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While August 2015 may be history now, the National Park Service is busy planning its future celebration for next August. In August 2016, the National Park Service will celebrate its 100^th birthday. 100 years is something big to celebrate and it’s never too early to start planning ahead.

While you may be picking pumpkins right now and enjoying a pumpkin-flavored latte or even planning as far ahead as New Year’s Eve, it’s never too early to plan a trip to Alaska. Since next summer will be here before you know it, why not plan a visit to one of their national parks or join in on the social media fun?

The Centennial will host plenty of activities throughout national parks where you can enjoy some recreation, learn about the history of the park, and find out about the ongoing preservation of these magnificent natural parks. All this, while taking in the panoramic views and getting close to nature and sharing your finds.

Can You Find this Park? Katmai National Park & Preserve

If you’ve never heard of Katmai National Park, you can join in on some fun on social media throughout 2016. As the National Park Service prepares to celebrate its 100^th anniversary, they offer the opportunity to join in the “Find Your Park” campaign.

You can share and share some more about your ideas or great photos on Twitter, Facebook and Flickr. Tag your tweet, for example, with #IFoundKatmai or check out http://findyourpark.com/share and share what you’ve discovered in one of the National Parks.

While Glacier Bay and, of course Denali National Park are the more well-known and well-loved of Alaska’s National Parks; Katmai is a best-kept secret. Explore the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. In the early 1900s, a volcano, later named Novarupta, erupted. The steamy vents were later named the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.

Katmai is one of the best spots for bear viewing. You can spot a brown bear in its natural habitat as it fishes for a delectable salmon dinner. Want to watch a mamma bear teach her cub the tricks of survival, watch it on a bear cam throughout the park.

Way More than Off-the-Beaten Path: Gates of the Arctic National Park

This park makes the expression, “off-the-beaten path” seem tame. Gates of the Arctic is located in one of the most remote places in the United States. Only a few thousand visitors arrive every year. If you decide that being in the most remote wilderness beyond what your imagination can conjure up, then this is the place for you.

Be aware, however, you need to be extremely experienced in survivalist skills in the great outdoors. For some, being out in the middle of nowhere is exhilarating and exciting. There are no services at this park; not much in the way of outside contact, no direct routes, roadways, or trails. There are no established camp sites either. For some, this is a challenging adventure; for others it is wiser to hire an outfitter to help you set up camp, take a hike, and not go it alone. You can fish in a sparkling cool lake with nothing but the sounds of nature as your backdrop or sit back in awe of the rugged mountains and watch the caribou in their natural surroundings.

Want to experience the magnificent and awe-inspiring panoramic views for an aerial point of view? You can hire an air-taxi and take a tour instead. Either way, it’s the experience of a lifetime you will not likely soon forget.

Well-Known & Well-Loved: Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve

If you are like most people, you’ve probably been to a few national parks here and there, but none can compare to the Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. With millions of acres of looming mountains, ice-blue glaciers, and a temperate rain forest, Glacier Bay National Park is an interesting mix of sights and sounds. Wildlife, wilderness and adventure are all in abundance at Glacier Bay.

Make reservations on a cruise ship, plan a hike or relax at the lodge. Celebrate 100 years of National Park history and recreation with the wildlife and wilderness that has remained unchanged during those 100 years.

Turning 100 is a big deal – not only for the parks, but for the wildlife that grows, thrives and survives there.

If you had to describe Alaska using only one word, what do you think it would be? For many, the answer may be the word vast. Alaska, otherwise known as the Last Frontier and for good reasons, is a one-of-a-kind type of state. From its culture and history to its wildlife and weather, its vast diversity of things to do and see seems quite endless.

You may have been to Alaska and are seeking some unusual things to do next time you visit or you may have never gone before and want to have a more original experience. Here is a list of the top 20 unusual things to do in Alaska from geography to culture that you may or may not have done before.

