Alaska 2024

More info can be found by clicking the link Backroads 

Deposit of $600.00 is due at time of booking, an account will be made for you to make payments at your convenience.  This is a Backroads Adventure all money will be collected directly by Backroads Adventures. 

Alaska's Kenai Walking & Hiking Tour

National Park Glaciers, Coastline & Wildlife

Couples, Friends & Solos

6 days 5 nights

Activity Level: 2-4


Casual Hotels

From: $3,849 - $3,999 pp dbl occ

($800 - $1,050 for sgl occ) plus 6% tax 



Below is a sample itinerary of what to expect on the trip. 





DAY 1


We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

ACCOMMODATIONS & SERVICE

STANDARDS

Alaska is a land of rustic and rugged beauty. While Backroads has selected the best possible lodging available in the places we visit, simplicity and comfort often outweigh elegance and luxury in this great state. Generally speaking, customer service in Alaska can seem slow and casual when compared with the high standards of hospitality found on other Backroads trips. Patience, a sense of humor and an appreciation for the cultural differences that abound in this population-sparse setting will help to make the most of your experience.

On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks in Backroads T-shirts) at 9 a.m. at Land's End Resort (907-235-0400), located at 4786 Homer Spit Road in Homer, Alaska. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack. Be sure to bring an extra layer and rain jacket in your pack!

CARL E. WYNN NATURE CENTER WALK 11⁄2–3 Miles (100'–200' elevation gain)

Welcome to Alaska! A quick shuttle takes us to the Carl E. Wynn Nature Center for our first walk in the woods. Located in a transitional zone between northern coastal forest and southern boreal forest, this former homestead is now a wildlife refuge. Today, a small portion of the reserve is devoted to hiking trails and great bird-watching while the rest remains an undisturbed migration corridor for moose and black bears. A local naturalist will join our walk to explain the native uses of the unique trees, plants and wildflowers found in the area.

Next we make our way to our home for the next two nights, Land's End Resort, where simple but comfortable rooms with spectacular views await. The resort sits on Kachemak Bay at the very end of Homer Spit, which ranks among the 10 longest natural spits in the world. This evening we toast the beginning of our Alaskan adventure with a welcome reception, then enjoy an Alaskan style dinner. Lodging: Land's End Resort

DAY 2

WATER TAXI TO KACHEMAK BAY STATE PARK 11⁄2 Hours Round-Trip

WALKING & HIKING OPTIONS:

Glacier Lake Route: 4.5 Miles (500' elevation gain) Hand Tram Route: 6.4 Miles (500')
Glacier Lake Overlook Route: 8 Miles (900')

This morning we cruise by water taxi across Kachemak Bay to Kachemak Bay State Park—still a part of the Kenai Peninsula, but you'll feel like you're on a remote island. Our hike leads us through temperate rain forests, across a

 

glacial moraine and out to a glacial lake. If you'd like to take on something more heart-pumping, cross the glacial outwash river by hand tram before heading to a gorgeous overlook. Whether you're in for the long haul or a shorter trek, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery at every turn. Break for lunch in this amazing setting, awed by views of majestic Grewingk Glacier and the many icebergs floating in the frigid waters. Then find your way to a remote beach trailhead to catch the water taxi back to Homer.

If you'd rather spend the day halibut fishing, several companies in Homer offer half-day and full-day excursions. (Please note that fishing is not included in the trip price and we recommend making reservations in advance.)

Do you hear Homer Spit's shops and bustling marina calling your name? Then feel free to enjoy some leisure time exploring the spit after the hike. Grab a coffee or an ice cream and watch Homer's anglers as they bring in the daily catch. Or head back to our hotel and relax in the hot tub. We enjoy another tasty dinner tonight featuring the local Alaskan cuisine. Lodging: Land's End Resort

DAY 3

SHUTTLE TO HIDDEN CREEK TRAILHEAD 3 Hours

WALKING & HIKING OPTIONS:

Hidden Creek Route: 3 Miles (400' elevation gain) Hidden Creek to Hidden Lake: 5 Miles (500')

SHUTTLE TO SEWARD 1 Hour

We begin our day by shuttling farther up into the Kenai Peninsula. Our three-hour scenic drive takes us through the land of the Dena'ina, the original inhabitants of south-central Alaska. The Dena'ina call this area "Yaghanen", the Good Land. As we travel along the Cook Inlet and past acres of boreal forest, you'll start to understand why.

