Epic Alaskan Highlight RV Adventure- a 5 day Itinerary
Alaska, the Last Frontier, is a land of vast, untamed beauty and remarkable contrasts. Known for its stunning landscapes, it features majestic mountain ranges like the Alaska Range and the Wrangell-St. Elias, expansive glaciers such as Columbia Glacier and Aialik Glacier, along with numerous breathtaking fjords. Its diverse wildlife includes grizzly bears, bald eagles,whales and orcas, while its rugged coastline offers serene waters and dramatic tides. From scenic drives and glacier tours to wildlife encounters and serene wilderness, Alaska captivates with its awe-inspiring scenery and adventurous spirit, but most of this wilderness is very remote and takes time to explore and nothing works better than a RV , if you are up for the challenge. We decided on the Anchorage to Valdez route as it is one of the most scenic drives in the state and you have the option to take the ferry to Kenai Peninsula which is a must for everyone interested in wildlife and Glaciers.
Day1-Anchorage to Valdez , the Scenic Drive
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Boondocking site: Anywhere on the Dayville road on the other side of the Valdez town or the Valdez Glacier Lake area unless there is a no overnight camping sign posted.
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As we were in an RV we had the luxury of cooking our own meals
Brunch- Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop in Anchorage, known for its artisanal breads, pastries, and cozy atmosphere offering a wide variety of baked goods made from scratch with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and has two locations.
Dinner - Fat Mermaid in Valdez, a local eatery with a casual atmosphere and hearty, comfort food located near the waterfront. They offer a variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to burgers, and are popular with both locals and visitors
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Eagle River Nature Center , near Anchorage, is a popular spot for outdoor recreation with scenic and picturesque hiking trails and stunning waterfall views. You can also see moose and bears if you are lucky.
Matanuska Glacier is a massive, 27-mile-long glacier located close to Anchorage on the Glenn Highway. It's easily accessible by road,and is one of the most visited glaciers in the state. The glacier is public but the road leading up to it is through private land and you need to pay a toll to access it. You can enjoy guided hikes and ice climbing activities as well while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains.. There are numerous viewpoints on the highway where you can stop and admire the view from far, like the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site stop.
Sheep Mountain, a spectacular ridge that dominates the Glenn Highway for miles; with chances of Dall sheep sightings on the south-facing slopes.
Eureka Summit, the highest point on the Glenn highway at mile marker 130. The site offers 360 degree views of four mountain ranges: the Chugach Mountains to the south, the Talkeetna Mountains to the north, the Alaska Range to the northeast and the Wrangell Mountains to the east, along with a chance to see Nelchina caribou herd call’s this vast area its home and can be seen if you are lucky.
Wrangell Mountain & Copper River viewpoints around the town of Glen Allen offer breathtaking vistas of rugged, volcanic peaks and the winding Copper River below.
Thompson Pass, located on the Richardson Highway before reaching Valdez, Alaska, is renowned for its dramatic alpine scenery and stunning mountain vistas. The pass offers breathtaking views of rugged peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls, making it a popular spot for photography and outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.
Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls, near Valdez in the Keystone Canyon, a narrow gorge carved by the Lowe River The waterfalls elegantly cascades down the cliff on either side of the Richardson Highway, providing picturesque views and convenient stops for travelers.
Valdez Glacier Lake, near Valdez, is a striking glacial lake renowned for its floating icebergs and stunning blue ice. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, it offers scenic canoe/kayaking opportunities for a close-up view of the Valdez Glacier and its amazing array of floating ice.
Salmon Gulch Hatchery in Valdez, a great place to see sea lions, seals and bears when the salmon is running
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The total drive time from Anchorage to Valdez is 5-1/4 hrs. .The town of Glennallen at the intersection of the Glenn and Richardson Highway is 3-1/4 hrs. from Anchorage. Due to the many interesting stops this is easily a 12-15 hrs. journey and can be done leisurely with a stopover in between.
Our journey began after a severely delayed flight from Chicago, with unexpected stops in Minneapolis and Seattle. Despite the setbacks, we started our trip wonderstruck (as always) at Alaska's natural beauty even in a big vibrant city like Anchorage, which is nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. We made a quick visit at the Alaska Native Medical Center's Craft Shop in Anchorage, which supports local Alaska Native artists, and then enjoyed a meal at Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop, known for its sandwiches and coffee.
