Recent Alaska Shipping News

Jump to section:
Other than cars, what can Alaska Car Transport Ship?
Where in Alaska can Alaska Car Transport ship something?
Outside of Alaska, where can Alaska Car Transport ship something?
What else should I know about Alaska Car Transport?
 

Other than cars, what can Alaska Car Transport Ship?

Alaska Car Transport is the most trusted name in Alaskan car shipping, but what else can we ship? Well, we can also ship trucks, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, trailers, RVs, heavy equipment and more. If you are wondering whether or not we can ship something specific, you can always call us today at (907) 331-3100.
 

Where in Alaska can Alaska Car Transport ship something?

We at Alaska Car Transport can transport your shipment to one of several convenient Alaskan ports. These ports are:

• Anchorage
• Fairbanks
• Dutch Harbor
• Kodiak
• Juneau
• Ketchikan
• Sitka
• Petersburg
• Wrangell
• Kake
• Hoonah
• Haines
• Skagway
• Yakutat
• Cordova
• Thorne Bay
• Valdez

Outside of Alaska, where can Alaska Car Transport ship something?

Alaska Car Transport can ship your vehicle, motorcycle, trailer or whatever you need shipped to any residential location in the United States with ease. The vast majority of shipments can be delivered directly from your door when you are shipping from Alaska. When you are shipping to Alaska, you can have your vehicle picked up at your house. Unfortunately, we do not ship outside of the United States at this time.
 

What else should I know about Alaska Car Transport?

There are a few other things you should know when you are considering shipping with Alaska Car Transport:

• If you need to, you can ship personal items – You can ship your car with some personal items in the vehicle as long as they stay below the window-line and the total weight of these items is less than a hundred pounds.
• Transit time – Transit times will always vary depending on several variables including shipping distance, what time of the year that you are shipping your vehicle, and conditions along the delivery route such as weather. However, it will usually take about five days to ship a car from Washington state to Alaska, whereas it will take a bit over two weeks to ship a vehicle from Florida to Alaska.
• You cannot have more than a quarter tank of gas in your car when you ship it – This is part of a Coast Guard regulation which is strictly enforced. So, make sure you have no more than a quarter tank of gas when your car is picked up for delivery.
• The ports in Alaska have specific hours – The ports in Alaska are only open during certain hours during the day when you can pick your car up or drop it off. So, make sure that you plan to arrive there during the right hours. You can find more information here.

Jump to section:
What areas in Alaska will be affected?
Why are these ferries being cut?
When might full Ferry service return?
Alternative methods of travel in Alaska
 

What areas in Alaska will be affected?

Cordova, Valdez and Tatitlek are currently being affected as they are not expected to have ferry service again until May. These are all costal towns that rely on the ferry service as a vital means of transportation that is critically important to the economy. Without these ferries, residents will be forced to take flights that cost twice as much or more than the ferry trips.

On top of that, the residents will not be able to get their cars out of the area because the ferries were the only way of transporting cars back and forth from those areas. Thus, they will need to rent a car or rely on public transportation whenever they leave the area.

Many residents have even gone as far to re-locate already for these months because their schedules include at least some regular commuting via the ferry.
 

Why are these ferries being cut?

The ferry cuts are a result of budget cuts by Alaskan Governor Dunleavy. Additional funding to sustain the ferry system and its service to coastal towns was proposed last month but was vetoed by the Governor who wants to first wait for a finalized study on how to re-structure the ferry system to be more cost-effective. The study is due to be finished this month.
 

When might full ferry service return?

It could be a while before you see full ferry service return to Alaska. As of right now, most expect that full service will not return until sometime in May. In the interim it is possible that a private ferry service might be established but there have been no concrete developments as of yet.
 

Alternative methods of travel in Alaska

There are a few other ways you can get around in Alaska without the ferry. These methods of travel are not available for all areas of Alaska, so be sure to check online before setting out to travel.

