Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

When traveling to Alaska on a short retreat, it might seem impossible to fit all the must-sees in, allow alone use a day at the park. But, these confined parts are easier to arrive at than you might believe. Whether traveling via sail liner or auto, there are countless opportunities to stop off and experience the beauty of Alaska's parks.


If you're roving by sail or ship, you will probable stop at several of Alaska's coastal communities for coast excursions and to stay attractions, many of which are nationwide and state parks.

Totem Bight State Historical Park, near Ketchikan, contains restored and re-carved totems dedicated to Southeastern Alaska's Native cultures and people. Often integrated in coast excursions, the square offers an interpretive trail that winds through the rainforest to a clan house and Tlingit and Haida totem poles, and a viewing deck that overlooks the Tongass National Forest.

Another common cruise or ferry destination, Sitka is residence to Sitka National Historical Park, Alaska's oldest federally specified park, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Walk directly off the boat to the nearby 113-acre park and find usual Tlingit totem poles lining the coastal trail or visit the Russian Bishop's House - one of the previous lasting structures from the Russian colonial period in North America.

In Skagway, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is the mainly visited nationwide park in Alaska. You'll enter the park approximately as soon as you step onto shore to explore downtown's historic wooden storefronts. Be sure to visit the National Park Service visitor center to pick up a ranger-led tour of the buildings or view Gold Rush-era memorabilia dating reverse to the early 1900s. The recently donated collection was one time owned by narrow tourism advertiser George Rapuzzi. The park extends to the neighboring ghost town of Dyea, which serves as the initial top for those hiking the Chilkoot Trail, the way used during the Gold Rush to transport mining supplies.

One more popular cruise port, Seward, located on the Kenai Peninsula on 130 miles south of Anchorage, is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Exit Glacier, a half-mile wide river of ice, is the only section of the park accessible by road. You can stroll the easy-to-moderate foot trails to the glacier on your personal or with a guide. Or, hop on board a daytime cruise into the national park to witness whales and additional wildlife, calving glaciers and more. A lot of tour operators present packages to contain overnight hotels, for those pre- or post-cruise.

Yet extra distant parks, such as Katmai National Park and Preserve, can be reached quickly on a fly-in bear-viewing day tour from metropolitan areas such as Anchorage or Kodiak, popular post-cruise locations. Stand viewing is single of the major points of interest at Katmai, residence to more than 2,000 brown bears. With the right digital camera and lens, even the beginner photographer can catch a number of amazing flora and fauna films. Opt to fly in for just a day, or wait at a lodge inside the park.