ANCHORAGE ALASKA: It is the gateway to incredible.

BACK TO ALASKA

Table of Contents:

ANCHORAGE TODAY

SHOULD SEE ANCHORAGE.

NEARBY ANCHORAGE

TASTE ALASKA

SEE ANCHORAGE.

Many of my friends in Anchorage get out of the city as often as they can. — Anchorage has a big town look, but there is a small-town charm about it.

The Anchorage Municipality is home to just under 300,000 citizens (about 40% of Alaska’s population.)

Anchorage is not the capital of the state, but it is one of the major hubs. The international airport is a link between Asia and North America. The railroad connects it with much of the central and northern parts of the state.

History

The area of today’s Anchorage was probably a fishing area for the First Native people of Alaska.

During its time as Russia American (1733 to 1867,) it was probably a camp for fur traders. This due to its location on the bay and the presence of fresh water from nearby Ship Creek.

The United States purchases the Alaskan Territory from Russia. The year is 1867.

The U.S. takes 45 more years to declare Alaska an organized incorporated territory.

Anchorage still does not exist. It will not be until 1914 when a townsite becomes a reality. Although many Alaska towns exist because of gold, Anchorage exists because of a railroad.

Working on the Railroad

By 1903, the Alaska Central Railroad began building a rail line from Seward to serve the north’s communities. The company lasts six years and manages to lay 51 miles of track.

The Alaska Northern Railroad Company comes along in 1909 and buys the defunct railroad. They add another 21 miles reaching almost to the Turnagain Arm waterway. From here, small boats can take supplies and people to further points. Although it serves more people and reaches further, it’s still not successful. It goes into receivership by 1914.

The railroad is a vital link running more than 700 miles from Seward to Fairbanks. — The train lasts much longer than gold.

Simultaneously, the United States government is planning a railroad route from Seward to the gold-mining town of Fairbanks. The distance is over 470 miles and needs to be accessible year-round. The government buys the Alaska Northern Railroad and moves the headquarters to a Ship Creek location, where it enters Cook’s Inlet. They build a dock where they can bring in supplies for the railroad. A tent city pops up around the dock and the train company’s office. They call it Ship Creek.

A year later, after the spring melt, they map out a townsite on higher ground. It is in the south of the tent city. It will not be until 1920 when the city of Anchorage incorporates.

The town continues to grow during the railroad’s construction. It will take until 1923.

Alaska Takes Wing.

By the 1930s, air transportation is becoming increasingly important. Not only to reach remote places in Alaska but also to hedge a bet against another World War rumors.

Planes can get over the mountains blocking the cars. — In rural areas, people have more planes and boats in front of their house than cars.

In 1930, the build Merrill Field to replace the city’s original strip landing field. Within a few years, it is one of the busiest civilian airports in the U.S.

By the 1940s, the world is at war. They crank up the military presence in Alaska. Construction of Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson happens very quickly.

The U.S. took guarding Alaska and North America's back door very seriously. — An abandoned military radar base near Anchorage.

By December of 1941, America is in the war. In June of 1942, Japanese soldiers take a Navy weather base in Alaska’s the Aleutian Islands. Anchorage is the headquarters of the Alaska Defense Command. By the end of the war, there is a massive military buildup, especially near Anchorage.

Much of it will remain in place as America enters the fifties with a new threat at their back door. Russia and the Cold War.

During the build-up and subsequent war, Anchorage’s population jumps from 3,000 to 47,000 residents. At the end of the war, not everyone returns home. Anchorage’s economy stays secure with the military bases employing many people.

By 1951, the Anchorage International Airport opens with flights to Europe and Asia over the north pole.

Finally, in 1959, the U.S. makes Alaska the 49th state.

Rocking and rolling in the 1960s

By January 1964, Anchorage becomes a city with an adjoining borough.

Two months later, the city and state are hit by a 9.2 earthquake, the largest on record in North America. It is the second-largest earthquake in the world since recording began. It will take Anchorage the rest of the 1960s to recover.

They move the town to higher ground. — Portage, south of Anchorage, drops several feet submerging homes and tress into the bay’s saltwater.

The decade ends with some good news. In 1968, there is the discovery of oil in Prudhoe Bay. Oil lease sales bring the state billions of dollars.

The good news for Anchorage is that the oil and construction companies move their company headquarters to Anchorage.