• Flights – There are several airlines that offer smaller and shorter flights in-between different areas in Alaska. Now, this will always be more expensive than taking the ferry. However, when the ferry is not running in certain areas, this is really your only option for getting out of those areas.
• Private ferries – The state-run ferries will very likely not be back until the late spring or early summer. So, private ferries could be an option in the near future. However, right now there are no private ferries or water taxis serving those areas.
• Alaska Railroad – the Alaska railroad does not serve the coastal communities listed above, but you can use it in other areas of Alaska or in conjunction with other methods of travel. You can find more information on the Alaska Railroad here.

Jump to section:
Why getting your windows and windshield repaired is so important
Tips for getting your car windows repaired in Alaska
The best places for auto glass repair in Alaska
Final word
 

Why getting your windows and windshield repaired is so important

Getting your windshield repaired is an immediate priority if you have any chips or cracks because this sort of damage can spread and become worse the longer you let it go. If that happens, you will likely end up having to replace your windshield rather than just repair it which will be considerably more expensive. Often times, a repair can cost a hundred dollars or less while replacing your windshield could cost several hundred dollars.

This can also cause serious safety risks if you drive around with a cracked or chipped windshield. You also risk getting pulled over and getting a ticket if you drive around with damage like this to your windshield.
 

Tips for getting your car windows repaired in Alaska

Getting your windshield repaired is actually a lot easier than it used to be. Years ago, you had to take your car into a mechanic and you often had to wait hours if not overnight for the repairs to be made or for the replacement to be installed.

Now, you can call most auto glass repair companies and they will come out to wherever you are and repair your windshield or replace it on-site. However, there still are a few things that you should know before you go ahead and call one of these companies to fix your windshield.

• Call your insurance company first – Odds are that car insurance will cover the damage to your windshield, or at least most of it. Check with them before you call anyone to come and fix it.
• Get multiple quotes – Make sure that you shop around and get several quotes. Some providers will be able to get out to you quicker. If you think you might need to get the glass replaced entirely, some providers might have the glass to replace and some might not. So, be sure that you ask.
• Pick the company that you want – When you call your insurance company about this, odds are that they will recommend a company. This company is likely just being recommended because they are giving the insurance company a deal for using them for all of their claims. You absolutely have the right to choose whichever company you want.
• Check out the company’s reputation – You will want to make sure that you check out the reputation of whichever company you are interested in repairing your windshield before you make a final decision. Some companies might not have great online reputations.

The best places for auto glass repair in Alaska

The following are the best providers for auto glass repair in the major areas of Alaska:

• Anchorage
  • Anchorage Auto Glass – Anchorage Auto Glass boasts that they do only one thing, auto glass. They are a trusted name in the Anchorage area that repairs windshields, other types of auto glass and more. They also offer mobile service.
  • Novus Glass – A larger company with a division in Anchorage, Novus Glass offers completely mobile service and offers a lifetime guarantee on its work.
  • Glass Doctor – Another operation that offers mobile service, Glass Doctor can fix and replace all windshields.
• Fairbanks
  • Badger Glass – Badger glass is locally operated and owned. They offer very reasonable rates for various types of car glass repair and replacement.
  • Fairbanks Collision and Glass – Fairbanks Collision and Glass is a long locally trusted car repair shop which also offer a variety of glass repair services.
  • Frontier Glass – Frontier Glass offers multiple types of automotive repairs including all types of auto glass repair and replacement.
• Juneau
  • Juneau Glass – Juneau Glass offers all sorts of glass repairs including those for cars. The business is veteran owned.
  • Fix Auto USA – Fix Auto USA offers many different types of car repairs including windshield repair and replacement.

Final word

Getting your car windshield repaired is much easier and more convenient than it was years ago. Now, you do not even need to bring your car into the shop in order to get it repaired, the service technician will come out to you and your car. Most importantly, make sure that you do not put off getting the repairs you need for your windshield, doing so can cause much more harm and expense.

Jump to section:
What is the permanent fund dividend?
How much will Alaskan citizens be getting from the PFD this year?
How you can use your PFD payment for your car
How can I get my Permanent Fund Dividend
 

What is the Permanent Fund Dividend?

Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend has long been one of the best parts about Alaska. Each year, every resident in the state gets a check from the state, just for being a resident! Realistically, every Alaskan resident gets a check each year from the PFD because all Alaskan Residents are considered stakeholders in Alaska’s Permanent fund.

