Hi Ya'll! After snowboarding over 40 miles and 40,000 feet in Whistler, British Columbia, last weekend, my body is still in the 'what the heck was that' phase, and I'm still a bit sore. But it's a good sore. We had great conditions and snowfall on both days, and we were able to hang out with friends who I hadn't seen in a while.

Staying in Whistler Village is one of my favorite places because it's so walkable, the public transportation is great, and you don't have to drive a car all weekend. Plus, many of the condos have hot tubs, and I can't tell you how great they are for sore muscles.

It was a perfect weekend, and I highly recommend visiting if you enjoy snowboarding or skiing. (Plus, the conversion rate is 30% off.)

Before we jump in. Looking for more travel content? Follow on Instagram.​

What to see and do in Alaska

Explore Denali National Park

Denali is the most well-known national park in Alaska, and it's a magical place. But it's also not easy to do things in. Cars can only drive 15 miles and then you have to jump on a park service bus *if you get a ticket*. The park also only has a handful of designated trails. You can hike anywhere, but you're doing it off-trail and on tundra, which is exhausting to walk on.

So, it's a tremendous place to visit, but not easy - which is why I recommend a flightseeing trip in order to see all the places you'll never get to.

Related: Read my Three-Day Denali Itinerary​

Boat Cruise in the Kenai Fjords

My second favorite tour we did in Alaska, but this is far more encompassing than the Denali flight (see below). This cruise is 6 hours long, though longer ones are available. You'll see sea life, glaciers, birds, and the region's gorgeous scenery. It might be the best bang-for-your-buck purchase.

Related: Guide to Kenai Fjords​

​Book Tours while in Seward​

Hike around the Kenai Peninsula

The Kenai Peninsula is a big place, but comparatively, very accessible and drivable. It's home to Alyeska Resort, Kenai Fjords National Park, Homer, and Cooper Landing. It's beautiful, has lots of wildlife, plenty of hikes, and more than enough things for 3-6 days.

Related: 6 days itinerary in the Kenai ​

Walk on the Mantanuska Glacier

There are only a few places in North America where one can easily and safely walk on a glacier. Mantanuska Glacier is about two hours from Anchorage. It's recommended to go with a guide to ensure safety and have all the proper equipment.

See bears up close in Katmai NP or Lake Clark NP

It is probably the most noteworthy (and expensive) one on this list. Getting up close and personal with brown bears was the highlight of 2024. You can do day trips from Anchorage/Homer or take a multi-day excursion. It's 1000% worth it, but you also have to be okay getting into a small plane and landing either on water or a small strip of land/beach.

​If you need some inspiration, watch my YouTube video here

Visit the old mining town of McCarthy in Wrangell St Elias NP

At the end of an infamous 60-mile dirt road is McCarthy, AK. It's an old mining town in Wrangell St Elias National Park - America's largest NP. We spent three days here, living in the middle of nowhere. We got to do a flightseeing trip, walk on the Root Glacier, and spend time in a town that has less than 20 people year-round.

Related: Three days in McCarthy, AK​

Related: What to do in WStE NP​

Denali Flightseeing Tour

It was the most incredible and mind-blowing tour I've ever done. We booked the lowest (cheapest) flight, and they upgraded us to a longer flight and a glacier landing. We couldn't believe our luck. Getting to fly around Denali showed us glaciers, jagged peaks, and the most beautiful sights. I'm still in awe of it.

Related: Flightseeing over Denali​

​Book Tours​

Homer

Homer is the furthest south you can drive in the Kenai Peninsula. It's a cute little town with beautiful views and plenty to do outside. We went here in 2021 as a launching point for our bear-watching trip in Lake Clark. The amount of Bald Eagles was amazing when we were there in early June.

Related: A guide to visiting Homer, AK​

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What is happening with the National Park and National Forest Employees

Over the last week, thousands of National Park, National Forest, and other federal workers (FAA and nuclear weapons staff, to name a couple) have been fired due to (personal opinion: insane) budget cuts.

So, what does this mean going forward? I'm not sure.

Honestly, I don't think we will truly know until the summer surge happens. But, many expect much longer lines, reservation issues (or just no reservations), short staff, bathroom/trash pick-up issues, and less safety focus throughout the parks and public lands.

Maybe legal challenges will turn this around, but likely they won't. So, if you're planning for summer national park adventures, keep this in the back of your mind and plan for early mornings into the park to avoid the lines. (And probably pack some toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and other necessities that may not be available.)

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Have you watched or subscribed to my YouTube Channel?

​Click here to subscribe. (If everyone did this, it would be AWESOME!)

​My top hikes of 2024​

​A bluebird day at Mt Baker (NEW)​

​6 day hiking adventure in Canada​

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That's all, folks! Thank you for being here. Have a wonderful day and weekend ahead.