We cross into the vast Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, an area encompassing nearly two million acres of wilderness. As a preserve, it protects several large mammals, including wolves, brown bears, black bears, Dall sheep, Alaskan moose and caribou, as well as thousands of migratory and native birds. Our hike takes us through an open canopy of aspen, birch, spruce and cottonwood

forests along the Hidden Creek Trail. We make a stop at breathtakingly blue Skilak Lake, a unique feature of the Kenai River system fed by runoff from Skilak Glacier. This relatively easy hike offers rewarding views and gives your legs a rest between our most rigorous hiking days.

This afternoon we shuttle to the Seward Windsong Lodge, a mountain retreat set just outside the historic town of Seward in the Resurrection River Valley. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the picturesque town, where dinner tonight is on your own. Lodging: Seward Windsong Lodge

SHUTTLE TO EXIT GLACIER 30 Minutes Round-Trip

WALKING & HIKING OPTIONS:

Marmot Meadows Route: 4 Miles (1,500' elevation gain) Alpine Meadows Route: 6 Miles (2,000')
Harding Icefield Route: 8.2 Miles (3,000')

Grab your daypack (stocked with rain gear and warm layers, including a hat and gloves—you'll want them today!) and enjoy the short breathtaking drive through the Resurrection River Valley. As we follow the valley's namesake river, you'll catch your first glimpse of Exit Glacier, a dramatic field of ice that flows down the mountain. At Kenai Fjords National Park, you're in for the hike of a lifetime to the Harding Icefield, which spans over 700 square miles and conceals an entire mountain range under several thousand feet of ice. The steep ascent (and corresponding descent) may be one of the toughest you've ever attempted, but it's an incredibly rewarding

   

DAY 4

experience. The trail follows the lateral moraine of Exit Glacier through a dense forest that's home to mountain goats, moose, black bears and marmots. When you reach the tree line, all obstructions disappear, exposing an expansive landscape of snow and ice. If you're set on going the entire distance, or if it's the early part of the summer, you're sure to be hiking in snow—potentially, quite a lot of it!

Or if you've always wanted to ice climb and traverse a glacier, local experts from Exit Glacier Guides can equip you with the right gear and demonstrate the techniques you'll use for a full-day adventure. (This option is not included in the trip price. Your Backroads leaders will not join you for this activity.)

This evening, share stories of the day during dinner at your leisure at the lodge's rustic Resurrection Roadhouse where you can choose from a menu of fresh seafood and steaks. Lodging: Seward Windsong Lodge

DAY 5

SHUTTLE TO GIRDWOOD 2 Hours

WALKING & HIKING OPTIONS:

Monarch Mine Ruins Route: 3.5 Miles (700' elevation gain) Crow River Route: 5 Miles (1,200')
Crow Pass Route: 7 Miles (2,100')

After breakfast at the lodge, we shuttle to Girdwood and the start of today's ambitious hike along what was once part of the historic Iditarod trail. Making our way up to Crow Pass, the surrounding terrain displays rich shades of green as we pass rushing waterfalls, wildflowers and mining ruins. The scene soon takes on a more alpine quality as the lush flora yields to the rocky tundra of higher elevations. On this heart-pumping hike, don't forget to keep your eyes open for marmots and mountain goats, and perhaps even a bear in its natural habitat. Also note that while it may feel like (Alaskan) summer at the trailhead, don't forget your hat, gloves and warmer layers to keep you insulated once you reach the top of the pass and enjoy the awesome sight of Raven Glacier.

Next we shuttle to Alyeska Resort, where the rest of the afternoon is yours—consider pampering those hardworking muscles with a massage or other spa treatment. (Spa treatments are not included in the trip price. Advance reservations are recommended.)

Tonight we toast our Alaskan adventure at a favorite eatery in Girdwood. Lodging: Alyeska Resort

WALKING & HIKING OPTIONS:

Winner Creek Route: 2.5 Miles (300' elevation gain) Winner Creek Gorge Route: 5 Miles (500')

SHUTTLE TO ANCHORAGE 1 Hour

We begin the day with breakfast at the Alyeska's Pond Café. Our morning hike meanders through a lush wooded area filled with Sitka spruce, mountain hemlock, devil's club, wildflowers, ferns and depending on the time of year, wild blueberries. Keep your eye out for bear and moose! The sound of rushing water accompanies us as we follow the trail to Winner Creek Gorge. Here the creek is forced to run through a narrow granite gorge that turns it into a plunging deluge of water. It's a dramatic turnaround point!