Alaska’s Permanent Fund is a fund where Alaska deposits one quarter from its revenue from oil and all mineral and gas reserves. It then takes this money and reinvests it into other lucrative investment opportunities all over the world just for the sake of growing the fund. Each year, every Alaskan citizen receives a dividend or payment from the Permanent Fund.

Most years since the 1990’s it has been over a thousand dollars. A few years it has even reached over two thousand dollars. That has not been the case the past couple of years because in 2016 the former Governor needed to reach into the part of the fund allocated for the Alaskan residents in order to make up gaps in the State’s budget.

That reduced the check by slightly more than half. Now you can expect a check lower than $2,000 but higher than $1,000 each year.
 

How much will Alaskan citizens be getting from the PFD this year?

In 2019 the Permanent Fund Dividend in Alaska is $1,606. This is up $6 from last year and the highest that the PFD has been since it was $2,072 in 2015.

The total payout of the dividend to Alaska Residents this year will be just over a billion dollars.
 

How you can use your PFD payment for your car

It is entirely up to you how you will use your Permanent Fund Dividend. With an amount that high you could consider using it for your car one way or another. Here are a few ways that you could invest the $1,600 you made from the PFD into your car:

• Repairs – The first thing that should come to mind is that you will likely finally be able to get those costly repairs that you have been needing but have been putting off because of the cost.
• Upgrades – You can also look into getting those sweet upgrades that you have been thinking about. Better tires, headlights, a spoiler, a roof rack, the choice is yours.
• Buy a used back-up car – Now, you won’t end up getting anything great with only $1,600 dollars but you could get something that runs that you could use when your primary car is in the shop, or you could have your spouse or child use it.
• Shipping it – Depending on how far that you are planning on shipping your car from Alaska, $1,600 can cover all of or most of the cost of shipping it one way. So, you can take that vacation that you wanted and have your car with you too.

How can I get my Permanent Fund Dividend?

There are three ways that you can receive your PFD. The first is direct deposit, which if you chose, the money should already be in your bank account by the time that you are reading this.

The next is if you chose to receive a check, you will get your check on October 24th 2019 or slightly thereafter.

Finally, if your particular circumstance regarding your PFD application required any extra time to process, you will receive your payment by direct deposit or by check on or after October 24th 2019.

Jump to section:
Basic information about car insurance in Alaska
The cheapest car insurance in Alaska
Laws and punishments regarding Alaskan car insurance
Conclusion
 

Basic information about car insurance in Alaska

As with any state, car insurance is a bit different in Alaska. Alaska residents actually own an average of almost one and a half cars each. So, there are a bunch of cars out on the road in Alaska. Thus, it is important to have car insurance (do not forget that it is a legal requirement too).

On average, car insurance tends to be cheaper than the average car insurance in the United States as Alaska drivers paid an annual average of $400 less than the US national average price for car insurance last year.

However, what you are going to pay for insurance also depends on several factors such as a person’s age, gender, history of driving, what kind of car they have and more. So, your car insurance in Alaska could be considerably higher or lower than the Alaskan average. Other factors, such as what insurance carrier will also factor in.
 

The cheapest car insurance in Alaska

The cheapest car insurance in Alaska was USAA but you must be in the military of have the correct military member affiliation in your family to sign up for this insurance. USAA clocked in at over $600 less than the national average price of $1,500 according to data compiled by The Zebra.

Other cheaper car insurance providers in Alaska include State Farm which charged Alaskan drivers an average of $900 per year and Geico who charged Alaskan drivers just over $1,000 per year.

More expensive car insurance providers in Alaska last year included Allstate at over $1,300 and Progressive at over $1,100.
 

Laws and punishments regarding Alaskan car insurance

As with any other state in the United States, car insurance is a requirement in Alaska. Here are some laws and punishments regarding car insurance in Alaska:

Conclusion

Car insurance tends to be a bit cheaper in Alaska. This is generally because a lower population and much greater land mass equals out to less accidents and collisions on Alaskan roads each year. Regardless, it is a legal requirement to have car insurance in Alaska. When you are shopping for insurance, make sure that you compare providers because some will be more expensive than others.

