Things to do / Travel Guide
Welcome to the Alaska Panhandle, one of the more remote areas of the United States. The Panhandle is made up of a relatively narrow coastal sliver, backed by impassable glaciers, and between it and the open ocean, thousands of islands big and small. In this one region, you can hike in a genuine rainforest or snowshoe across a glacier. Disembark at Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Ketchikan, Sitka, or another prime Alaska Panhandle destination, gather your bearings, and prepare yourself for one of the most serenely quiet and remarkable places in all the U.S.
You might be held back by a natural, but unfounded, assumption that Alaska is just too friggin' cold for your consideration. If so, we have this to say: in the summer the Panhandle in many places reaches an afternoon high of a warm mid-60s. In the wintertime you may have a point, but even then it isn't as cold as you might think.
Water Activities in the Alaska Panhandle
While not exactly a “water” activity per se, oodles of frozen water comprise the enormous glaciers of the region - to explore them, glacier trekking is the most exciting option. The best place to do this is Glacier Bay National Park, which is visited by an astounding 380,000 adventure-seekers and sightseers a year. Come to where icebergs are born and drift off to live their life at sea, or hike on rivers of solid ice and snow. Believe it or not, you may find yourself traveling downstream slightly faster than the ice.
Now a word about the rumors you've been hearing about the Panhandle's supreme salmon fishing: believe them! You probably won't be able to find more quality salmon runs anywhere in the world. And let's not slight the variety of other fish species found in the region, such as steelhead, trout, and halibut. The fishing itself is great, but added to the fact that you are fishing amidst some of the most incredible scenery found anywhere in the United States, it's fishing nirvana!
Saltwater or freshwater, the salmon runs come fast and furious. For the former, Auke Bay, Gastineau Channel, and Sitka Sound should set your mind racing. All five Pacific species of salmon can be found in these waters - king, sockeye, coho, pink, and chum. If freshwater is your thing, take a trip to Chilkat Inlet, Chilkat Lake, or Chilkat River for great king salmon, to Dewey Lakes for brook trout, or to Peterson Lake for king salmon and halibut.
If you're planning a trip to the Alaska Panhandle in the summertime, you might want to schedule it in accordance with one or more of the fishing derbies that take place this time of year. The Pat Moore Memorial Gamefish Derby, for example, focuses exclusively on the great king salmon. Bring your favorite fishing pole and lucky hat for this one!
Fishing isn't the only water recreational sport in the region; kayaking is also fantastic here, as there are few places in the world that can compete with the Alaska Panhandle when it comes to this water sport. Consider the islands you can circumnavigate, the barrier islands, reefs, passageways, and saltwater lakes you can explore; you get the idea. Consider the abundant wildlife, including humpback whales and orcas that you will not only see, but also kayak alongside, and the choice to come to the region is a no-brainer.
Some popular and recommended kayaking routes include the Baranoff Island route, in which you view snow-capped islands and unique headlands, the Mainland Glacier route, where abundant wildlife, spectacular glaciers and coastal cliffs can be seen, and the mini-town of Pelican, a major center for some of the best sea kayaking in the area.
Whitewater rafters will get very excited about a Mendenhall Glacier raft trip, where Class II-III rapids lurk. Views of glaciers and towering mountains abound.
If you'd rather be under than on top of the water, go diving or snorkeling - excellent ways to get to know the Alaska Panhandle's vast treasures of underwater aquatic life forms. Here's a taste: giant sea anemones that can reach three feet high, five-foot-long wolf eels, large sunflower stars, and octopuses. The waters around Douglas Island, Barlow Cove, and Benjamin Island, to name a few, provide excellent exploration opportunities, whether you stay at the surface or descend to the depths.
Land-based Activities in the Alaska Panhandle
Up for some prime rainforest hiking? Called a temperate rainforest, the Tongass National Forest is in fact the largest member of the national forest system. It makes up the majority of land in the Alaska Panhandle, so, basically, wherever you are in the region, you're on hallowed ground. Large swathes of Sitka spruce, hemlock, and cedar cover these islands, and the forests are home to wolves, bears, and bald eagles.
Fan of extreme sports? How does extreme bird watching sound? The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is home to the largest known group of the national bird found anywhere in the world, and in the winter months over 3,000 eagles roost on just a three-mile stretch of river to feed on chum salmon. If you can't take the cold, you can also come in the summertime, when there are still between 200-400 bald eagles that can be seen on a regular basis.
Tired of trudging by foot? The Alaska Panhandle is an excellent region to bike in - provided you figure in ferries from island to island. There are virtually thousands of biking options in this area, for riders of all levels. For example, in the Tatshenshini/Alsek Provincial Park near Skagway, you can take a bike tour from the Klondike Pass, past waterfalls, the WP/Yukon Railroad, glaciers, and beautiful coastal mountains.
With all of the outdoors activities available in the region, the following notice must be added: the Alaska Panhandle is not for the faint of heart. It is one of the wildest, vastest, most suck-you-in and in-your-face regions in the entire U.S. Congratulations on your choice of the Panhandle - the region will challenge you and change your perspective on nature forever!
Outdoor Recreation in Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, and the Alaska Panhandle
Outdoor-Sports-Recreation
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