Yes, fellow Alaskans, our summer is wrapping up and slowly fading into the ever increasing darkness of winter days to come. Did you get a chance to explore the richness of our great state's natural beauty? Don't let a little -- OK, a lot of rain -- get in your way. There's still time to squeeze in one more excursion before Mother Nature covers our landscape with a cool, white blanket. Fall camping can be the best time of the year for backcountry exploring, but plan for cooler nights and pack your wet gear and lots of bug spray.
www.nahabayoutdooradventures.com
The full-service fishing lodge, Naha Bay Outdoor Adventures, is a short boat ride from Ketchikan. The lodge specializes in both guided freshwater fly-fishing and saltwater charters, but self guided options are also available. Guided nature tours through the Tongass National Forest are also offered. Or explore the trails on your own.
Pangaea Adventures, based in Valdez will take you on an up close and personal tour of glaciers in Prince William Sound. The coolness factor? Your doing it from a kayak, paddling around a maze of aqua blue icebergs as otters frolic around you. Glacier hikes and backpacking trips are among their other options.
The Denali Outdoor Center specializes in white-water rafting, kayaking and mountain biking excursions. The outfitter is located on the Nenana river in Denali National Park. Economy cabins and a campground on the shores of Lake Otto give you a peaceful and picturesque place to rest and relax after a day of exciting escapades.
Ever wondered what it's really like at the North Slope? Plan a trip to Barrow with Northern Alaska Tour Company and see a very different part of Alaska as you explore the coast along the Arctic Ocean, view the Trans Alaska Pipeline and visit a local village to learn about the Inupiat Eskimo culture.
Trip Tracker is compiled by Joy Guest. Is there a vacation or excursion that interests you? E-mail jguest@adn.com or comment online at adn.com/life/travel.
"We specialize in taking small groups on private tours in some of the most beautiful areas of Alaska while avoiding typical tourist areas and crowds. Limited to 12 passengers, we guarantee a comfortable, luxurious and safe adventure." -- www.alaskatourbus.com