Jump to section:
Driving during the winter in Alaska
The pre-winter checklist for driving in Alaska
Advice for driving safely in the winter
Conclusion
 

Driving during the winter in Alaska

Driving in Alaska during the winter can be fairly difficult at times because the weather conditions can get pretty treacherous at times. Winter will be here before you know it so you should really start thinking about winterizing your vehicle now.

In the more southern parts of Alaska, driving during the winter is pretty similar to driving in during the winter in other northern states. However, further north the driving can be very difficult to the point that roads can be impassable at times.

It is important to always keep any eye on the forecast so that you do not end up getting caught out on the road in the middle of a bad storm. However, you should always be prepared just in case you do encounter some nasty weather and/or roads that are full of snow and ice.

Preparing for the winter roads in Alaska will entail several things such as having a roadmap so you can check for alternate routes, having winter driving supplies such as an ice scrapper, and more. Although, the best thing that you can do to prepare for winter driving in Alaska is to winterize your car.
 

The pre-winter checklist for driving in Alaska

• Get winter tires – Winter tires will really help make life easier when you are driving on snowy and icy roads. They handle much better with much better traction so it isn’t likely that you will end up getting stuck with these tires.
• Get or make a winter safety kit – You never know what might happen out on the road during inclement weather in the winter. You could easily end up in a jam. So, assemble the following and throw it in a compact and durable box that closes:
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Water
  • Gloves
  • Snacks
• Get some winter windshield wipers – Your ability to drive can be completely paralyzed if your wipers aren’t functioning properly during a winter storm. Make sure that
• Make sure the engine is in good shape – This should be an objective of yours year-round, but this especially holds true in the winter. Be sure that
• Make sure you maintain the right tire pressure – This is another thing that you should keep up with throughout the year but is at its highest importance in the winter. That is because is colder temperatures tires lose their pressure much more easily than they do during warmer weather. Tires will low pressure are prone to
• Make sure that your regular headlights and brights are working properly – This is critically important to being able to see the road during winter weather conditions. Conversely, it is also important so that other drivers will be able to see you out on the road in the winter.

Advice for driving safely in the winter

Driving on the ice or in the snow is no easy task but often times it is necessary, especially when you live in an area like Alaska where winter driving conditions are to be expected for a large portion of the year. The most important thing is to stay off the road during any really bad weather.

There are the obvious things like driving slowly and keeping extra distance between you and the car in front of you. Then there are the less obvious pieces of advice such as breaking. When it comes to breaking many people make the mistake of slamming on their breaks. In reality, the way that you should break in the snow and ice is to do so gradually. You should do this by taking your foot off of the acceleration well ahead of your desired stopping point then when you get close, you can ease into the actual break without having to slam on it.

The only time that you will want to speed up a bit is if you are approaching a hill or incline in the road. It is better to approach these with some inertia rather than trying to climb the hill without any momentum which could result in you sliding back down the hill before you reach the top.

You should also always check your tailpipe to make sure that it is not clogged with any snow. Any time your tail pipe is clogged or blocked, you risk having dangerous gases fill the car.

Conclusion

Navigating the roads in Alaska during the winter can be difficult but if you make sure that your vehicle is prepared by winterizing it, then you will be set up for success and safety during your drive. Remember, that if you ever need your car shipped to Alaska, you can call us anytime.

Jump to section:
The high number of stolen cars in Anchorage and Fairbanks in recent years
What has been done to stop car theft in Alaska?
Advice for preventing your car from being stolen
Final word
 

The high number of stolen cars in Anchorage and Fairbanks in recent years

Alaska, and Anchorage in particular, has long had a much higher than normal rate of car theft. In fact, in 2017 and 2018, Anchorage placed second each year on the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s Hot Spots Vehicle Theft Report. Fairbanks placed 89 on the list.

This report determines the “hot spots” on the list by determining the rate of car theft per hundred thousand people in each specific area. So, many areas on the list, which have fewer overall car thefts, rank higher than places like New York City and Los Angeles because the percentage of cars stolen is higher, not the actual number of thefts.

