Adventure
Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve Steer clear of crowds in one of the least visited national parks, hike to the bottom of a 2,500-foot volcanic caldera, grab a raft and ride down the rapid Aniakchak River to spy bears, moose, and mountain goats. Only accessible by air charter from King Salmon, AK; +1 907 246 3305. Recommended for teenagers and adults.
Chena River State Recreation Area Follow the Chena Hot Springs Trail through this expansive park, watch for moose grazing berries by the side of the road, hire a dog sled team for a backcountry ride, visit Granite Tors during warmer months for rock climbing. Mile 4.9 Steese Hwy., Fairbanks, AK. Fee.
Denali National Park Hike the McKinley Bar Trail to Wonder Lake and fish for rainbow trout, captain a dog sled, take a discovery tour to see grizzlies, bald eagles, and other local species. Alaska Rte. 3, Denali Park, AK; +1 907 683 2294. Limited access Sept.-May. Fee.
Eagle Creek Nature Center Plan a hike of the Rodak Nature Trail to see coyotes, bears, and eagles; rent a yurt for a night of camping, sign up children for weekly learning programs. 32750 Eagle River Rd., Eagle River, AK; +1 907-694-2108. Most programs are free.
Katmai National Park Hike up to Brooks Falls to watch brown bears hunt for salmon, drop a line in Funnel creek and catch a rainbow trout, rent a canoe for a scenic tour around the Savonoski Loop, marvel at magnificent volcanoes at the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, where steam used to come up through vents in the ground following an eruption in the early 20th century. Accessible by air charter or ferry from Anchorage, AK, or Homer, AK. +1 907 246 3305.
Lake Clark National Park Rent a wooden skiff to catch rainbow trout in Lake Clark, search for fossil remains along the coastal cliffs, take the Telaquana Trail to the top of Mount Redoubt and see smoke coming out of this still active volcano. 1 Park Pl., Port Alsworth, AK; +1 907 781 2218.
Misty Fjords National Monument Kayak through fjords and inlets, hike 15 miles of trails, keep your eyes peeled for moose. Cabins by the water can be reserved in advance. Part of Tongass National Forest. Only accessible by boat or air charter. 3031 Tongass Ave., Ketchikan, AK; +1 907 225 2148.
Togiak National Wildlife Refuge Photograph giant grizzlies as they stalk schools of chinook in the Kanektok River, camp along the Kagati Lake. Only accessible by air charter. 6 Main St., Dillingham, AK; +1 907 842 1063. Permit required for some areas; recommended for children 12 and up.
Tongass National Forest Hike along backcountry trails in the nation's largest protected forest; kayak beside glaciers, have binoculars ready to catch a glimpse of bears, eagles, and spawning salmon; spend the night at one of the 150 cabins located throughout the park. 648 Mission St., Ketchikan, AK; +1 907 225 3101.
Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve Meander down calm stretches of the mighty Yukon in a canoe, climb into a raft for a trip down the rugged Charley River, camp in a cabin built in 1934, deep in the heart of the bush. Enter through Eagle, AK. +1 907 547 2233.