1. Relax in a Jacuzzi aboard a yacht as you sail through the Prince William Sound. Sound too out of reach? Well, it doesn’t have to be. You can mix exhilaration with luxury as you board the Miss Brizz in partnership with Alaska Wilderness Voyage out onto the Prince William Sound and if that isn’t exciting enough, wait until you board a kayak in the middle of the water surrounded by roaring mountains and thrilling glaciers as you explore bays and coves. Explore the wonders of wilderness of the Prince William and later on enjoy your catch of the day out on the back deck. It will be like nothing else you’ve ever experienced.
2. Visit the Chena Hot Springs Resort in Fairbanks Alaska and freeze your senses. Imagine a place where you can visit the healing waters of a hot spring resort and take in the experience of sipping an Appletini in the ice bar located at the Aurora Ice Museum. Imagine 1000 tons of ice and snow recreated to form the most amazing ice sculptures you have ever seen from the Polar Bear Bedroom to the colored ice crystal chandeliers hanging above; you will be mesmerized.
3. Go glacier kayaking or visit an oyster farm in Halibut Cove and go bottoms up as you try one for yourself. Located in Kachemak Bay State Park, this charming little town has a lot to offer.
4. There’s nothing boring about bore tides. Take a trip to Turnagain Arm down the Seaward Highway and witness waves, some of which can reach walls of up to 10 feet high and be amazed at how they form and travel at up to 15 miles per hour with the mountains as their backdrop. It’s almost like something out of a movie scene.
5. Cozy up to a 100 pound cabbage at the Alaska State Fair. At one of the past fairs, there was a record winning 127 pound cabbage and just as many folks wanting their photo with it.
6. Be an Iditarod Rider. Bid you way into winning one of the hottest seats around in Alaska. If you win, you can shout “Mush” as you become a passenger on the sled of the most exciting race around.
7. Of course, Alaska is known for its wilderness, but you can have a different experience with these animals – horses. Take a carriage ride through downtown Anchorage any time of year with the Horse-Drawn Carriage Company.
8. Take a long, secluded ride on a 414 mile isolated road known as The Dalton Highway. It’s a great place to get away from it all, and get lost in your thoughts along the way.
9. Take a time out at the Tenakee Hot Springs. You might not think of anything as being hot in Alaska, but these springs can reach 107 degrees
10. Get your education on at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and take part in an Intertribal Gathering.
11. Get your body moving and take part in a Multicultural Drumming and Dance event at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
12. Sample some gold-rush era brew at the Alaskan Brewing Company and take a tour.
13. Hang out by the world’s supposed biggest chocolate fountain at 20 feet tall while taking a visit of the Alaska Wildberry Products store.
14. Get your peace on as you visit the shrine of St. Therese. Enjoy some peaceful lodging as you have a spiritual experience.
15. Let your mouth hang open as you drive the scenic road of the 135 mile Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway. Any time of year is awe-inspiring.
16. Check out the most interesting carvings on the totem poles in Ketchikan at the Saxman Totem Park.
17. Enjoy a ride on the ferry that will connect you with many adventurous places along the Alaska Marine Highway System.
18. Check out all of Alaska’s fairs and festivals from the Bald Eagle Festival to the Alaska Folk Festival.
19. Try something new like the reindeer sausage made at Alaska Sausage and Seafood.
20. Get in touch with your inner nature photographer at Pribilof Island. The wildlife and the photo opportunities are abundant and magnificent to view.

October brings many pleasures from an array of deep-hued, changing and falling leaves to the promise of a long winter’s nap. While summer celebrates plenty of traditions such as old-time auto shows and outdoor music, there’s something special about fall, as well. The air is crisper and cleaner, and there is a newness about the season. Imagine yourself in Alaska surrounded by all the amenities fall has to offer and throw in an Oktoberfest or two and you have the setting for a perfect trip to Alaska this fall.

If you are planning a trip to Alaska or have been thinking about it this fall, why not celebrate Alaska, German heritage and, don’t forget – beer this fall at one of Alaska’s many Oktoberfests.

Oktoberfest in Alaska

Hundreds of thousands of German descendants are getting ready to celebrate October in Anchorage. The German Club of Anchorage has the honor of hosting the biggest Oktoberfest festival in keeping with this tradition that is just under 50 years old.

On October 2-3, 2015, you can expect to see traditional festivities such as polka music and polka dancing and plenty of German cultural festivities. There will be plenty of German food and, of course, German beverages to enjoy. Feel free to don your best Dirndl or Lederhosen too.