If you'd rather relax in the comfortable setting of the Alyeska, skip the hike and take advantage of all the resort has to offer. We reconvene for a final lunch before shuttling to Anchorage, where our trip ends. Please see "Arriving & Departing" for end-of-trip logistics.

  

DAY 6

TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS

Casual Hotels*

KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE

We are always seeking opportunities to enhance this itinerary. We’ll be certain to notify you of any important changes prior to departure; other changes may be communicated on trip by your leaders.

Our trips are designed to be flexible, giving you the freedom to experience the best of the region the way YOU want. Feel like you're ready to go, go, go? We can show you the way! Want some downtime or prefer to head out on your own? No problem!

Your Trip Leaders will make sure to tell you the best days to take time for yourself (if you want it) without feeling like you're missing out.

So feel free to shift gears and make it your day!

2 Nights
Land's End Resort

Commune with eagles, otters and seals where land meets sea at the tip of Homer Spit on Kachemak Bay. | Homer | www.lands-end-resort.com | 800-478-0400 or 907- 235-0400

2 Nights
Seward Windsong Lodge

An exceptional Alaskan wilderness retreat nestled in the woods of the striking Resurrection River Valley. | Seward | www.sewardwindsong.com | 877-777-4079 or 907-224- 7116

1 Night (Pictured) Alyeska Resort

This stylish hotel with an aerial tram to the top of Mount Alyeska has earned accolades from Travel + Leisure. (pool, spa) | Girdwood | www.alyeskaresort.com | 800-880-3880 or 907-754-2111

*With 1 Premiere Hotel night at Alyeska Resort

ARRIVING & DEPARTING

After reviewing the following information, please inform us of your arrival and departure plans on your Personal

On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks in Backroads T-shirts) at 9 a.m. at Land's End Resort (907-235-0400), located at 4786 Homer Spit Road in Homer, Alaska. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack. Be sure to bring an extra layer and rain jacket in

On the last day of the trip, Backroads provides a shuttle from Girdwood to Anchorage, arriving at the airport around 2 p.m. and Hotel Captain Cook around 2:30 p.m. If you're flying out of Anchorage on the day our trip ends, please schedule your flight for after 4 p.m.

Flight Arrangements

The trip starts in Homer and ends in Anchorage, Alaska. We recommend using Anchorage International Airport (airport code: ANC; www.anchorageairport.com) as your hub city and then booking a one-way flight to Homer. Ravn Alaska (www.flyravn.com; 800-866-8394) offers morning departures, which arrive in Homer at 7:20 a.m. in time to make our 9 a.m. meeting. To catch a morning flight to Homer, you may need to fly into Anchorage the day before the trip starts. Please contact Ravn Alaska to confirm current flight schedules.

For help arranging air transportation to and from your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel advisor, or you may work with our travel agency partner. Their professional expert travel advisors are ready to share their insiders' knowledge of Backroads and our worldwide destinations and are available to assist you with any of your travel needs. Please note that they are an independent travel agency and consulting and ticketing fees may apply, based on the services requested. Simply ask your Backroads Trip Consultant to connect you! You can also book directly with the airline, or through a travel website.

When to Book Flights

Please note that trip start and end locations are subject to change and can vary by departure. A Travel Planner, complete with trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at time of booking or soon after and will be viewable in your Backroads account. Do not schedule your flights until your reservation is confirmed.

PRICES & SCHEDULES

All prices and schedules were current at the time of printing, but are subject to change at any time.

 

DURING YOUR TRIP

 

Trip Leaders

Each of your Trip Leaders plays many roles during your vacation: guide, host, caretaker, naturalist, chef, historian, troubleshooter, interpreter. These remarkable individuals have highly developed instincts for making people comfortable, for seamlessly handling the logistics of travel and for successfully navigating a wide range of unexpected situations. They're passionately committed to ensuring you enjoy an exceptional vacation—smooth, flexible and tailored to your needs. According to past guests, the caliber of our leaders is what sets Backroads apart from all other travel companies. With their knowledge, professionalism, enthusiasm and service ethic, they're the number-one reason people return to travel with us again and again. We look forward to having you meet them.

