Log Cabin and Downtown Anchorage Visitor Centers
The cabin's sod roof grows jacobs ladder and wild onions. Its entrance features several flower varieties that continue along a path in front of Historic City Hall to the park at E Street and Fourth Avenue.
Stroll along any of the sidewalks between Second and Sixth Avenues to enjoy the 425 baskets of gold triploid marigold drenched with trailing sapphire lobelia - see why garden writers call Anchorage the "Hanging Basket Capital of the World?" The blue and gold flowers represent the colors of the Municipality of Anchorage, the State of Alaska and the state flag.
Town Square Municipal Park
Adjacent to the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts and one of the city's largest planting areas with 15 beds and
more than 9,000 plants.
Delaney Parkstrip
Between Ninth and Tenth Avenues from A to P Street, features 150 fragrant tea rose bushes in Centennial Rose Garden and another 4,000 dazzling annuals scattered throughout the park.
Alaska Botanical Garden
At Tudor Road and Campbell Airstrip Road, gardens feature Southcentral Alaska's hardy perennials, rock and herb gardens, all showcased along easy walking trails with interpretive signs.
Chugach State Park 
Chugach State Park is the third largest state park in the nation, and it folds into the foothills of East Anchorage. The half-million acre park is rich in recreation opportunities, with some of Alaska's most accessible hiking, skiing, camping wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, rafting, and climbing - not to mention a stunning backdrop to the Anchorage landscape.
Although the park's campgrounds, picnic areas, trails and the Eagle River Visitor Center receive nearly one million visits each year, those seeking wilderness solitude will not be disappointed.
Soaring eagles, moose, grizzly bears, wolf packs and lynx name just a few types of wildlife that reside in the park. High alpine wildflowers, rugged mountain peaks, roaring glacier-fed rivers, clearwater streams, a mature spruce forest and more than 50 glaciers hardly describe the spectacular sights that await. Mountaineering challenges, front country trails, and backcountry bushwhacking offer something for all types of wilderness explorers. Three campgrounds, public use cabins and wide-open spaces provide the ultimate in camping experiences.
The Seward Highway
The drive south from Anchorage to Seward is an incredible journey. The 125-mile All-American Road follows along the shores of Turnagain Arm, past Portage Glacier, through moose-rich meadows, over a tundra-carpeted mountain pass, under the huge evergreen trees of Chugach National Forest, then down to the salty seaside town of Seward.
The Glenn Highway
Along the drive north through the Matanuska Susitna Valley, scenery abounds with spectacular views of majestic and rugged landscapes, crystal clear waterways, and tundra where moose and bear wander. This National Scenic Byway connects with the Parks Highway in Wasilla, Richardson Highway in Glennallen and the Alaska-Canada Highway in Tok.
Mountain Ranges viewable from Anchorage
The Alaska Range
This range features Alaska's most famous mountain Denali, also referred to as Mount McKinley. Denali is North America's highest peak, topping off at 20,320 feet. Mount Foraker (17,400 feet) and Mount Hunter (14,573 feet) are within the Alaska Range. While all three can be seen from downtown Anchorage, it's just a few hours drive north to Denali National Park and Preserve for a closer look.
The Chugach Range
The wilderness area of Chugach State Park borders Anchorage and is one of the nation's largest parks. Full of a variety of plant and wildlife, it is a favorite for hikers, backpackers and climbers in the summer and skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts in the winter months. The range is full of spectacular vistas and peaks that rise as high as 13,176 feet.
The Kenai Range
The Kenai area is famous for its trophy fishing, but it's also a great place for wildlife viewing. There are plenty of recreational areas for bikers, hikers, skiers, snowshoers and sightseers. While Kenai's largest salmon is a whopping 97 pounds, its highest peak is 6,000 feet.
The Talkeetna Range
An hour away from Anchorage, the Talkeetna Range borders the Matanuska Valley. Among its many attractions is Hatcher Pass which features Independence Historic Gold Mine and recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, snowboarding and telemark skiing. |