Aleyska Resort Oktoberfest

If you are in the Girdwood, Alaska region, then take some time to join the festivities at the Aleyska Resort Oktoberfest. There will be plenty of food, beer and lively music to keep the festivities going. The fair runs Saturday and Sunday until October 2^nd and 3^rd, 2015. What better way to celebrate the many fine characteristics of German beer and food then with a German polka dance at an Alaskan resort?

While you may associate Alaska with the Eskimos or Inupiat heritage, German heritage is an important part of Alaska. Not sure of what types of food you might encounter at a German Festival Oktoberfest? Here are a few you might want to explore:

• Bratwurst
• Knackwurst
• Kassler
• And, of course, German potato salad

When you are full of delicious German, tasty treats, you can then try your hand (or your feet) at some traditional dance such as polka or a fast waltz. With all this eating, drinking and dancing to keep you warm, you may even forget you are in the cooler Alaskan temperatures.

Haven’t had enough food or beer yet during your October trip to Alaska? Try the Great Alaska Beer Train adventure.

Great Alaska Beer Train

Picture yourself enjoying the 100 mile scenic tour from Anchorage to Portage with the finest local microbrews all lined up and ready for you to taste. Sitting back and relaxing, enjoying a ½ dozen half-pints of Glacier Brewhouse beers and munching on appetizers while you take in one of the most breathtaking scenic tours you could imagine.

Alaska and October – it doesn’t get much better than this.

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama entered Alaska creating another first, as he was the first U.S. president to cross the Arctic. President’s Obama’s visit to Kotzebue Alaska was created to send the message to all the other states that the United States in its entirety needs to do a lot more about global warming.

With all the coverage the president’s visit received, it seems there was an additional bonus, as well. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have now been introduced to the beauty and the majesty of Alaska.

If you’ve never been to Alaska and are now planning a trip, you can enjoy seeing Alaska like President Obama did and follow in some of his footsteps.

Dillingham

While the more popular tourist towns to visit in Alaska might be Anchorage or Juneau, Dillingham Alaska has so much to offer, as well. While Dillingham is a small town, the bonus is you get the benefit of that small town vibe. Dillingham residents will make you feel right at home.

Getting Away From It All to Gain It all

If you are looking for peace, quiet, and serenity and a way to get away from it all, Dillingham is one of the remotest places you can choose. While some of us might enjoy catching our first trout or salmon, you can find five species of salmon while you enjoy the faraway feel of being out in the wilderness.

Wood Tikchik State Park

While the name may be a bit of a tongue twister, Wood Tikchik State Park gets to boast the title of largest state park in the nation. When Alaska does something, it does it big. With Nushagak lowlands eastward and Wood River Mountains westward, this park personifies diverse beauty and wildlife at its best.

You can view various forms of wildlife that you may have never expected to see:

• Caribou
• Brown bear on the prowl for salmon
• Moose roaming the land
• Bald eagles nesting

You can enjoy an overabundance of fishing experiences in your quest for several types of fish:

• Salmon from king to sockeye
• Rainbow trout
• Dolly varden
• Arctic char

Visiting here gives you a sense of something much bigger than yourself as you leave your cares behind.

Camping Time

What’s better than camping out by the clear lakes of Alaska in the nation’s largest state park? Whether you cast a line, go for a row or take a hike, there’s no shortage of majestic beauty here. Just make certain to check for fees and permit regulations ahead of time.

The Beauty that is Kotzebue

There are few places in the world that can claim the title of unspoiled beauty and Kotzebue is one of them. There you will find the indigenous people who make it so special. The majority of residents that make up the community are the Inupiat Eskimos.

The Northwest Arctic Heritage Center is a wondrous place to learn more of the history and culture. Noatak National Preserve and the Kobuk Valley National Park both offer you something different from sand dunes and rivers to plenty of caribou.

Denali National Park

No visit to Alaska would be complete without a visit to Denali National Park. If you want to view wildlife in their natural settings as unspoiled and untouched as they ever have been, than Denali is the place to be and see.

