Hiking Alaska


Book Description

Fully updated and revised, this guide is the perfect introduction to hiking the great state of Alaska, with millions of acres of wilderness waiting to be explored. It features one hundred hikes in Alaska's national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, wilderness areas, and state parks. Also included are hikes for all ages and abilities as well as maps for each hike and full-color color photos.




The Sun Is a Compass


Book Description

For fans of Cheryl Strayed, the gripping story of a biologist's human-powered journey from the Pacific Northwest to the Arctic to rediscover her love of birds, nature, and adventure. During graduate school, as she conducted experiments on the peculiarly misshapen beaks of chickadees, ornithologist Caroline Van Hemert began to feel stifled in the isolated, sterile environment of the lab. Worried that she was losing her passion for the scientific research she once loved, she was compelled to experience wildness again, to be guided by the sounds of birds and to follow the trails of animals. In March of 2012, she and her husband set off on a 4,000-mile wilderness journey from the Pacific rainforest to the Alaskan Arctic, traveling by rowboat, ski, foot, raft, and canoe. Together, they survived harrowing dangers while also experiencing incredible moments of joy and grace -- migrating birds silhouetted against the moon, the steamy breath of caribou, and the bond that comes from sharing such experiences. A unique blend of science, adventure, and personal narrative, The Sun is a Compass explores the bounds of the physical body and the tenuousness of life in the company of the creatures who make their homes in the wildest places left in North America. Inspiring and beautifully written, this love letter to nature is a lyrical testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Winner of the 2019 Banff Mountain Book Competition: Adventure Travel




50 Hikes in Alaska's Chugach State Park


Book Description

* The first hiking guidebook devoted to Alaska's Chugach State Park* Includes great hikes for families as well as serious backpackers* Both authors are avid Alaska hikers and know these trails intimately Attracting over a million visitors each year, Alaska's Chugach State Park spans a half-million acres and eight distinct environments - all within easy reach of Anchorage. This is the most comprehensive trail guidebook to the region.50 Hikes in Alaska's Chugach State Park includes nearly all the hikeable trails and peaks in the park, from popular Flattop Mountain to rarely seen valleys. With a mix of hikes for all ages and abilities, you'll be able to find exactly what you're looking for, whether it's a two-mile week-night stroll or a multiday backpacking trip or scramble.For each hike you'll get detailed driving directions to the trailhead; complete information on elevation, hiking time, difficulty, distance, and terrain; and helpful maps and photos. Rounding out theguidebook is information on flora and fauna, history, and geology of Chugach State Park.




Hiking Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve


Book Description

The first book of its kind for the largest national park in the United States. Six times the size of Yellowstone National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias welcomes 40,000 visitors every year, and each of them will maximize the visit with this all-new guidebook. Detailed information is provided for navigating fifty of the best hiking routes through 13.2 million acres of Alaskan wilderness. The book is organized by type of trip: day hikes, frontcountry treks (starting from road-accessible trailheads), and remote backcountry treks (accessible via fly-in). There are detailed maps and black and white photographs as well as sidebars and narratives about river crossings, navigation, bear safety, wildlife, seasonal changes, and finding the routes.




