Q: Our family has made several road trips out of Anchorage in past years. We've gone south to the Kenai and north to Denali. This year, we'd like to go somewhere different, hopefully with less RV traffic and fewer tourists than the Seward or Parks Hwy. We also like hiking. Any suggestions?
A: Horace Greeley might have said "Go West, young man," but in this case, I suggest you head East out of Anchorage along the newly-designated National Scenic Byway Glenn Highway (Alaska Highway #1). Once feared for its narrow, treacherous curves, the road has seen vast improvements over the past 20 years. Originally built as a supply route for the military during the Japanese invasion of Alaska in the mid-1940’s, the Glenn Highway now serves as a major truck transportation route for goods shipped from the lower 48 to south-central Alaska.
Leaving from Anchorage, the scenery is fantastic as you follow the Matanuska River to its headwaters in the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains. There are lots of pull-outs for rest and pictures, as well as activities and attractions along the way such as river rafting (NOVA), glacier hiking and jet boat tours (Mica Guides), and self guided hikes. The area is rich with geology and fossils, some of which can be found along the road itself. Better yet, buy a gold pan for about $20 in Anchorage at Alaska Mining and Diving and try your luck at the State Recreational Gold Mining area along Caribou creek at mile 104. It’s free and you just might get lucky and strike it rich!
There are many lodges and Inns along the way which cater to travelers. One of my favorites is Sheep Mountain Lodge at Milepost 113—with a great trail system right behind the lodge. Sheep Mountain has been there since 1946 and is famous for homemade soups, fresh baked sourdough rolls and pies. Believe it or not, sometimes I fly my 182 from Anchorage out to their airstrip just for their amazing pies! Rent one of their very clean and comfortable cabins for a night or two and enjoy this very special area.
Many folks opt to continue on to Valdez, where the Alaska Marine Highway ferry can transport them to Whittier across Prince William Sound. This makes for an excellent loop back to Anchorage.