Regardless, it is alarming to see the rate of vehicle theft so high in Alaska, especially in comparison to hundreds of other US cities. The numbers stipulate that one vehicle is stolen per every hundred residents in Anchorage. In fact, just last month, ten people were charged in car theft cases in unrelated incidents in Anchorage.

One possible reason for this has been Alaska’s higher than average unemployment rate. Most recently, Alaska’s unemployment rate was 6.3% while the national average was just above half of that at 3.7%. Alaska has often had the highest unemployment rate in the country, so this increases the level desperation for many people, some of which look for a score stealing a car.

Another reason for this could be the low number of police in comparison to the number of residents in Alaska. Using Anchorage as an example, they have 12.8 police officers per ten thousand people, which is one of the lowest in all major cities across the entire country. The average for these major cities was 22.2 police officers per ten thousand people. So, per capita, Anchorage has 42% less police than the average major US city.
 

What has been done to stop car theft in Alaska?

Just because there is not an abundance of police does not mean that there are not steps being taken to improve these car theft issues.

Alaska has been expanding its police force as well as increasing the communication and cooperation between law enforcement agencies. One such instance of this was when local police worked with the US Attorney’s Office in Anchorage to get charges brought on cases where they normally would not have been able to due to grey areas in local and state laws.

In fact, arrests made in Anchorage stemming from vehicle theft tripled from 2014 to 2018. So, the police have certainly done their job.

The police in Alaska are also actively looking to recruit and add new officers in an effort to expand the force.
 

Advice for preventing your car from being stolen

It is also up to you to do your part as well. Here are some ways that you can prevent your car from being stolen in Alaska:

• Do not idle – Do not leave your car running with the keys in the ignition. These circumstances tend to result in some of the more common car theft cases in Alaska.
• Get a trusted security system – There are several very trustworthy car security systems out there. OnStar is one such example. Their service offers features such as GPS tracking of your vehicle, notifications if it is stolen, and, in certain cases they can even slow the car down and bring it to a stop if it is being driven while stolen.
• If you have a garage, use it – Be sure to make use of your garage for something other than storage. Keeping it out in the open always poses a greater risk of theft.
• Keep valuables out of your car – It is usually luxury cars and new cars that are the targets of theft. However, a thief might see an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone if they see some jewelry or electronics in your car through the window.
• Don’t make an obvious mistake – These go without saying, but never forget to lock your car and do not leave a spare set of keys in the vehicle. You would just be making it too easy on the criminals.

Final word

Unfortunately, cars being stolen more frequently than in other parts of the country is a part of life in Alaska. However, law enforcement has been particularly vigilant recently, so you can expect the situation to improve. You can even help protect your vehicle yourself by taking the few simple steps listed above.

Jump to section
Alaska’s wildfires
Alternate travel routes
Tips to stay safe during Alaska’s extended wildfire season
Final word
 

Alaska’s wildfires

Right now, there are wildfires burning in Alaska that are not to be taken lightly. In fact, as a result of these wildfires, the Department of Natural Resources has extended the wildfire season in Alaska to September 30th and Alaska Governor, Michael Dunleavy, has issued a disaster declaration.

The fact that the wildfire season has been extended from its normal end which is August 31st until the end of September means that anyone in Alaska will need permits until that date for any open burns of debris.

So far almost a hundred structures have been destroyed and hundreds of people have been evacuated from areas affected by the wildfires.

Right now, there are four major wildfires burning in Alaska near populated areas:

• MicKinley Fire – This fire is burning across over four thousand acres but is just about halfway contained at this point. It is near the town of Willow and a bit south of Talkeetna. It has burned through multiple homes and businesses so far.
• Caribou Lake Fire – This fire is the smallest of all but still very substantial and serious at nine hundred acres. It is only about a quarter contained at this point and it is located to the northeast of Homer.
• Swan Lake Fire – The Swan Lake Fire is burning across a hundred and fifty-seven thousand acres, so it is the biggest of these wildfires by far. Because it is so big it is only about twenty five percent contained at this point. This fire is closest to Cooper Landing, but it is affecting the entire Kenai Peninsula. This has crippled the tourism in the area as well as the fishing industry. People in the area have been to be ready to evacuate.
• Deshka Landing Fire – This fire is also near the town of Willow and is burning across fourteen hundred acres of land currently. It is about fifty percent contained at this point.

