1 in 36 residents have a pilot's license and towns without a stop
sign probably have a landing strip. Even the capital city of
Juneau can only be accessed by water or plane.
There are many companies offering charter services for just a few hours or longer backcountry trips. From Anchorage, take a flight seeing trip to
Denali National Park and circle majestic
Mt. McKinley while looking down on fantastic flora and fauna below. A fly-in fishing trip is a popular way to experience an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime
Alaskan thrill.
On Cook Inlet,
Glenn Hwy 1 and the
Seward Highway; 358 miles southwest of
Fairbanks; 725 miles east of
Whitehorse.
Population:
Anchorage Municipality: 277,638 (42% of state population).
Visitor Information: Anchorage
Convention and Visitors
Bureau: 524 W.
Fourth Avenue,
Anchorage, AK 99501-2212;
Phone: (907) 276-4118; Fax: (907) 278-5559; Email:info@anchorage.net; Website: www.Anchorage.net.
Log Cabin and
Downtown Visitor Information
Center: Fourth Avenue and
F Street, Anchorage, AK 99501; Phone: (907) 274-3531 (
Open Daily). Anchorage
Chamber of Commerce: 441 W.
5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501; Phone: (907) 272-2401. Alaska
Public Lands Information Center: 605 W 4th Ave #105, Anchorage, AK 99501; Phone: (907) 271-2737.
- published: 08 Apr 2011
- views: 3646