Preservation and conservation are the name of the game in this majestic park. Whether you’re seeking the peace and tranquility of summer or fall or the utmost of intense tests on its terrain in winter, Denali National park has something for all skill levels or remote peace-seekers.

• Climb a mountain
• Hike with a ranger
• Cycle the open road
• Flight see in search of wildlife
• Backpack in some of the most remote places you can find
• Explore and enjoy

If you want to get a feel for what true Alaska is like, any one of these locales or all of them will fit the bill. These are just some of the highlights of a trip well taken in the beautiful and majestic lands of Alaska.

When most people think of Alaska, they might think of long summer days and even longer winter nights. Or, perhaps, they think of lots and lots of snow and ice with massive blue ice glaciers. However, there is so much more to Alaska than meets the eye; one such example is the vast opportunities for hiking in Alaska.

You can hike up mountains and also view glaciers on a hike. One of the best and most well-loved places to hike, though, is in Chugach State Park.

Chugach State Park

If you are visiting South Central Alaska any time soon, then are you in for a massive treat, especially if you are a lover of hiking. Chugach State Park has hundreds of thousands of acres and hundreds of trails waiting for you to come and explore. With mountains on one side and the Prince William Sound on another, the views are indescribable. Crow Pass is one of the many trails, a favorite of many, and also a gem of a find.

Crow Pass

Travel along on this path and get a feel for what it might have been like on the original Iditarod Trail. This is a 21 mile trek, which many hikers will take on in a 2-day span. Make no mistake about it, though, right from the onset Crow Pass will take you through a breathtaking array of views that words cannot describe.

What makes the end of August and early September so spectacular on Crow Pass is in the variety of things you will see and discover along the way. On Crow Pass not only can you envision a field of wildflowers, you can hike through them. Interested in viewing some old mines, you can check those out too. From glaciers to waterfalls and wildlife in betwixt and between, Crow Pass has it all.

Along the way, as you pass the old mine, you will come to a fork in the road. Unlike the proverbial fork in the road, neither choice is a wrong choice. You will have the opportunity to pass some beautiful waterfalls. You can choose to take the high road or lower grounds. Where else can you go and see Alpine lake, exquisite all-around views of peaks and glaciers as you hike your heart away through breathtaking Alaska?

If you are new to hiking, you can find comfort in the fact that Crow Pass is a popular hike. For those just starting out hiking, it is nice to know that there are other hikers to share the journey with or, if you’re feeling a bit nervous about a hike such as this, to give you confidence. Other hikers can also provide you with pleasant distractions should you become a bit nervous about hiking through one of the most glorious trails on earth. They can also offer tips and tricks if they are seasoned pros.

If you plan on camping, make certain to check and see what camp sites are open, what the restrictions are and if permits are required. Some of the steps of Crow Pass can be steep due to rocky terrain. Make certain to wear appropriate hiking boots. The right gear is also essential. Have a chat with store owners, locals and guides and inquire as to what the best gear is and where to purchase it. Rain gear, even in August may be an essential. Layers of clothing to keep warm is also extremely important.

Be mindful, also, of the wildlife that calls these grounds their home. If you are camping, make certain to keep all food and other items far away from your tent. If you do intend to camp, make certain to gather your information from as many visitors’ centers and professionals as possible so that you have a safe and memorable trip.

Between the wildflowers and berries and the crisp, cool air along with the changing colors of the leaves, an August hike in Alaska is a wondrous adventure.

For many people, a visit to Alaska is a lifelong dream. Some put it off until retirement while others dream of a destination wedding in The Last Frontier. Alaska is a large state, just about double that of Texas, so when you think of how much ground you have to cover, it’s no wonder you worry about how much it would cost to cover all that territory. In addition, some of that territory is only accessible by air or by sea. Nevertheless, you don’t have to worry about spending a fortune just to get it all in on your visit to Alaska.

What’s Great about the Great Outdoors?

One of the best things about traveling to Alaska is the host of outdoor activities you can find there and many of them are low cost.

