8-Day Alaska Road Trip Itinerary: Northern Lights, Glaciers and Wildlife

For years we’ve talked about planning an Alaska road trip, but if you’ve ever tried to figure Alaska out – you know it’s a massive logistical puzzle that takes serious planning. So naturally, I decided, with two weeks notice, to go in September for my husband’s 40th birthday. Wise? Absolutely not. Fun? Well, read on to find out.

My husband and I are obsessed with national parks (and locked in a lifelong battle with my sister and her husband to visit all of them FIRST), and the 49th state happens to have eight, so it’s long been a dream destination for both of us. Early September felt like the right time thanks to fall colors, fewer visitors and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. We packed our bags, crossed our fingers for good weather and headed north.

Even in September, when fall colors light up the hillsides and the summer crowds have mostly packed up, Alaska still manages to surprise you at every turn. The weather can swing from chilly sun to sideways rain in a matter of minutes, wildlife does whatever it wants, and the distances between towns are… well, let’s just say you should never skip a gas station.

But that’s exactly what makes an Alaska road trip such an adventure.

Below is everything we did, what we learned, what we wish we knew before visiting and how you can plan a very similar 7-night, 8-day itinerary starting in Fairbanks and ending in Anchorage, jam-packed with Northern Lights chasing, Denali adventures, glacier landings, bear encounters and the world’s chillest reindeer.

The Perfect Alaska Itinerary: When to Visit

I visited Alaska in July many years ago and recently in September, so I’ll tell you – September was an amazing last-minute choice and for me, superior to the height of summer. I don’t actually think you could pull off planning this itinerary with only two weeks’ notice in summer. There are just too many people and the best tours and hotels book up months in advance. If you’re going to be a silly goose and plan last minute, September is probably your best bet. 

And the weather in Alaska in the fall? Well, the days felt warm enough for light layers while others felt like winter was creeping in and my delicate Floridian constitution was offended by the chill.

Pros

• Peak fall colors – whole mountainsides glowing gold
• Much fewer crowds, especially in Denali 
• Better chance for Northern Lights as the days grow shorter. During September, many parts of Alaska lose about 7–9 minutes of daylight each day, especially noticeable in places like Fairbanks or Utqiaġvik. Earlier in the month you might have roughly 13–14 hours of daylight in central Alaska, but by late September it’s closer to 11–12 hours and the nights are noticeably longer.
• Cooler weather = fewer mosquitoes (Alaska’s worst wildlife, tbh) 
• Shoulder-season pricing in some areas

Cons

• Some services shut down for the season often depending on snowfall – this is something to keep a close eye on when driving 
• Shorter daylight hours (good for Northern Lights viewing, bad for squeezing in a ton of daytime activities) 
• Rain and clouds are common

We saw temperatures from about 30 – 50, and because we were there during the solstice, we saw a notable change in the amount of daylight available each day. We lived in fleece layers, shells and waterproof hiking boots. If you go at this time of year, pack more wool socks than you expect to need. I brought 2 jackets, lots of flannel, fleece-lined leggings, gloves and hats – and definitely used them all. 

Getting to Alaska 

Getting to Alaska is easier than you think! There are several options depending on your schedule, travel style and airline loyalty. The most common entry points are Anchorage and Fairbanks, the two major airports with the widest range of domestic connections. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) handles the highest volume of flights – up to 200 per day! – and is a good starting point for itineraries focused on the Kenai Peninsula, Prince William Sound or Anchorage-based excursions. Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) sits farther north and works well for Northern Lights trips or routes that include Denali or the interior.

If you prefer to arrive by water, many travelers choose to visit through an Alaska cruise which typically departs from Seattle or Vancouver then stops in ports like Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. Cruises offer an easy way to see coastal Alaska although you will miss the interior unless you add a land extension. Once in Alaska most visitors rent a car since distances are long and public transportation between towns is limited. Rental cars sell out in peak season so booking early helps. If you prefer not to drive, the Alaska Railroad is a scenic and reliable alternative with routes between Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali, Talkeetna and Seward. Local public transportation works within cities but is not built for long-distance travel which is why many travelers rely on a combination of rental cars, trains or guided day tours to reach the state’s most popular national parks and attractions.

Quick Alaska Facts

• Alaska is twice the size of Texas – don’t expect quick drives.
• There’s more wildlife than people in many regions.
• Gas stations can be 50–100 miles apart. AND BATHROOMS, TOO.
• Cell service is… charmingly inconsistent.
• Layers, waterproof shoes and a good camera are essential.