Moon Alaska


Book Description

Moon Travel Guides: Make Your Escape! Remote, wild, and all-around otherworldly, Alaska promises unforgettable adventure. Discover the heart of "The Last Frontier" with Moon Alaska. What you'll find in Moon Alaska: Strategic itineraries for every budget and timeline, whether you have a week to hit the top sights or a month to explore the whole state Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout, plus a full-color foldout map Curated advice for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, culture mavens, road-trippers, wildlife enthusiasts, and more Must-see attractions and off-beat ideas for making the most of your trip: Embark on a guided active glacier hike, explore ice caves, or take an intrepid "flightseeing" tour to secluded glacier landings in Denali National Park. Experience the thrill of spotting wild bears, moose, or even walrus, or catch a glimpse of sea otters and humpback whales on a boat tour of the spectacular Kenai Fjords. Hike through lush wilderness or along pristine beaches, kayak on tranquil sounds or secluded lakes, or camp under the crystal-clear stars. Learn about Alaska's native cultures and quirky small towns, savor a freshly-caught seafood dinner, and discover the best spots to witness the enchanting northern lights Honest advice from Anchorage local and outdoor aficionado Lisa Maloney on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from campsites and hostels to B&Bs and resort fishing lodges How to get there and get around by plane, train, ferry, cruise ship, or guided tour Recommendations for families, LGBTQ+ travelers, seniors, international visitors, and travelers with disabilities Thorough background on the culture, weather, wildlife, local laws, history, and health and safety With Moon Alaska's local insight, myriad activities, and expert advice, you can plan your trip your way. Full list of coverage: Juneau and Southeast Alaska, Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska, Denali, Fairbanks, and the Interior, Kodiak and Southwest Alaska, the Arctic Can't get enough of Alaska? Try Moon Anchorage, Denali & the Kenai Peninsula. Headed to Canada? Try Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip or Moon Banff National Park.




Day Hiking Southcentral Alaska


Book Description

Hikes within driving distance of Anchorage and its environs 100 day hikes, from iconic to beginner to lung-burner! Day Hiking: Southcentral Alaska features 100 day hikes in the populous region around the Greater Anchorage area. Starting with the immense and accessible Chugach State Park, the guide includes hikes north of the city to include the Matanuska–Susitna Valley and Hatcher Pass areas, and also trails near Eagle River, Palmer, and Wasilla. There are hikes along Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm, including near Girdwood, Portage Glacier, and Whittier, as well as all of the Kenai Peninsula--Chugach National Forest, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park, Soldotna, Homer, and more. "Hikes at a Glance" highlights features of each hike Difficulty rating, elevation gain, distance, and best season for each trail Detailed driving directions to trailheads Useful trail icons for dog-friendliness, glaciers, lakes, and more Convenient, compact, and packable size Full-color photos throughout







A Long Trek Home


Book Description

CLICK HERE to download the first chapter from A Long Treak Home * Compelling adventure with an environmental focus * An informative natural and cultural history of one of our last wild coastlines * Author is a pioneer in "packrafting," an emerging trend in backcountry travel In June 2007, Erin McKittrick and her husband, Hig, embarked on a 4,000-mile expedition from Seattle to the Aleutian Islands, traveling solely by human power. This is the story of their unprecedented trek along the northwestern edge of the Pacific Ocean-a year-long journey through some of the most rugged terrain in the world- and their encounters with rain, wind, blizzards, bears, and their own emotional and spiritual demons. Erin and Hig set out from Seattle with a desire to raise awareness of natural resource and conservation issues along their route: clear-cut logging of rainforests; declining wild salmon populations; extraction of mineral resources; and effects of global climate change. By taking each mile step by step, they were able to intimately explore the coastal regions of Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska, see the wilderness in its larger context, and provide a unique on-the-ground perspective. An entertaining and, at times, thrilling adventure, theirs is a journey of discovery and of insights about the tiny communities that dot this wild coast, as well as the individuals there whom they meet and inspire.




Best Easy Day Hikes Anchorage


Book Description

Fully updated and revised, Best Easy Day Hikes Anchorage includes concise descriptions and detailed maps for twenty favorite, easy-to-follow hikes within a short drive of Anchorage. Choose from a host of spectacular trails in Chugach State Park, including the Flattop Mountain Trail, or inviting urban trails for after-work jaunts in downtown Anchorage, such as the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Look inside to find: • Half-hour strolls and full-day adventures • Hikes for everyone, including families • GPS-compatible trail maps




Juneau Trails


Book Description

An expanded and improved guide to Alaska trails in the Juneau area with detailed full color maps. Second in the series that includes Sitka Trails and the completely revised Kenai Trails.