Hiking

If you are already a hiker, chances are you will have your own gear and plenty of it. You will already own the perfect pair of hiking boots that are perfectly worn in for your next trekking adventure. Angel Rocks Trailhead is a perfect example of how to explore nature while in Alaska and do it on a budget. Hiking is not an overly expensive sport to enjoy. It’s just you, your gear and nature.

Toss in a Line

Don’t worry if you don’t have your own gear. You can rent most of what you need without worrying about exorbitant expenses. Fishing in Alaska is one of the most rewarding and satisfying ways to spend your time and doesn’t have to cost a fortune either. There are plenty of places to cast a line and even more choices of fish to catch from salmon to halibut in the most pristine and diverse settings, as well.

Camping

In Alaska, you can choose from pitching a tent at the bottom of a mountain or staying in an RV at Denali National Park. There are park grounds and camp grounds all over the state and roughing it is one sure way to go frugal in Alaska.

No matter which of these three outdoor activities you choose, you never have to worry about owning expensive gear because you can rent just about anything and everything you need for your outdoor expeditions.

Travel off Season

Another great way to save money and travel on a budget in Alaska is to travel off season. With all the tourists flocking down to Alaska in the summertime, you can find yourself a great deal during fall or spring. Most tourists visit during the summer, but you can enjoy beautiful clean, crisp weather in the spring and fall seasons and find plenty of savings, as well.

Eat Like a Native/Shop Like a Local

If you don’t want to spend a fortune on meals, stay away from the tourist spots. Eat like an Alaskan and enjoy foods off the beaten path at smaller locales. If you want to do some shopping, again, stay away from tourist traps. If you are staying with a friend or renting a space that has a kitchenette, then get yourself a grocery card at one of the local stores and pay much less than you would at a café or restaurant geared toward tourists. You may spend a few more dollars on a place with a kitchenette, but you will reap that back twofold by buying and cooking your own meals.

Stay and Play

If you have a friend in Alaska, ask if you can come visit. Offer to make the evening meals and make it a barter situation. If you don’t have a friend to stay with, buddy up with another family. Sometimes you can find a rental and share the expenses with another couple or family. Check out Airbnb for great places to stay for reasonable rates.

Airfare

Think about shopping around a few months before to get the best price on airfare you can possibly find. Sometimes booking too far in advance doesn’t allow you to get the best deal. As it gets closer to take-off, sometimes the airline will want to fill up the plane. With empty seats on board, you may just get a bigger discount. Fly with stopovers. Most direct flights are more costly, but when you book with stopovers, you may see a decrease in fare.

There are plenty of places to stay, things to do and see on a budget for your next Alaskan adventure.

Being the parent of a teen is challenging in many ways, from knowing when to hold them close to learning when to let go a little bit more each day. Traveling with teens can be an equal challenge. Not only are there different tastes, likes and dislikes, your teen can go from wanting to be right by your side to needing his/her space on a dime.

The key to traveling with teenagers is to make certain that their experience is their own. Rather than wanting them to see, feel and hear all that you do on your next adventure, allow them to interpret it on their own. What better way and what better location than to take a trip to Alaska with your teen. Alaska is authentic in its own right and has earned its name of the Last Frontier time and time again.

In Alaska, you can have experiences of bonding and connecting without having to say much at all. It is virtually impossible not to connect in the most natural, pristine environment that so much wildlife and exhilarating adventure calls home.

Here are some top must-do activities for you and your teen in Alaska this summer.

It Wouldn’t be Alaska if You Didn’t go Fishing

One of the first things you would need to do in order to define your fishing experience is to decide where and how you want to fish in Alaska. There are a few questions, but important ones, to ask:

• Do you want to charter a boat?
• Are you interested in fishing in a lake or a river?
• What type of fish would most float your boat – salmon, trout or halibut?
• Are you looking to rough it for the night and do something rustic?
• Or, do you want to ease your teen into fishing with a more luxurious accommodation?
• Ice fishing or fly fishing?

Once you have chosen your type of adventure and what kind of fish you would be fishing for, the rest is easy – just throw out the rod and feel your way through the experience. The Kenai Peninsula has to be one of the best spots to experience real fishing, Alaskan-style for your trip.

Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park and Preserve truly is one of the best spots in Alaska for families. There is such a variety of discoveries to make and activities to take place in that it is virtually impossible to be at a loss for something to please everyone.