Now, those are the wildfires that are near populated areas. There are many other wildfires in Alaska going on right now in areas that are not near populations. In fact, there are two incredibly massive fires that are burning in Alaska right now which are considerably bigger than the Swan Lake Fire.

There is the Old Grouch Top Fire which covers over three hundred thousand acres just north of Iditarod. There is also the Frozen Calf fire which covers over two hundred and forty thousand acres just north east of Chalkyitsik.
 

Alternate travel routes

Right now, there are several areas that should be avoided at all costs. The first is the Kenai Peninsula. It is completely inaccessible at the moment and like will not be for several more weeks. Driving anywhere south of Anchorage is not recommended.

Route three in Alaska should be avoided anywhere south of Denali State Park as it is heavily affected by the McKinley fire and moderately affected by the Deshka fire.

Most importantly, make sure that you listen to news reports and traffic forecasts each and every day. Local authorities might close some roads entirely.
 

Tips to stay safe during Alaska’s extended wildfire season

The most important thing during a wildfire is to stay safe. You can use the following tips to stay out of harm’s way during a hurricane.

• Listen to any directions from police and emergency services – These are the trained professionals who know what is best in terms of safety in these situations – make sure you listen to them.
• Know the evacuation route – It is very important to be aware of the evacuation route before an emergency situation even occurs. You can find more information regarding Alaska’s evacuation routes and protocols here.
• Keep your windows closed – This should be obvious, but during a wildfire, make sure you keep your windows and doors shut.
• Clear the easily flammable sources away from near your home – Get rid of any wood, firewood, branches or anything that could easily catch fire and put it at least several hundred feet away from your home.
• Do not go home until you are told that it is safe to do so – This should be another obvious point but if you are evacuated, do not venture back home until you receive official notice that it is safe to do so.
• Shut off all gas sources in your home – Just in case the fire gets anywhere near your home, you should make sure that all the gas sources are turned off in order to prevent an ignition.

Final word

The wildfires that are currently burning in Alaska are a very serious situation. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do as an individual to help the containment of these fires but you can make sure that you and your loved ones are safe and sound during the wildfires.

Be sure that you always obey local laws regarding the prevention of wildfires as well. Open debris burns are particularly likely to be the cause of a wildfire so exercise caution and always get the proper permits first.

Jump to section:
The wildlife that you might see out on the road in Alaska
Tips to avoid hitting any animals that are in the road
Final word
 

The wildlife that you might see out on the road in Alaska

When you are driving in Alaska, it is a definite possibility that you might see animals out on the road at any point during the year. If you are not paying attention, you could end up hitting one of these animals which is an awful experience just because of the guilt that comes with injuring or killing an animal. However, it can also cause significant and costly damage to your vehicle as well.

So, it is obviously in your best interest to do everything in your power to avoiding hitting one of these creatures.

There are various types of animals that you could see out on the road in Alaska. This includes deer, moose, elk, bears, wolves, bison, muskox, foxes and more.

On average, Alaska has seen over two hundred vehicle-moose collisions every year. That statistic obviously does not account for any other animal such as deer or bison. So, it is definitely an issue to be aware of.

Some of these animals are obviously larger than others and would cause considerably more damage if you hit one of them with your car. However, it would be a very upsetting and regrettable experience regardless of the type of animal you hit.
 