If you’re planning your own adventures in Alaska, think of logistics as part of the experience and embrace the wildness of it all. My typical trip planning advice includes planning no more than one tour or scheduled activity per day, and that’s especially important in Alaska where there are circumstances you can’t plan for… like, a mama bear and cubs wandering around the parking area where your car is. 

Days 1–3: Home → Fairbanks (FAI ) → Borealis Basecamp

Check in: Borealis Basecamp

After landing in Fairbanks, we caught our pre-booked shuttle up to Borealis Basecamp – a remote, quiet, star-filled escape tucked into the forest. This place has been on my bucket list for years, and if you’re dreaming of watching the aurora from bed, this is the spot.

The clear roof domes were even better than we expected. Private and warm with unobstructed views of the night sky, plus excellent food and lots to do during the day made it well worth the trip north. Even without the aurora, the stillness and the forest around us made the experience feel special.

I wrote a comprehensive review of Borealis Basecamp, so if you’re thinking about booking any of their overnight packages or just popping in for dinner or an activity, start here.

Check pricing and availability at Borealis Basecamp

Things To Do at Borealis Basecamp

Reindeer walk
Walking through the woods with the resident reindeer was gentle and unexpectedly charming. They were calm and curious which made it fun and easy to enjoy.

UTV tour
We rode through open terrain with views of the White Mountains. My husband loved this since he always wants to see what lies just beyond the next ridge.

Ridge sunset outing
A guide drove us to a viewpoint above camp in a tricked out Toyota Tundra where we watched the landscape change color as daylight faded. 

Sauna time
After the chilly ride the sauna felt amazing. We stayed longer than planned because it was so relaxing. Bookable in 1-hour increments and includes robes.

Meals
As much a part of the experience as any of the activities! You have to have dinner at Latitude 65. Chef George knows what is up and makes the most incredible hearty soups, fresh fish, grilled meats and desserts. A comforting place to relax after a long day of frolicking in the cold. 

We hoped for Northern Lights but the weather was not on our side. We had no idea that one of the best shows of our lives was coming later in the week.

RELATED: The Aurora That Almost Got Away

ITINERARY NOTE: If you don’t have 3 nights to spend at Borealis Basecamp, you could head to Denali sooner and either stay there one more night or add on an Anchorage night for convenience before departure. For once, we wanted to unplug and really relax at one destination, but you could definitely switch this whole 8-night itinerary up if that doesn’t work in your schedule.

Day 4: Fairbanks → Healy → Denali 

On the morning of Day 4, we went back to the Fairbanks airport via the Borealis Basecamp shuttle to pick up our rental car, then drove south toward Denali. We stopped at Creamer’s Field to scope out some Sandhill Cranes before leaving town. 

Practical Tips for the Fairbanks → Denali Drive

• Fill up your gas tank before leaving Fairbanks – once you’re headed south wildlife and wilderness dominate the landscape.
  
• Leave early to allow time for stops – wildlife sightings, photos, a lunch in Nenana or Healy, or just to take in the scenery.
  
• Check weather forecast before heading out. In September (or shoulder season) weather can shift quickly and daylight hours shrink, so watch the clock.
  
• Respect wildlife. Animals (moose especially) may wander near or onto the road. Drive slowly around dawn or dusk and be ready to stop safely.
  
• Have a paper or offline map handy. Cell coverage becomes spotty in more remote stretches.

Services are limited so it helps to start with a full tank (and tummy) in Fairbanks, then stop in the small town of Nenana if you want a break or a snack. Cell service drops in places but the road is easy to follow and traffic was super light in September. Weather can move in quickly with fog or rain appearing out of nowhere so we kept an eye on the sky and drove conservatively. 

Lunch in Healy: 49th State Brewing

Rick really wanted to try game meats on our visit, and a quick Google search said the 49th State Brewing would be our best bet short of making a friend with a freezer full of moose. We’d already been seduced by their famous Alaskan sodas – I must have ordered 3 Wild Blueberry Cream Sodas a day when we were up in Fairbanks! So it was fun to go to the actual main location and cozy into a booth for some food.

Rick ordered a beer flight (since I ALWAYS drive on road trips when there are animals to be spotted in the distance. We have learned our road trip marriage lessons over these past 10 years!) including Smok, a smoked lager, among others. Two thumbs up!

And then our food came. Holy moly, I’m still thinking about the King Crab Grilled Cheese I ordered. You dip it in their famous seafood chowder and then fireworks explode in your mouth. It was incredible. And then I tasted Rick’s yak burger with fries and this unbelievable fry sauce… like WHAT ARE WE DOING HERE, people? We almost decided to move to Alaska in that moment, but then I remembered I literally can’t drive in snow and decided to just come back every summer.

