Alaska Travel Guide (West Route) – Recommendations & Tips

Alaska, the 49th state of the U.S., is known for its vast wilderness — imagine an area seven times the size of the UK! The two main ways to explore are by air/road or by cruise. This post focuses on the west route from Anchorage to Seward. (East and north routes will be covered separately!) ✅ Recommended: 1️⃣ Anchorage Museum – A cultural and artistic hub in the city. Well worth the $25 ticket. 🎨 2️⃣ Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center – A sanctuary for injured animals ($20). Skip it if you’re planning wild animal tours later. 🐻 3️⃣ Kenai Fjords National Park Boat Tour – Stunning glaciers and fjords! Tours range from 3–6 hours. 🚢🌊 ⚠️ Motion sickness warning: rough seas may cause discomfort. Tours may be shortened in bad weather. 4️⃣ Portage Lake Overlook – Beautiful views right from the parking lot. A 3-hour trail leads you closer to the glacier. 🏞️ 5️⃣ Exit Glacier & Harding Icefield Trail – Choose from 1 to 8-hour hikes for different levels of scenery. 🥾❄️ 6️⃣ Cooper Landing – Emerald-green rivers that look like Switzerland! Perfect for river fishing (salmon/trout). 🎣🍃 7️⃣ Katmai National Park – Fly from Anchorage → King Salmon → float plane to Katmai. Best for bear viewing (summer only). Book permits early! 🐻✈️ ⚠️ Skip or Consider: Whittier Town – Not much to see. The tunnel wait is 30+ minutes and costs $13 each way. Only go if you’re curious. 🚇💸 Wildlife Center – Optional unless you love captive animals. Wild sightings are more thrilling! 🦅 💡 Pro Tips: 🚗 Rent a car – essential for flexibility.🧴 Pack motion sickness pills for boat tours. 🐻 Book bear viewing in Katmai months in advance! 🥾 Wear layers – weather changes fast. Have you been to Alaska’s west coast? What was your favorite spot? 🏔️ #US #Alaska #Seward