Tips to avoid hitting any animals that are in the road

There are actually quite a few things you can do to be proactive and avoid hitting one of these animals. Some may be less obvious than the rest:

• Pay attention – This is one of the more obvious tips, but make sure that you are always paying attention to the road at all times while you are driving. Always avoid any distractions such as cell phone use when you are driving your car. Doing something like using your cell phone, for even a moment, can be the difference between being able to avoid a collision with an animal and not being able to.
• Drive with caution – You should always avoid driving too fast or aggressively just as a general best practice in terms of safety, but it also specifically helps you avoid collisions with animals that are out on the road.
• Know your surroundings – If you are aware that you are in a high traffic area for animals such as deer, know that you could very likely have at least one or more of them in the road at in-opportune moments.
• Animals do not often travel alone – You need to realize that animals travel with other animals. So, where you might see one deer, be aware there are likely others nearby as well.
• Do everything you can not to swerve – Brake decisively if you see an animal in your driving path but do not swerve to avoid them. Doing so could take you off the road and cause your vehicle considerable damage and yourself serious injury, possibly worse than if you collided with the animal in question. You can also end up in a collision with another car this way.

Final word

Hitting an animal with your vehicle is one of the last things you want to end up happening while you are driving. The possibility of this occurring in Alaska is as large as it is anywhere else due to the higher volume of wildlife spread throughout the state.

If you do happen to hit an animal when you are driving in Alaska, you will not have to just deal with the guilt and memory of injuring and/or killing an animal, you will very likely also have some expensive damage on your car to take care of.

The primary way that you can avoid a terrible situation like this is by taking the care to drive safely and pay attention at all times.

Jump to section:
Hiking 101
The best places for an easy hike in Alaska
Advice for hiking in Alaska
Final Word
 

Hiking 101

Hiking in Alaska is a wonderful experience that you will want to take advantage of while you still can this year. The weather stays warm and the nights stay long until the middle of September. So, you can plan to go in the next few weeks or you can wait a few months until May when the weather is nice again.

Going for a hike in Alaska is also one of the best ways to see the Alaskan wilderness which includes amazing views of glaciers, forest, lakes, wildlife and more.

You can use this guide for helpful tips and info if it is your first-time hiking in Alaska. A few quick things to remember are to “leave no trace” which means clean up after yourself if you stop to eat or use rations of any kind and you should also always hike with great caution and awareness of your surroundings so that you can stay safe for the duration of your hike.
 

The best places for an easy hike in Alaska

The following hiking paths are all easier and shorter hikes, so as long as you have some basic know-how and a guide or someone with some expertise, these trails should pose no problem for you.

• Lake Gertrude in Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park – This trail overlooks beaches as well as rocky cliffs. There are some great opportunities for fishing here as well. The total trail length is two and a half miles long.
• Exit Glacier in the Kenai Fjords National Park – Often considered one of the best trails in Alaska, the Exit Glacier trail includes breathtaking views of the glacier. The trail is a little less than four and a half miles, roundtrip.
• Thunderbird Falls in the Chugach National Forest – The Thunderbird Falls trail in the Chugach National Forest is a great little hike to what seems like a hidden waterfall in the middle of the beautiful Alaskan Forest.
• Albert Loop Trail in the Chugach State Park – Albert Loop Trail has the best views of various types of wildlife. For hiking, go during the summer. Winter is more of a cross-country skiing experience than anything else.
• Beluga Slough Trail at Bishops Beach Park – This trail is a quick two-and-a-half-mile roundtrip through the island town of Homer. You’ll get some great views of the ocean along with a nice sea breeze during the hike.

Advice for hiking in Alaska

• Get the right gear – You have to make sure that you will bring all of the supplies that you need for your hike so you can enjoy it, but most importantly stay safe. A few of the necessary items to bring are: a compass, a hard-copy map, water, food, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.
• Plan out your hike, top to bottom – Make sure that you are familiar with the trail that you chose to hike prior to your hike. You can carefully look over maps, check out photos and videos online and you can even to a quick drop-by prior to actually taking the hike.
• Go with a buddy or a group – Do not venture out on any of these trails by yourself. Even the easier hikes can be much more dangerous by yourself. Besides, if something unforeseen does occur during your hike, you will have at least another person to rely on for help.
• Check the weather often – You should never embark on a hike during inclement weather. There is simply just too much that can go wrong.
• Dress properly – Make sure that you are dressed appropriately for the potentially rough terrain and outdoor conditions. This will include durable pants, long sleeves and hiking boots.

Final Word

Hiking in Alaska can be one of the better outdoor experiences that you can have while you are there. We strongly recommend that you go during the summer months which are mid-May through mid-September.