Meals

Food is an important part of the Backroads experience. For lunch we look for the best way to capture the essence of the region. It may be a Backroads Grand Picnic, when your Trip Leaders prepare the freshest and healthiest local fare at a carefully chosen setting along the day's route; a boxed lunch; a packed lunch; a meal together at a favorite restaurant; or the opportunity to have lunch on your own.

All breakfasts, six lunches and four dinners are included in the trip price. One dinner is on your own.

Optional Fishing

​Ifyou'dliketoaddafishingexcursiontoyourtrip,scores of outfitters offer guided fishing trips, not only for the traditional halibut, salmon, rockfish and steelhead, but also for clams, mussels and oysters. You can skip our activity on D a y 2 to go fishing (not included in the trip price. Or if you're extending your trip, you can instead make arrangements for a fishing excursion before or after your trip. Fishing excursions generally depart from Homer between 6–7:30 a.m., and offer half-, three-quarter- and full-day trips. Many outfitters provide the necessary licenses and gear; please confirm when booking. We recommend making reservations in advance. Visit Land's End Resort's website for recommended fishing charters:

On D a y 4, if you'd like to learn the basics of ice climbing and glacier walking, you can arrange the Exit Glacier Ice Climbing Trip full-day excursion (8 hours) with E x i t Glacier Guides (www.exitglacierguides.com; 907- 224-5569). While this excursion does not require climbing experience, the physical ability to be outside hiking, climbing, and pushing your athletic abilities is a must. You will hike a total of about 4.5 miles and gain and lose about 1,500 feet of elevation. Please note that this optional activity is not included in the trip price. We recommend making reservations in advance.

Tour Buses in Alaska

A common way for travelers to visit Alaska is by tour bus. Although we try to avoid big bus tours, you'll likely see them in some of the locations we visit on this trip. Rest assured that most of your time in Alaska is spent exploring on your own steam, away from crowds.

   

www.lands-end-resort.com/recreation. Optional Exit Glacier Ice Climbing

 

DESTINATION DETAILS

 

Climate

Weather conditions in Alaska are unpredictable and can change significantly throughout the day or week. Because rain, hail and even snow are possible year-round, you will most likely experience wet, cool and even cold weather during your trip. It is essential that you bring appropriate clothing. High-quality rain gear and plenty of warm layers will help ensure that you are prepared for all weather conditions.

Extended Daylight Hours

Alaska enjoys extended daylight hours throughout the summer—the month of June averages 19 hours of daylight (compared with 51⁄2 hours in December). Although these conditions may increase your energy level, they may also make sleeping difficult. If you’re a light sleeper and think you might be affected by the increased daylight, bring a pair of eyeshades or consult your doctor about other remedies.


        

GETTING ACTIVE FOR YOUR

TRIP

Please note that unpredictable mountain weather can make hiking conditions more challenging.

Remember, take your time and go at your own pace— you're on vacation! Your Backroads Trip Leaders will be available at intersecting routes when you're ready for a snack, a cool drink, or a lift back if you're done for the day. Most days you'll have a choice of mileage options, so you can decide how active you want to be—it's always up

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companions' may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Before your trip, we suggest walking and hiking regularly and hitting a few hills whenever you can. Review the route options in the daily itinerary for the range of mileages offered on this trip. But mostly, just show up and have fun!

 

NAVIGATION OPTIONS ON THIS TRIP

Turn-by-turn paper directions included.

Downloadable GPS files available for use on your own device—log into your account at www.backroads.com 2 weeks before your trip for more details.

 

The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2–4.

Review the "Activity Level" section on the web for more details on daily route options.

Terrain

The terrain we encounter on this trip ranges from lightly rolling to hilly with several steep longer climbs. Hiking trails are often uneven, with roots, mud, rocks and other obstacles. The hike up Harding Icefield is particularly demanding, due to its steep rocky terrain and the likelihood of snow, especially early in the summer season.



WHERE TO STAY BEFORE &

AFTER YOUR TRIP

  

For help arranging hotel accommodations for before and after your Backroads trip, or an extension to your trip, please work with Earth Travel Agency, or your  travel agent of choice. 