• Tent-camping or RV camping in the park is a great way to experience wildlife, nature and Alaska like nowhere else you can imagine
• Take a dog-sled demonstration and feel as though you are actually part of the Iditarod
• Hit the trails and take a hike
• Cycling through the park road will leave you and your teen feeling challenged. There are some steep downward hills and some blind curves to navigate, but with the ever-expanding hand-eye coordination teens gained from all that video game playing, they are bound to find it a challenge they can handle and a thrill to remember.

Teen Trips to Alaska

What better way to have your teen feel emancipated (at least for a little while) than to send him/her on a teen trip to Alaska. There are plenty of trip packages and tours that cater to youth when visiting Alaska.

Teenagers can experience a host of activities from backpacking in the Chugach Mountains where they learn necessary survival skills as they trek along through the wilderness to sea kayaking adventures with bald eagles overhead and beluga whales in the distance.

If you and your teen are even more adventurous, there are climbing tours and packages for your teens to partake in, as well. Imagine giving your teen the opportunity to explore the sport of ice-climbing with some introductory lessons combined with camping out at the base of a mountain with snow-capped mountains overhead as they bond with other teens.

Teen summer camps filled with mountain climbing, white water rafting and backpacking are just a few more items for your teen to experience on their Alaskan itinerary adventure.

So, if you thought Alaska was for the seasoned explore, think again as you open up to the idea that Alaska is for everyone. Your teen will have the experience of a lifetime and a tale or two to go along with it.

Most people associate Alaska with Glaciers, mountains and snow. Of course, there is so much more to Alaska than ice and snow. Alaska has some of the most glorious weather in the summer than anywhere else in the nation. Glistening lakes, waterfalls and the redefining of “long summer nights” is more of what Alaska has to offer. Some of Alaska’s longest summer nights can last up to 21 hours in certain areas.

As a visitor to Alaska, you have a choice of adventures from which to choose; camping, hiking, surfing, waterway activities, and fishing just to name a few. If you’ve never been to Alaska, you might not think of it as the land of the eagle or home to moose crossings wherever you go, but the wildlife in Alaska is a collection like no other.

Wildlife by Land

When it comes to Alaska’s land animals, you would think you were in an endless zoo. Alaska’s terrain is filled with animals in their natural habitat, which is one of the biggest draws to the state.

The Bears of the Land

Alaska’s terrain is home to both black and brown (grizzly) bears. As a visitor, you have many opportunities to see these bears. If you are camping, however, you don’t want to see them up close and personal because you didn’t secure your camping grub properly. Not only will you meet a bear up close and personal, you may also lose your dinner, as well. Even though the black bear is smaller than the grizzly, you’ll more than likely want to visit Alaska’s bears under different circumstances.

If you really want to view bears in Alaska, take a trip to bear camp instead. One such example is the Lake Clark National Park. At Lake Clark National Park Bear Camp, you will experience the true meaning of Alaska’s nickname, “The Last Frontier.” Access to this park is by air or by sea. Here you will experience the opportunity to view bear in their wilderness habitat. There truly is no place like this on earth where the raw environment and rugged wilderness are yours to view – a place where bears eat, fish and play.

Alaskan Moose – The Granddaddy of Them All

While they may seem slow and unresponsive moose are powerful in both size and stature. Moose can be up to 7 feet in height and that’s not including those antlers and they can weigh thousands of pounds. Sometimes in Alaska, you don’t have to go too far to view a moose. Sometimes on your drive on Turn Again Arm Drive, you may have to allot some extra time for moose crossing. Moose have been known to come into town for a visit or to check out your garbage pail to see what’s good for the picking.

Caribou, mountain goats and dall sheep are among some of the land animals you get set your sights on in Alaska.

Denali National Park is the best place to see caribou, bears, and dall sheep all in one place.

Alaska Wildlife by Air

Of course, one of the most legendary, must-see and much-loved birds of the sky in Alaska is the eagle. You may have seen photos, read about or even viewed videos of the bald eagle. Nothing does it justice like seeing it up front. The Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge might just be the best place to see such a sight. With its extensive boardwalk and helpful scopes, you might view more than a bald eagle. You may be able to catch a glimpse of migrating birds and floating swans along the marsh.