On this trip we were traveling in an RV, equipped with all the comforts of home needed as we had an elderly parent to enjoy the trip with us. Although we started late, the long daylight hours in Alaska, with the sun setting as late as 11:30 pm, gave us plenty of time to explore. We set out on the scenic drive along Highway 1, known for its stunning views, but had to skip our planned stop at Eagle River Nature Center due to time.The eastward drive offers spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and the sparkling Matanuska River at every bend. Our first stop was at the Matanuska River Scenic Overlook and then Matanuska State Park for a view of the Matanuska Glacier for a spectacular glacier view.As we continued east, we stopped near Sheep Mountain in hopes of spotting Dall sheep but with no success and continued on to the Eureka Summit, where we enjoyed panoramic views of four mountain ranges four mountain ranges: the Chugach Mountains to the south, the Talkeetna Mountains to the north, the Alaska Range to the northeast and the Wrangell Mountains to the east. As we continued on to Glenallen with breathtaking views of Mt. Drum. This small town at the intersection of the 2 highways serves as a world famous base for salmon fishing. From Glenallen we turned southwards along the Richardson Highway, while admiring the beautiful vistas of Wrangell Mountains. We took a coffee break at the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Visitor Center with an amazing lookout point. From here on the scenery becomes more rugged, with vast stretches of wilderness unfolding in every direction. Every few miles, there's a turnout where you can pull over and take in the panorama of snow-capped peaks and glaciers gleaming in the distance, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline with its numerous Pump stations all along the highway. Our next viewpoint was Thompson Pass but by the time we reached there heavy fog had engulfed the entire viewpoint. It started clearing up has we got down from the mountain pass as we marveled at the Worthington Glacier and Keystone Canyon’s waterfalls. Arriving in Valdez, we were greeted by the serenity of Prince William Sound and enjoyed a leisurely RV dinner at Solomon Gulch Hatchery and Boondocked for the night nearby.
Day2-Valdez to Homer via Whittier , the Scenic Journey
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Boondocking site: Homer has lots of places where you can park your RV along the water but it always gets very crowded and we prefer the quiet view of the cook inlet from the Anchor Point state Park. This time we just boondocked on one of the highway pullouts with spectacular view points of the mountains on the other side of the cook inlet.
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Breakfast - The Ferry serves cafeteria style breakfast and lunch, but breakfast is served only in the first hour and then the cafeteria closes till lunch.
Lunch -Varly's Swiftwater Seafood Cafe for battered and deep fried fresh seafood and
Wild Catch Cafe if you prefer a more grilled approach
Dinner- if we were looking for a sit down dinner we would have gone to Captain Patties Fish House on the Spit in Homer with fresh seafood but slightly expensive but as we were going to cook our own pasta and sausage we decided to just make do with some Gelato’s from Carmen's Gelato, our must stop whenever we are here.
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The Marine Highway ferry ride from Valdez to Whittier through Prince William Sound offers stunning views of glaciers, including the impressive Columbia Glacier, and opportunities to spot marine wildlife like sea otters and whales. The journey showcases Alaska's rugged coastline and towering mountains at a leisurely pace, but no stops to have a second look.
Town of Whittier, a small coastal town located on the western edge of Prince William Sound, accessible primarily via a single-lane tunnel through the mountains or by ferry. The town is known for all its residents living in a single building, the Begich Towers. Whittier serves as a gateway to Prince William Sound, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and glacier tours.
Portage Glacier: Near Whittier, this impressive glacier can be seen from the Begich Boggs Visitor Center or up close via a boat tour on Portage Lake.
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge: Near Soldotna, this expansive refuge is perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the natural beauty of the Kenai Peninsula. Its namesake, the Kenai River, offers beautiful spots to fish, hike, or simply enjoy the views.
Anchor Point: The westernmost point on the North American highway system, offering scenic views of the Cook Inlet and the chance to spot bald eagles.
Homer: The journey ends in Homer, known for its stunning vistas, art galleries, and the famous Homer Spit, a long, narrow peninsula with shops, restaurants, and the harbor. It is also the Halibut fishing capital of the world and it’s an amazing experience to go for these big giants in open waters.
Kachemak Bay, located on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including rugged cliffs, lush forests, and pristine waters. It's a hotspot for wildlife viewing, outdoor recreation like kayaking and hiking, and is home to Kachemak Bay State Park. The bay offers breathtaking scenery and rich cultural significance to local Alaska Native communities.
Seldovia Village ,a small community on the Kenai Peninsula Located on the other side of the Kachemak Bay . The village is known for its picturesque setting and is accessible primarily by boat or small aircraft, as there are no direct road connections to the mainland.