Please note that Backroads does not block rooms and does not offer special rates for pre- and post-trip stays. If you plan on extending your stay at our first night's hotel before the trip starts or our last night's hotel when the trip ends, let the hotel reservations agent know that you're traveling with Backroads—you may be able to avoid changing rooms. We recommend booking your rooms as early as possible, especially during peak travel season!

The following is a selection of recommended properties that span a range of prices, amenities and locations. Refer to the Hotel Room Rates guide for the starting double-occupancy rates, which were accurate at time of printing. Note that rates are subject to change and some hotels may require a minimum stay.

Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage is a drop-off location on Day 6. See the following for more information on this hotel.

Homer

Hotel map: bit.ly/HomerHotels Driftwood Inn & Seaside Lodges

Set near Bishop's Beach in a secluded area of Homer, this charming family-owned inn offers comfortable accommodations and plenty of small-town hospitality. | 135 West Bunnell Avenue | www.thedriftwoodinn.com | 907-235-8019 | 33 units & rooms | Rates: ✦ ✦

Halcyon Heights Bed & Breakfast

With panoramic views of Kachemak Bay and Grewingk Glacier, the 5,000-square-foot Halcyon offers six unique guest rooms, along with a game room, hot tub and expansive decks ideal for barbecuing. | 1200 Mission Road | www.homerbb.com | 907-235-2148 | 6 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦

Wild Rose Cottages

These cheerful and comfortable cabins are fully furnished and overlook the bay and Chugach Mountains. | 5040 East Hill Road | www.alaskawildrose.com | 907-235-8780 | 5

Hotel map: bit.ly/AnchorageHotels Copper Whale Inn

This homey inn is located in the heart of downtown Anchorage near shops, restaurants and museums, and still just 15 minutes from the airport. | 440 L Street | www.copperwhale.com | 866-258-7999 or 907-258- 7999 | 14 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦

Historic Anchorage Hotel

This 1916 Anchorage landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located 6 miles from the airport and within proximity of some of the best retail and dining establishments in downtown Anchorage. Light sleepers should request a room facing away from the street. | 330 E Street |www.historicanchoragehotel.com | 800-544-0988 or 907-272-4553 | 26 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦

Hotel Captain Cook

A member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, this grand hotel fills an entire city block in the heart of Anchorage. Guest rooms offer panoramic views of the Cook Inlet or Chugach Mountains. (pool) | 939 West 5th Avenue | www.captaincook.com | 800-843-1950 or 907-276-6000 | 547 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦

SpringHill Suites Anchorage University Lake

This spacious hotel makes for a great home base while exploring downtown Anchorage and the surrounding area. Ask for a room overlooking University Lake. (pool) | 4050 University Lake Drive | www.marriott.com | 877-729- 0917 or 907-751-6300 | 159 rooms & suites | Rates: ✦ ✦ ✦

Alaska Sundance Retreat Bed & Breakfast

This small but stunning bed-and-breakfast sets itself apart with beautiful views and impeccable service. | 12351 Audubon Drive | www.aksundanceretreat.com | 907- 242-2980 | 3 rooms | Rates: ✦ ✦

Knik River Lodge – Palmer (Near Anchorage)

Located about an hour's drive north of Anchorage and near the Knik Glacier, this gem of a lodge offers cozy cabins and great activities including amazing heli-hiking tours. | 29979 E Knik River Road, Palmer | knikriverlodge.com | 877-745-4575 | 22 cabins | Rates: ✦✦✦

 

EXTENDING YOUR VACATION

Denali National Park

 

If you'd like to explore Denali National Park (www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm) before your Backroads trip, we recommend arriving in Alaska at least two or three days before the trip start (don't forget to take travel time between Anchorage and Denali into consideration). Plan to spend the night prior to your Backroads trip start in Anchorage.

Truly one of the world's last wild frontiers, Denali National Park is home to North America's highest peak, 20,320- foot Denali (an Athabasca Indian word meaning "the great one"), flanked by five giant glaciers and countless icefalls. The park is considered the world's greatest wildlife sanctuary, encompassing 8,900 square miles of untrammeled Alaskan wilderness. The terrain is mainly rock, ice and subalpine tundra; there are virtually no trees, allowing for ideal wildlife viewing. Visiting the interior of the park, keep your eyes open for its many inhabitants, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, golden eagles, marmots, Dall sheep, foxes, wolves and beavers. Traffic into Denali, both on foot and in cars, is strictly regulated to preserve the park's pristine state and ensure that future generations can enjoy this unique wildlife habitat. There is only one 90-mile road leading into the park, and private vehicles aren't allowed farther than the first 15 miles.