Eagle beach is another perfect spot for bald eagle sightings. You may find them perched on a rock waiting for some salmon or high in a tree waiting to swoop down and get some food.

The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is another prime location to get acquainted with the elusive bald eagle.

Alaska by Sea

When you think of Alaska’s wildlife, polar bears are one of the first things that may come to mind along with those bald eagles and bears. Even though they are found on land, polar bears hang out mostly by the sea ice, as it likes to stay close to its mode of transportation for getting its food – seals. If you’ve never seen a polar bear stand up, it’s an awe-inspiring sight to see – they can stand up to 10 feet tall and their paws are an impressive yet intimidating sight to see.

Perhaps you would enjoy scheduling a tour with The Northern Alaska Tour Company or going on an Arctic Air Expedition leaving from Anchorage.

Another resident of the sea are its whales. Humpbacks, beluga and orca are among the whale sightings that are yours for the viewing in Alaska’s waters. What would a trip to Alaska be without incorporating a whale watching tour into the mix? A tour from Seward, Homer or Prince William Sound will prove to be one of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring adventures on your trip to Alaska.

There are a host of whale viewing tours for your viewing pleasure. Once you have taken one, you will never be the same. Seeing a beluga whale at Beluga Point along the Seward Highway or taking a tour to view the orca, which is the largest member of the dolphin family, will be an experience that truly deserves the title of “once-in-a-lifetime.”

With its range of wildlife from salmon to whales and from black bears to polar bears, it’s no wonder that Alaska is known as the Last Frontier.

Packing, in general, can be a daunting task, especially if you are visiting someplace for the first time. If you are traveling to a tropical island, it’s pretty basic – sunscreen, swimsuit, and sunglasses are your basic must-have items. However, what if you are traveling somewhere as unique as Alaska?

Alaska has a range of weather, especially depending upon what city you are visiting and what time of year you are visiting. As beautiful and never surprising as Alaska’s landscape is, its weather is a bit more unpredictable. Temperatures can hover at the 60 degree mark in spring or soar into the 90s in summer; meanwhile record temperatures in Prospect Creek back in 1971 came in at an all-time low of minus 80 degrees.

Not only do you have to figure out the weather in Alaska, you have to figure out what to wear. Moreover, each city has varying degrees of temperature. Here are a few good tips on how to dress in Alaska.

Layers, Layers, Layers

Whether or not you have been to Alaska yet, most anyone you ask about the subject will advise you to dress in layers and plenty of them. The theory is to dress in layers so that you can peel them away as needed. You would rather be too warm in Alaska with the ability to peel away those layers than to be too cold.

Although, things seem to be warming up each year in Alaska, you never want to leave home without layers.

First things first – the closest layer to your skin should be made out of material that wicks away moisture from your body. You want to stay warm and in order to do so, you need to stay dry. After all, what good is it if the layer closest to your skin is not absorbent? You will be cold and damp instead of warm and protected.

How to dress also depends upon what activities you will be doing. The closer to the colder temperature and wet activities you are, the more equipment you will need. Synthetic materials are best since they are warm, lightweight and breathable. Synthetic pants and lots of long sleeve tee shirts will do you well. These tee shirts are perfect for layering. Water resistant outerwear is perfect for outdoor activities on the water like boating or fishing excursions.

If hiking, invest in a good pair of hiking boots. If your feet are comfortable, your whole body will thank you. And if you really want to be good to your feet, don’t forget synthetic fiber socks. Keeping your feet dry and warm will mean more opportunity to focus on the activity at hand.

Always bring a hat and gloves. When your feet and head are warm, the rest of your body will warm up too.

Things You Need to Remember about Dressing in Alaska

While it is important to dress right in the cold weather Alaska can dish out, it is equally important to remember that it can get extremely hot. Depending upon what time of year you are traveling and what city you will be traveling to, you will want to remember sunscreen.