The Anchorage International Airport is also booming due to its geographical location. Until the end of the cold war, it will serve as a refueling stop for planes flying to Asia. With Russia and Chinese air space off-limits, the Tokyo to Anchorage route is critical.

The airport is a gateway beween Asia, Europe and America. — The Anchorage International airport reflects the modern side of the city.

By 1975, Anchorage becomes a municipality as it consolidates with the borough and several nearby communities.

The 1980s begin with a bang. The Anchorage population is nearing 185,000 residents.

Oil revenues finance a major city overhaul with new civic and performing centers. Sporting arenas and areas also take shape.

At the same time, the world is overproducing oil as a knee-jerk to the 1970s shortage. All of a sudden, there is too much oil, and the price drops. During 1986, the price drops by half. Alaska goes into recession.

Anchorage, The 21st century

After recovering from the oil fiasco, Anchorage begins the new century with a positive outlook.

The U.S. Base Realignment and Closure process of 2005 comes to Anchorage. The Air Force, military, and an air national guard base all become one.

2018, and Anchorage experiences another massive 7.0 magnitude quake, this one with numerous aftershocks. Although there is damage, there are no fatalities.

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Anchorage Today

There have been several attempts to move the capital to Anchorage. Also. Anchorage has put out several bids to host the Winter Olympics. So far, neither has been successful. Tourism is not its most prominent industry, but there is plenty to see and do.

What is in Anchorage for me?

See & Hear.

Just outside of town are some great hiking trails with incredible views. From the Lake Hood Seaplane Base, you can reach Denali in around an hour, or see some of the 60 glaciers within 50 miles of Anchorage. Listen to a glacier calving. Go for a hike and hear nature.

tenty minutes from downtown you can be in the middle of nowhere. — Hiking Rabbit Creek Trail near Anchorage,

Another option is to sit on a downtown bench, listening to life happening all around you.

Taste & Smell.

Alder wood and fresh Alaska salmon create a treat for the nose and the taste buds. It’s hard to eat salmon anywhere else after you try it in Alaska.

Feel.

Sip a glass of wine from the top of a mountain, watching the shadows stretch across the valley. Contemplate counting the billions of stars visible in the clear northern sky miles from significant sources of light.

Even if you do not leave the observation deck, the view can be spectacular. — You can see seven glaciers from the top of the Alyeska tram.

Think back over your day of wildlife sightings and mother nature in all her glory.

There may be better ways to end your day, but this one doesn’t suck.

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Should-see in Anchorage.

Due to its easy access, Anchorage offers a broad spectrum of things to see and do.

Alaska Native Heritage Center – shares a look into Alaska’s 11 major cultural groups. These include the Athabaskan, Tlingit, Haida, and Aleut people. In addition to exhibits, there are activities and demonstrations. You can see Native dwellings outside on the grounds.

Anchorage Museum – will provide an in-depth discovery of the Native people. See their art and learn about their history in this ecology and science museum. The collection has over 25,000 objects and 500,000 historic photographs.

Alaska Aviation Museum – is next to the Lake Hood Seaplane Base. This museum is an excellent stop for pilots and wanna-be flyers. It preserves and displays Alaska’s aviation heritage with historic aircraft and memorabilia. See over thirty planes on display, a restoration hangar, flight simulators, and other exciting activities.

Earthquake Park – is just outside of the city going towards the airport. You can access it from the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or drive there. Before the 1964 earthquake, there was a neighborhood here. In a few short minutes, the loose sand and clay gave way, sending houses and cars into the adjacent bay. There is an interpretive trail and displays in the park. There is also a Kodak moment of downtown Anchorage from the west side.

Take to the Hills

Anchorage has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to outdoor activities. Hiking, walking, ice-climbing, biking, kayaking, fishing, and many other activities are available nearby.

Walk, hike, kayak or just sit and take it all in. — Kenai Lake in Chugach National Forest.

Any time you are going out in nature, take bug spray. Even if you are the annoying person, mosquitos bypass to get to me, take it and use it. These mosquitos are a whole new breed.

Chugach State Park – begins just 20 minutes’ drive outside of the city. Mountains, valleys, and lakes are there for day activities or camping.