Access to the interior is via the park's shuttle bus service, which gives visitors the option of getting on and off the bus to see different areas of the park. Approximately 65 percent of the shuttle bus seats are available through advance reservations. Any remaining seats may be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis at the park's visitor center. During the summer months, buses fill up quickly, and there can be a one- to two-day wait for an available shuttle. Shuttle fees for adults are $27–$53, depending on how far into the park you wish to go. Please note that fees are subject to change.

There are only a few designated hiking trails in the park, but visitors are encouraged to leave the shuttle buses to hike and explore. For short hikes, the treeless tundra can be easily navigated. Park officials supply backpackers on longer excursions with detailed maps and bear-resistant food containers.

For excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities, we also recommend taking a National Park Service bus tour. The Denali Natural History bus tour lasts 5 hours and costs about $104. The Tundra Wilderness Tour is about 6 hours long and tickets are about $130.

Shuttle Bus & Tour Reservations: Advance reservations for shuttle buses and tours are highly recommended. You can make reservations online or download a reservation fax form at www.reservedenali.com. If you prefer to phone in your reservation, call 800-622-7275 or 907-272-7275.

Transportation from Anchorage to Denali

Denali National Park is located 236 miles north of Anchorage, and there are several options for getting there:

The Denali Star Train (www.alaskarailroad.com; 800-544-0552 or 907-265-2494) runs daily between Anchorage and Denali; the trip takes about 8 hours and one-way tickets start around $175. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online or by phone. For current schedules and fare information, contact Alaska Railroad directly.

Alaska/Yukon Trails (www.alaskashuttle.com; 800- 770-7275) offers shuttle bus service (daily scheduled departures and private charters) between Anchorage and Denali. A daily scheduled departure takes 6 hours and costs $75 one-way.

Another option is chartering a plane and flying from Anchorage to Denali with K-2 Aviation (www.flyk2.com; 800-764-2291).

You can also rent a car and drive to the park. Rental agencies with offices in Anchorage include Avis (www. avis.com; 800-331-1212), Budget (www.budget.com; 800-527-0700), Hertz (www.hertz.com; 800-654-3131) and National (www.nationalcar.com; 800-222-9058).

Homer

Plenty of interesting excursions are available in and around Homer. Bear-viewing excursions into K a t m a i National Park allow visitors to observe brown bears in their natural habitat. Horseback-riding adventures run the gamut from hour-long rides to multiple-day safaris into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Beryle Air (www.berylair.com) offers scenic floatplane

adventures. For more information, contact the Homer Chamber of Commerce (www.homeralaska.org; 907-235-7740). And if a fishing outing is of interest, see below.

On a rainy day, consider visiting the Pratt Museum (www.prattmuseum.org) to see natural history and cultural artifacts from the Kachemak Bay area or the Alaska Islands & Oceans Visitor Center (www.fws.gov/refuge/Alaska_Maritime/visit/visito

With more than 3 million lakes and 3,000 rivers, Alaska offers some of the world's best fly-fishing, freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing. You can easily extend your trip in Homer or in Anchorage.

Anchorage

Anchorage is the gateway to some of the state's finest fishing. Little Susitna River, nicknamed "Little Su," is located 90 minutes north of Anchorage and runs with all five species of Pacific salmon found in Alaska. Fishtale River Guides (www.fish4salmon.com), Fisherman's Choice Charters (www.akfishermanschoice.com) and several other outfitters offer day trips. Kenai River, 2 hours south of Anchorage and on our trip route, is world-renowned for its fantastic salmon (king, sockeye and silver) and rainbow trout fishing. Alaska Clearwater Sportfishing Inc. (www.alaskaclearwater.com) offers day trips, and Kenai River Fly Fishing (www.krff.com) offers half- and full-day trips. If you're short on time, even urban fishing is possible in Alaska! Join the crowds for king or silver salmon fishing at Ship Creek, on the north side of downtown Anchorage. For more information on fishing excursions near Anchorage, visit the city's Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.anchorage.net/ak/fishing.

Homer

See Optional Fishing in the "During Your Trip" section above for information on fishing excursions in Homer.