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The ferry route between Valdez and Whittier, by the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) typically takes around 6 to 8 hours, depending on the specific ferry schedule and weather conditions.The only other way to get out of whittier is via the 2.5 mile long single lane tunnel which operates on the hour each way. The drive time from Whittier to Homer Spit is 3-¾ hrs and Anchor point is 30 mins before on the same highway. All the stops make a long day drive.
We had explored Alaska's diverse transportation modes, but the Marine Highway was a new experience. Our nearly six-hour ferry journey began at 7 a.m., as we boarded the MV Aurora from Valdez to Whittier, stowing our RV on the lower deck. The open deck offered stunning views of Prince William Sound's calm waters and the rugged Chugach Mountains. As we sailed, morning mist and seabirds set a serene tone, and we eagerly scanned for wildlife. We spotted bald eagles on rocky outcrops, Dall's porpoises darting alongside the ferry, and a distant pod of Orcas—a first for us, though they were far off in murky conditions.
A highlight was nearing the Columbia Glacier, where we navigated through icebergs, captivated by the glacier's deep blue hues against the mountain backdrop. The journey was also about the people we met, sharing stories and tips about exploring Alaska. Approaching Whittier, the landscape transformed, revealing a town nestled at the head of Passage Canal, accessible primarily through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, an engineering marvel and the longest combined vehicle-railroad tunnel in North America. In Whittier, we explored the charming waterfront, lined with colorful buildings reflecting its maritime heritage. We enjoyed a meal at Varly's Swiftwater Seafood Café before continuing our drive from Whittier to Homer. The Kenai Peninsula offered breathtaking views, including Turnagain Arm’s dramatic tides and Tern Lake’s tundra swans. As we entered Homer, the iconic Homer Spit greeted us, surrounded by the Kenai Mountains. After browsing local galleries and enjoying gelato, we boondocked along the Sterling Highway, ending our day with a stunning golden sunset—a perfect close to our Alaskan adventure.
Day3-Exploring Kenai, Bear watching and Heli Tour
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There are a lot of cool spots at Millers point miles further from the town of Seward but it being 4th of July weekend it was really crowded so we went for a more secluded option at the Exit Glacier Delta , where the locals like to go out for camping.
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Breakfast - muffins and Coffee in the RV
Lunch - Soldotna is home to two breweries namely St Elias Brewing Company and the Kenai River Brewing Company and they serve regular bar fares to go with their beers.
Dinner- There are lot of places to eat in Seward , but we stumbled upon Primrose Provisions near the waterfront last time and liked their offerings
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Bear watching is a thrilling experience and observing these majestic animals catching a salmon in a rushing river in their natural habitat is a highlight for many wildlife enthusiasts. There are different types of Bear watching
Fly-in bear watching involves taking a small aircraft ride to remote locations in Lake Clark National Park , to observe bears in their natural habitat. The tour operator picks the locations to coincide with salmon runs when bears are most active. These trips depart from Soldotna/Nikiski to Crescent/Big lakes or from Homer going to Chinitna Bay.
Boat in Bear Viewing on the Chinitna Bay & Lake Clark National Park via boat. Another amazing trip where you get to walk out on the tide flats so you can see bears dig clams and then follow them on food to the shore surrounded by bears and amazing views.
Bear watching while fishing/rafting at the Russian River Another great spot during the salmon run. Bears are often seen catching fish here, and it's a popular destination for both anglers and wildlife watchers.
Fishing and river rafting on the Kenai River offer an adventurous way to experience Alaska's natural beauty. Famous for its salmon runs, the rafting trips can range from gentle floats to more thrilling white-water experiences. As you navigate the river, you'll have the opportunity to fish in some of the best spots, all while enjoying the stunning scenery and possibly spotting wildlife like bears and eagles along the riverbanks.
A helicopter tour over Kenai Fjords National Park ,from Seward,It is an unforgettable trip showcasing the Kenai Peninsula's stunning landscapes from a bird's-eye view. As you soar above, you'll witness the breathtaking beauty of glaciers, fjords, and the rugged wilderness that defines this region. You can include a glacier landing, allowing you to step out onto the ice and experience the pristine environment up close. This aerial journey provides a unique and exhilarating perspective on one of Alaska's most picturesque areas.
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Anchor point to Soldotna driving time is around1-¼ hrs. and from Soldotna Seward is 2 hrs. more.