While it may not feel that warm, the sun can hurt your skin just like anywhere else. Don’t associate Alaska with only cold weather. Also, don’t forget that Alaska has days in summer that can last up to 18 hours. The temptation to stay out and play all day and all night during summer solstice may have you forgetting to bring and wear sunscreen. Just because you are in Alaska, doesn’t mean you should forget this important detail.

Sunglasses are a great idea, as well. Your eyes can still feel the impact of the bright snow, the crisp blue ocean and the heat of the sun. For most people, sunglasses are a fashion statement, but for visiting Alaska, they are for your protection, as well.

Rainy Days

Regardless if you are traveling in the summer or spring, bring some raingear. It doesn’t only snow or stay sunny for 18 hour stretches, there are seasons in Alaska too. Just as important as knowing what to wear, is knowing the area to which you are traveling. For example, it may be 54 degrees in Anchorage one May and 70 degrees in Fairbanks. Knowing the average temperature of your destination will help you to pack right or pack light.

You can never go wrong with packing layers and good quality outer vest that is waterproof along with your hat, gloves and sun protection. Once you have packed up and are ready to go, the only thing left to do is to enjoy all the uniqueness that Alaska has to offer.

The extreme weather changes throughout the years across the United States are continuing to climb. From extreme droughts in one state to excessive rain in others, the climate change is steadily increasing. These changes are due to human activity and causing serious issues.

Everywhere you look – from car companies to food companies – there are advertisements for going green and saving the planet. Gone is the day where these are simply personal causes or hobbies – they have become global issues and causes, and the weather patterns are screaming at us to take action quickly. The California drought and the weather changes in Alaska are all screaming at us to stand up or wake up and take notice.

Barrow Alaska

The city of Barrow in Alaska has seen a lot of visitors lately; however, these visitors are not made up of only tourists. They are made up of scientists. For years now, scientists have taken interest in the climate change in the city of Barrow. The importance of ice, its formation and its arrival and the changing climate are the subject of vital importance.

This area has been warming up at record speeds and the results are having extreme negative impacts that trickle down. Melting ice impacts the environment on many levels such as the forests, ecosystems and waterways. The ice that once acted as protection from the sea for coastal towns is now melting away, leaving cities exposed to coastal storms and coastal erosion.

NASA’s Terra Satellite Map

Earlier in May, this map showed part of Alaska was actually hotter than part of Texas. Hard to believe. Eagle, a little town in Alaska had higher temperatures one day toward the end of May than Houston.

As Arctic sea ice heats up, so did the temperature in Eagle, Alaska. The climate in Alaska is heating up and is hotter than average.

The Highs and the Lows

While certain parts of Alaska observed record warm temperatures in the month of May, other areas recorded snow in June. Temperatures from 90 degrees in May dipped down to below 30 degrees in the first week of June.

After experiencing a warmer than usual winter, Alaska is breaking temperature records this spring, as well. The expectation from the National Weather Forecast is that a higher degree of melting will continue as the trend.

Barrow typically sees temperatures in the 20s during May, but reached up to 47 degrees instead. Eagle had a nice stretch of 80 degree or higher weather while Anchorage experienced its hottest April on record and Fairbanks had a record-breaking 86 degree day.

Alaska and Earthquakes

When you think of Alaska, you may not associate earthquakes with the 49^th state. Most people associate places like California with earthquakes; however, Alaska does and has experienced its share of earthquakes with a magnitude 6.7 as recently as May of this year.

In 1964, however, Alaska experienced a magnitude 9.2 earthquake with resulting tsunami and landslides. While some people may not be aware that Alaska even has earthquakes, for those who experienced this one, it was an unforgettable event coming in as one of the world’s largest earthquakes recorded.

Global warming is a term heard on the daily, as well as going green. Years ago, people associated going green with a hobby or simply taking up a cause as the term “tree hugger” became popular.

It’s obvious the warming trend, ice melting in Alaska and higher temperatures are having their impact. With the current trends in Alaska including the most recent earthquakes, it stands to reason that going green, becoming a tree hugger and doing our part to stop global warming are no longer hobbies. These things are a way of life, not so much as a lifestyle but a desperate action plan to maintain, preserve and sustain life – not only for Alaska, but for the planet as a whole.