Alaska in the Rearview

As I write, we are mere days away from hitting the road for our move back to Minneapolis. Amid all the chaos and stress that moving across the country entails, I am making a conscious effort to pause every so often and soak in the moment. We have been so busy planning and dreaming about our new home and our new urban adventure, that I realized I had not taken a moment to reflect on the reality that we will no longer live in Alaska.

ALASKA! It seems crazy to think that five years ago this was an entirely foreign land, and certainly not someplace I ever imagined I would call home. Despite my firm expectations of non-permanence in this place, The Last Frontier has burrowed its way into a deep corner of my heart where I am now certain it will remain forever.

We are by no means the first to be won over by her rugged beauty. I cannot tell you the number of times I have heard people say that they came here for the summer 30 years ago and just never left. And in fact, our original plan was to be here just one year. But opportunity and wilderness has held us here year after year. (I'm pretty sure our family didn't believe we were actually moving back to MN until we told them we'd signed a lease on a Minneapolis apartment - and I can't really blame them.)

In our nearly five years here, we have had several friends and relatives come to visit. As we prepare to move out of Alaska, I have been reflecting on all of the unique and beautiful things we have had the opportunity to experience in our time here. So for those of you who weren't able to make the trip these past 5 years, here are just a few of our favorite places - the ones we tend to return to. 

The Butte

Why We Love It: At less than 2 miles away, it's the closest hike to our front door. It doesn't look like much from the road, especially in comparison to the surrounding 3,000-6,000 foot ridgelines, but at just 700 feet of elevation gain over the course of a mile, you get a great return on investment. From the summit there are 360* views of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and the Knik Glacier. It's easily our "most hiked" trail and a great one to hit in the evening or on a day that we don't want to commit to more than an hour on the trail. 

Matanuska Glacier

Why We Love It: I mean... when's the last time you stood on a glacier? It's just over an hour from Palmer (where we live) with stunning views of the Talkeetna, Chugach, and Alaska Ranges all along the way. The land is public, but the access is privately owned by a family of entrepreneurs who charge ~$30, which is well worth it for the opportunity to venture out onto a sheet of ice the stretches for miles in front of you and stands up in solid walls all around you. We have made the trip with several sets of guests, and have never had the same glacial experience twice. Bring your mittens and go! But hurry, it's melting fast. 

Hatcher's Pass + Independence Mine

Why We Love It: A quick 30 minute drive from home takes you up a beautiful winding mountain road into the Hatcher's Pass State Recreation Area. It's easily accessible to people of all abilities, it's got stunning views of the mountains and the whole Mat-su valley below, and the old mine ruins are a fun place to stroll through. This was one of the first places we visited when we moved to Alaska, and it is one we have returned to often, whether to show off to guests or to hike one of the many trails in the area or to ski through the deserted mine in winter. Last time we were there we even got a tour of the old bunkhouse!

Reed Lakes

Why We Love It: I think this trail still ranks as my favorite in Alaska. No matter where you are on the trail, there are excellent views to be had, which I appreciate as someone who likes to take plenty of rest breaks on the inclines. The variable terrain keeps things interesting with its transitions from wide gravel trail to wild flower switch backs, and from boulder field scrambling to lakeside tundra. Water is a primary feature of this trail, and I think is what makes it my favorite. There are dozens of beaver pools, waterfalls of all sizes, a crystal clear pool that makes a great picnic site, a cold mountain stream to quench your thirst, and a destination turquoise lake of dreams. To take it all in requires a day's commitment, but it has been worth it every time. Check out my post about the day we expanded on Reed Lakes with a Bomber Traverse!

Seward

Why We Love It: Last time we were there Brad said "Seward is like the Duluth of Alaska". And it is, except even better. The drive from Anchorage down to the Kenai Peninsula is a treat in itself. The Seward Highway as it runs along the Turnagain Arm has certainly earned it's place as one of the nation's most scenic roads. Seward is the end of the road on the east side of the peninsula: the cozy little harbor town is host to an eclectic mix of fisherman, RV travelers, and cruise ship passengers. Beachside campgrounds are easy walking distance to the main street shops and the small boat harbor. A typical Seward evening can include a walk along the beach, a meal of the freshest wild caught fish on the planet, a sunset over the mountains, and an otter cleaning up the fish scraps under the dock. What more could you want?

As we pack up our pup and our most prized possessions, the feeling is bittersweet. There are without a doubt many things we will miss about our life in Alaska, but we are excited about the prospect of living in a bustling city in our home state and all that it will offer. We go with gratitude to this land for making us free and wild. Here's to the next adventure!