What to do, What to do

The Aurora

If the sun cooperates you might be able to view the aurora. To check the forecast as September nears check: the aurora forecast. If seeing the aurora is important to you, you might want to consider a trip to Fairbanks. They see the aurora over 150 days a year as compared to 10-15 for Anchorage.

Broadway

The Lion King is in Anchorage! For six weeks! Ok, it's not outdoors, but it is the talk of the town. Visit the ACA for more info. Or purchase tickets from Centertix.

Denali National Park

The park is open for bus tours until the 15th of September. During the month of July you can apply for a permit to drive into Denali National Park in September on the 16, 17, 18, and 19. But do not pick the 19th, as it is about 200 miles from Anchorage to the park entrance and it takes all day to drive the 90 mile road into the park.


Fishing

Silver Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Lake Trout, and Greyling can all be caught this time of year. While either spinning tackle and fly fishing will work, this is the prime fishing season for fly fishers. The Kenai River has produces 30 inch 12# rainbows. See Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Hiking

This can be done from Anchorage into the Chugach State Park (600,000 acre) and the Chugach National Forest (6,200,000 acres) or you can drive outside Anchorage for other options. Flat Top is a local favorite (not exactly difficult, but does require scrambling over boulders) and within the city limits.

Hunting

This the towards the end of the hunting season in Alaska. If you have questions ask at the Outdoors directory, or ask the Groom. See Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Outdoors Directory Forum

For questions about who, what, when, and where check out the Outdoors directory forum.

Photography

This is the peak of Alaska's fall colors and bird migrations. There will likely be snow caps on the mountains, fish spawning in the rivers, and wild life to photograph.

rock collecting

From fosils to gold there are a many diffrent varieties of rock native to Alaska. See http://www.rock-stuff.com/ or the groom for more information.

shopping

In Anchorage there are several stores that sell art and native crafts, so plan to spend an afternoon wandering the streets downtown.

Train

Ride the rail

Some other handy web sites

Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Weather

Alaska Outdoor Journal

Alaska State Parks


The Anchroage Daily News