Eagle River Nature Center – is also just over 20 minutes from town. It is a quick escape to nature. There are several looping trails, several with viewing decks. Early morning and late afternoon, I have been lucky to see wildlife. Not the obnoxious two-footed type with a backpack that arrives in droves later in the morning.

Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary – is just off the Seward Highway south of town. It has a boardwalk that seems to be a mile long that winds along the marsh. In addition to birds, look for moose, and in August, salmon in the stream.

Wildlife sightings, especially at sunrise and sunset are normal. — Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk is a 20-minute drive from downtown Anchorage,

There are numerous other trails from easy to challenging. Some hotels and most parks have maps and more information.

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Outside Anchorage

Turnagain Arm – is a waterway and one of two thin branches at the north end of Cook Inlet. The area is subject to extreme climates, and massive tide ranges that create waves big enough to surf. Going between Anchorage and Seward or Whittier, you will drive along the Arm. Keep an eye out for Beluga whales and other wildlife.

sunset over the turnagain arm near Bird Point. — Alaska is beautiful by day, but the clean, fresh air also produces incredible sunsets.

Wild Life Viewing

Besides, in the parks above, Anchorage is your gateway to wildlife viewing all over Alaska. Professional tours depart daily (seasonal) to see moose, bears, whales, marine life, birds, fish, even polar bears in the Arctic.

In nearby Girdwood, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This center is as close to guaranteed wildlife spotting as you will get. This non-profit organization takes in animals that are sick or otherwise cannot take care of themselves. Through conservation, research, education, and quality animal care, they are preserving Alaska’s wildlife.

Animals in their natural setting are magnificent. — A Brown bear mugs for the camera at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Alyeska Aerial Tram – departs from near the Alyeska resort and takes guests 2,300 feet up the side of Mt Alyeska. In the winter, you can access ski runs. In the summer, there are rocky paths you can explore running uphill from the top station. There are an observation deck, casual deli, and the Seven Glacier restaurant for those more into gazing than climbing.

Further Afield

Alaska has approximately 100,000 glaciers. Within 50 miles of Anchorage, there are 60 glaciers.

Helicopters and float planes put Alaska's nature even closer to Anchorage. — The Byron Glacier is only an hour away in Alyeska.

You can access them by boat, train, helicopter, plane, on foot, or ski-lift. Some offer dog-sledding once you reach them.

Even Further Afield

Portage Glacier and Valley – is a glacier within the Chugach National Forest. It is approximately 90 minutes’ drive from Anchorage and just west of Whittier.

Exit Glacier – is within the Kenai Fjords National Park. It is approximately 2.5 hours drive south of Anchorage near Seward.

It is a bit of a hike, but the path is pretty smooth in most places. — In the summer, you can reach Exit Glacier on foot.

National Parks

Alaska is home to more than half of America’s national parklands. Anchorage has access to five of Alaska’s 17 parks. They are home to glaciers, wild and marine life, stunning scenery, and even the largest mountain in North America.

By road or train, you can access Kenai Fjords, National Park. Denali National Park and Chugach State Park.

This is Spire Cove, located within Kenai Fjords National Park — One of the best ways to see Kenai Fjords National Park is by boat.

By floatplane, see Chugach National Forest, Lake Clark National Park, Katmai National Park, and Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park. Any of the above parks can be a day trip by plane. But plan to overnight to see the parks at various times of day and night.

Most professional photos of brown bears are taken here. — Katmai National Park is about more than brown bears, but they don’t suck.

The parks offer mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers, and vast meadows for biking, hiking, rafting, kayaking, fishing, and more.

Getting There Really is Part of the Fun.

From Anchorage, you have more options for transportation than from most places in Alaska.

You can take a seaplane (float) or fixed wheel plane to just about anywhere from the Lake Hood Seaplane Base. On average, 190 flights take off a day, making it the busiest floatplane base globally. Flying services can take you for day trips to look for bears, go fishing, or fly around Denali (once McKinley) mountain. If a day is not long enough, there are overnight and multiple night programs for fishing, bear-viewing, remote rafting, camping, or glacier landings.

This inland lake is near the International airport. — Lake Hood Floatplane basin

The Alaska Railroad departs daily to Denali, Fairbanks, and Seward. But you can also make day trips on the train. In the summer, from Anchorage, you can take almost 20 excursions that include travel by train. Glacier hikes, river floats, bear-viewing, visits to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and more.