We began our day with an early rise, a quick coffee, and a one-hour drive to Talon Air in Soldotna. The morning sunlight added a golden glow to the landscape, setting the tone for our fly-in bear-watching adventure. After checking in, we took a short float plane ride to Bear Lake, marveling at the dense forests, winding rivers, and lakes below. The flight itself was a breathtaking experience, showcasing Alaska's stunning scenery.
Crossing the Cook Inlet at low tide, we soon encountered early morning fog around the lake. After a thrilling foggy landing, we boarded a small boat with our guide, Shrek, who provided insights into the local bear population. At Wolverine Creek, we watched brown bears fish for salmon at the waterfall, while fishermen nearby snagged their catches. As the sun rose, more bears emerged from the mountains, including a mother with cubs who dived for fish carcasses left by the fishermen. We spent hours captivated by the bears' agility and grace, with occasional sightings of eagles overhead. Afterward, we explored the Otter Lake area, photographing eagles and searching for other wildlife. We visited a picturesque waterfall and saw the fly-in Redoubt Bay Lodge. Despite not fishing, we enjoyed the serene beauty before returning to bear-watching. On the flight back, we detoured over Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna, admiring glaciers, emerald lakes, and waterfalls from above. Driving back on the Sterling Highway, we enjoyed panoramic views of the Kenai River, mountains, and wilderness. Continuing south on Highway 9, we reached Seward, where a helicopter tour over Kenai Fjords National Park offered stunning aerial views of glaciers, fjords, and the Bear Glacier Lagoon. We ended the day boondocking near Exit Glacier, enjoying a peaceful dinner and walking under the Alaskan sky.
Day4-Exploring Kenai Fjords, Full day Boating Tour
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Glaciers: The national park is renowned for its spectacular glaciers. The famous Exit Glacier is the only one accessible via land. All the others like Bear Glacier ,Holgate Glacier ,Aialik Glacier , Northwestern Glacier etc can only be accessed by boat.
Alpine Wildlife: along the coastline you get a chance to see Black and Brown bears and other alpine animals such as mountain goats and Dall sheep.
Ocean Wildlife: The boat tour provides chance to see orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, fin Whales , Blue whales, Minke whales,sea otters, sea lions in their natural habitat
Bird Watching: The fjords are home to a variety of seabirds, including 2 types of puffins, cormorants, Murres, ocelots , kittiwakes and gulls and lots of Bald eagles. Chiswell Islands is a haven for birds and marine life.
Glacial Carvings: Witnessing glacial calving is a breathtaking experience, as massive chunks of ice break off from a glacier and crash into the sea, the event is accompanied by a thunderous roar and a dramatic splash. This powerful display of nature’s force highlights the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the park, offering an awe-inspiring glimpse into the raw energy of glacial processes.
Resurrection Bay: This beautiful bay offers stunning coastal views with sea stacks and rugged shorelines, and the boat tours provide a unique opportunity to experience it.
Open water Fishing Charters in Kenai Fjords National Park offers an exciting opportunity to experience Alaska’s rich marine bouty of halibut, king salmon, silver salmon, and rockfish. They charters generally providing equipment, expertise, and access to prime fishing spots.
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The boat tours last from 2-3 hours ( resurrection bay only) to full day 8-9 hrs ( Northwestern Glacier or Aialik Glacier). The drive time to Turnagain Pass, our roadside boondocking location was around 1-½ hrs. away from Seward.
We started our day with a 6 AM rise, fueled by quick bites and morning tea, before heading to the Seward parking lot under a drizzle. Our past Seward sea trips have mostly been rainy, giving the scenery a moody look, although we prefer clear skies. After meeting our captain and fellow passengers, we set off on our journey.
Leaving the harbor, we admired the Seward waterfront, framed by majestic mountains. With a safety briefing and an outline of the day's itinerary behind us, we cruised into Resurrection Bay, where the deep blue waters and towering cliffs provided a stunning backdrop. We spotted sea otters and harbor seals, their pups sliding off the rocks at Caines Head, before chasing whale spouts alongside other boats. We hugged the coastline to avoid rough seas, passing Callisto Head and entering Spire Cove, where towering sea stacks created a sense of isolation. The waves grew larger as we ventured toward Aialik Bay, but the water calmed as we approached Aialik Glacier, surrounded by breathtaking views. The glacier’s towering ice walls, vibrant blue hues, and the thunderous roar of calving ice left us in awe. We enjoyed hot soup while watching the spectacle, a reminder of previous camping trips lulled to sleep by the glacier’s crackling sounds. On our way back, we visited the Chiswell Islands, a haven for birds and marine life. We spotted fin whales and were overwhelmed by the sheer number of birds, including puffins, auklets, and sea lions. The day ended with a visit to the Kenai Fjord National Park Visitor Center, where we explored exhibits and watched the fish-cleaning station before driving to Exit Glacier for one last look. As night fell, we boondocked at Turnagain Pass, realizing with a tinge of sadness that it was our last night in Alaska.
