Best Alaska Vacation Fun

Alaska's Vacation Headquarters

Fodor's Travel:

"Gwin's roadside establishment is the epicenter of much of the activity on the peninsula and a one-stop shop for visitors and locals alike, providing food, lodging, and fishing tackle ... The travel agency can book fishing, hiking, rafting, and other adventure travel anywhere on the peninsula. The lodge is the fishing headquarters of prospective anglers during the annual salmon runs on the nearby Russian and Kenai rivers."

Alaska.com:

"Gwin's Lodge - Historic landmark, traditionally crafted log roadhouse and guest cabins, full of local history and a good source for what to do in Cooper Landing."

Budget Travel.com:

"Gwin’s Lodge, in Cooper Landing (roughly in the middle of the Kenai), is a good base for exploring the peninsula. The kids will love the loft beds; Mom and Dad can hike up to Russian River Falls to watch leaping salmon and maybe spot a moose."

Alaska is the biggest state of the United States. The Alaska outdoors offer many options for recreational fun, so no wonder many feel a bit overwhelmed when it comes time to planning their dream Alaska vacation.

One of the best known destinations in Alaska is Denali National Park which features Mt. McKinley, the tallest peak on the North America continent at 20,320 feet.

We highly recommend that you consider taking the Alaskan Railroad from Seward or Anchorage to Denali in Gold Star class, riding in a clear dome rail car in order to be able to devote all of your attention to the beautiful scenery unfolding before you. Traffic inside the park is limited, so the best way to see the park is to ride one of the shuttles or buses that offer you the views but none of the headaches of driving. Also try to hike along one of many trails inside the park to fully take advantage of seeing the scenery and wildlife.

Another popular destination is the Kenai Peninsula, best known as "Alaska's Playground." The Kenai Peninsula offers world-renowned salmon fisheries, the Kenai River and the Russian River, where the term "combat fishing" probably originated. The Kenai Peninsula is also well-known for its beautiful scenery and many outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, drift rafting, whitewater rafting, wildlife viewing, panning for gold, clamming, saltwater fishing, etc. Of course, the breathtaking scenery and wildlife offer photography enthusiasts an endless variety of subjects for memorable photos.