Alaska: The Highlight of the Year – An Unforgettable September Adventure
Alaska was easily the highlight of my year. I spent two weeks in September exploring the Last Frontier, with the help of Alaska Overlander and Turo, as well as my friend Kellie, who joined me for the second week. From stunning fjords to remote wilderness, every moment was filled with awe, adventure, and a deep connection to the wild beauty of this incredible state.
Kenai Peninsula – Exploring the Fjords and Camping by the River
My adventure began on the Kenai Peninsula, where I took a boat tour through the stunning Kenai Fjords. The landscape here is like nothing I’ve seen before, with towering glaciers and abundant wildlife. The fjords were alive with action—whales breaching in the distance, puffins darting between the cliffs, and seals and otters lounging on the rocks. I felt like I was in the middle of a nature documentary. On top of that, getting up close to a glacier, seeing its massive scale next to other boats, was a humbling experience. The sheer magnitude of the ice was mind-blowing, and the contrast between the vibrant blue of the glacier and the surrounding landscape was unreal. I camped by a nearby river, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature—a perfect way to start the trip.
Crow Pass – A Beautiful, Moody Drive and a Peaceful Camp
From Kenai, I headed toward Crow Pass, where I camped for the night. The drive itself was breathtaking, with moody conditions that added a mysterious vibe to the landscape. Low-hanging clouds split the peaks, casting dramatic shadows on the mountains and valleys below. It felt like I was driving through a scene from a painting, with the shifting weather adding an extra layer of beauty to the already stunning surroundings. The camping spot was serene, with the crisp air and mountain views making it an unforgettable stop on the journey.
Denali – A Scenic Flight, Fall Colors, and Hiking in the Park
One of the highlights of the trip was my time in Denali. I took a scenic flight over Denali, and to say it blew my mind would be an understatement. The sight of North America’s tallest peak from the air was surreal. On the ground, I took the bus through the park, where I had the chance to hike off a point that was painted with the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges of fall. The brush was bursting with color, creating a stunning contrast against the rugged terrain. The air was crisp, and as I hiked through the landscape, I felt completely immersed in the beauty of Denali’s wild interior.
Denali Highway – A Remote Camping Experience
After Denali, I ventured down the Denali Highway and camped at one of the most remote places I’ve ever been. The isolation was both peaceful and humbling. The wide-open space and endless views were unforgettable, and it felt like a true escape from the world.
One of my most cherished moments of solitude happened here, at Roosevelt Lake off the Denali Highway. I arrived in the afternoon, passed only one other car on my way out there, and had the lake entirely to myself. It was just me, the still waters, and the surrounding wilderness. As the sun set and the morning light illuminated the lake, I felt truly immersed in the wild. It was everything I’d hoped for when planning the trip and exceeded all my expectations.
Hatcher Pass – A Magical Hike to the Mint Hut
Next, I headed to Hatcher Pass, where I did a hike to the Mint Hut. This hike turned out to be one of the toughest I've ever done in a single day. The trail was anything but easy—I had to bushwhack through thick brush, hop over deep water, and trudge through endless mud. The 16-mile trek, which gained over 3,000 feet of elevation, was physically demanding, but it was also incredibly rewarding. The autumn colors were vibrant along the way, and the views from the Mint Hut were spectacular. Though the hike left me exhausted, it was a true test of endurance and one of the most memorable parts of my adventure in Alaska.
Glen Highway – Fall Colors and More Adventure
I then traveled down Glen Highway, where the fall colors were at their peak. The golden leaves against the backdrop of towering mountains created an incredible landscape. The drive was stunning, and it was another reminder of the endless beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.
McCarthy – A Serendipitous Discovery
One of the most unexpected parts of the trip was a stop in McCarthy. Kellie struck up a conversation with a stranger roadside, and it led us to add McCarthy to our itinerary. The small town was full of charm, and it felt like we had stumbled upon something truly special.
Valdez – Wrapping Up in a Coastal Paradise
Finally, I wrapped up my Alaskan adventure in Valdez. This coastal town offered incredible views and a sense of calm that was the perfect way to end my journey. The fjords, the mountains, and the deep blue water made for an unforgettable final chapter to my time in Alaska.
Reflection on Alaska’s Wild Beauty
What surprised me most about Alaska was how much more built up Anchorage and its surroundings were than I had expected, especially after hearing so much about the state's wilderness. I’d anticipated a more rugged, isolated experience, but in and around Anchorage, it felt much like any modern city. However, the real surprise was how remote and untouched many of the areas I visited felt, even when driving through small towns or far-off landscapes. It reminded me of a trip I took to Scotland many years ago, with its vast, untamed expanses that truly made me feel like I was in the wild.
The most challenging part of the trip was finding Roosevelt Lake on the Denali Highway. Thanks to a combination of Starlink and some advice from my friend Kai, I finally made it. I couldn't help but smile when I arrived—though the search had been a bit of a struggle, the reward was more than worth it.
Alaska is unlike any other place I’ve visited. The landscape is vast and untouched, with every turn offering something new and awe-inspiring. Whether I was hiking, camping, or simply taking in the views, I felt completely immersed in the wild beauty of the state. This trip was truly the highlight of my year, and I can’t wait to return.