Day5-Exploring hotspots around Anchorage
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Breakfast - baked goods and freshly brewed coffee in the RV
Lunch - Hatcher’s Pass Lodge serves great comfort and hearty food like soups and sandwiches with a spectacular view.
Dinner - Silver Gulch Brewery at the airport.The Brewery is a craft brewery located in Fairbanks, Alaska. Established and holds the distinction of being America's northernmost brewery , with a wide variety of handcrafted beers, ranging from light ales to robust stouts, all brewed with high-quality ingredients.
Moose's Tooth is a beloved delicious pizza and craft beer pub in Anchorage. The restaurant is famous for its creative and diverse pizza offerings, which range from traditional to unique Alaskan-inspired toppings, along with a variety of house beers through its Broken Tooth Brewing brand.
Black Cup Coffee a well-known coffee shop and roastery in Anchorage who has built a reputation for its high-quality, ethically sourced beans and expertly crafted brews. It's a go-to spot for coffee enthusiasts in Anchorage looking for a great cup of coffee
Goldie's Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee shop and roastery in Anchorage, focusing on sourcing ethically grown beans from around the world and roasting them to perfection.
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Beluga Point, along the Seward Highway, is renowned for its stunning coastal views of Turnagain Arm and the unique bore tide. It's also a prime spot for observing beluga whales as they feed in the tidal waters, especially during the summer months.
Bird Point, along the Seward Highway, offers breathtaking views of Turnagain Arm and the surrounding Chugach Mountains. It’s a prime spot for wildlife watching, where you might see bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and even dall sheep. The accessible trails and boardwalks make it easy to enjoy the scenery and explore the coastal tide pools at low tide.
Potter Marsh is a vibrant wetland area along the Seward Highway, and is part of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. The marsh serves as a prime spot for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons when various species, including bald eagles and sandhill cranes, can be observed along with a chance to spot moose, beavers,bears and salmon in their natural habitat.
Hatcher Pass is a scenic mountain pass located in the Talkeetna Mountains with breathtaking panoramic views, a blend of rugged wilderness and historic sites, including the remnants of gold mining operations from the early 20th century. Hatcher Pass is a popular destination hiking, skiing, and berry picking in the summer and stunning wildflower displays
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The drive time to Cruise America RV center from Turnagain Pass is 1 hr and the Airport is 15 mins away. From Anchorage to Hatchers Pass is 1-¼ hrs and Potters Marsh is 15 mins south of Anchorage. A more scenic and rugged route to get to potter marsh ( Via Willow) will add another 1 hr. to the drive time.
We began our day at Turnagain Pass, surrounded by mountains, and set off early after breakfast. Leaving the Kenai Peninsula, we traveled north along the shoreline, enjoying panoramic views of turquoise waters and rugged coastline. Our first stop was at Beluga Point, where we marveled at the views of Turnagain Arm and the bore tide before continuing to the charming town of Girdwood to refuel. We then returned to our RV in Anchorage and rented a car to explore Hatcher Pass, a hidden gem near the city.
Hatcher Pass, rich in history from the early 20th-century gold rush, offers a scenic 49-mile drive with breathtaking views of the Talkeetna Mountains. We visited Independence Mine State Historical Park, where preserved buildings tell the story of the area's mining heritage. Stopping at Hatcher Pass Lodge, we enjoyed lunch with stunning mountain vistas and spotted Golden-crowned Sparrows and Black-billed Magpies. We continued to Summit Lake, located at the pass’s summit, where we were surrounded by tranquil and breathtaking scenery. The lake, stocked with trout, is a great spot for fishing and wildlife watching, with golden eagles and alpine birds in the area. After exploring Summit Lake, we headed back toward Anchorage, stopping at Potter Marsh, a wetland within the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. The marsh, a critical habitat for migratory birds, offered us the chance to observe a variety of species up close from the boardwalk and viewing platforms. As evening approached, we made our way back to the airport, reflecting on our Alaskan adventure. The days had passed quickly, and as we boarded our flight back to Chicago, we knew we’d return to this incredible state, already longing for our next visit.