TIP: Heads up in case you can’t make it all the way to Denali. If you’re flying in or out of Anchorage, 49th State Brewing has an airport location!

Check in: Grande Denali Resort

Grande Denali Resort sits on a gentle rise above the valley near the entrance to the park so it feels close enough to get to the wilderness quickly yet far enough away to offer peace after a full day of exploring. The view from the property spans rolling hills, river corridors and distant mountains – a quiet reminder that you are surrounded by wild Alaska even while you’re checking in to a cozy lodge.

The rooms at Grande Denali were simple and maybe a bit dated, but plenty comfy, and the views were stellar. Waking up there meant looking out at birch trees dusted in early autumn gold when we visited in September. The quiet of the resort at that time of year made the calm all the more noticeable – no rush, no crowds, just the kind of place where you can plan your next day’s Denali adventure over a relaxed breakfast.

One of the things we appreciated most was the easy access to the park entrance. In the morning we were on our way fast without a long drive and in the evening we could return quickly after wildlife watching or hiking. We actually came back in the middle of the day to search for lunch since Denali’s services were shut down for the season, and it was quite easy. That made our days feel efficient without being rushed. For travelers who want maximum time inside the park while still sleeping somewhere comfortable, this lodge works well.

If you stay at Grande Denali Lodge you get the best of both worlds: a base that’s easy to reach yet tucked just far enough away to feel like a retreat. For anyone who wants to explore the park mornings and evenings and avoid long drives to and from accommodations, this lodge is a strong option that delivers comfort without fuss.

Check pricing and availability at Grande Denali Lodge

Note: You do have to drive up a relatively tight short switchback road to get up to the lodge, but even for me – the girl who is deathly afraid of edges – it wasn’t so bad. The views alone would have made it a great choice.

Day 5: A Full Day in Denali National Park

Denali National Park was created in 1917 to protect Dall sheep and later expanded to preserve North America’s tallest mountain and a huge stretch of wilderness. Today, most visitors come for the chance to see wildlife like bears, moose, caribou and wolves and to take in just how vast Alaska really is.

By early to mid-September, Denali starts transitioning toward winter.

September in the Denali Area – What to Expect

There’s only one road in Denali, and it’s how everyone experiences the park. The 92-mile Denali Park Road is only partially open to personal vehicles. In summer, you can drive the first 15 miles to Savage River, but after that, it’s park buses only. In September, the buses that run the length of the park road wind down, changing how far visitors can explore on their own. But, the dates are mostly weather dependent, so if you’re there the 2nd or 3rd week of September, you could have a day with buses and a day without. We played it by ear up until our arrival day. That’s just the fun of September in Alaska!

TIP: Before entering Denali National Park, it’s very important to check seasonal updates.

We ended up arriving a few days after the buses stopped running, which meant we could drive ourselves all the way to mile 30, the Teklanika rest stop. We actually parked there and walked an extra mile down to the Teklanika River Bridge and it was well worth the extra effort.

Thirty miles out of 92 doesn’t seem like a lot, and in some ways, I feel like we only scratched the surface of what Denali has to offer. On the other hand, those 30 miles we did get to experience with our own wheels were absolutely some of the most magnificent, breathtaking, unbelievable scenery you could ever hope to see. An epic national park day that we’ll always treasure.

Wildlife Spotting in Denali

Denali is one of my favorite places in the world, and now that Rick has been, he agrees. We saw so much wildlife! He spotted a bull moose near the treeline before I even saw movement. September is mating season for moose, so we kept our distance. (I mean, you always should, but during the rut it’s ESPECIALLY important if you don’t want to get trampled by a furry Toyota Tacoma with hooves.) We also saw caribou in the distance, Dall sheep way up on ridges and a cute little fox that trotted across the road. We didn’t see any bears in Denali so didn’t get the famous Denali Big 5, but had plans to fix that later in the week. 

Hiking in Denali National Park

Hiking in Denali is different from most national parks. There are very few marked trails, and visitors are encouraged to hike off trail, choosing their own route through open tundra and rugged terrain. During the main season, the park offers guided hikes ranging from relatively easy walks to challenging outings, which can be a great option if you want local insight. No matter how you hike here, preparation is essential. Denali is not a park for a casual, unplanned jaunt. Weather changes fast, terrain is uneven, help can be far away, oh and a bear could totally eat you, so knowing your limits and carrying the right gear really matters. Bring bear spray and know how to use it!

The good:

• Breathtaking fall colors everywhere – this was actually peak foliage during my visit
• Wildlife becomes more active preparing for winter
• Crowds are way down

The not-so-good:

• Visitor services close around the second or third week of September that means restaurants and the GIFT SHOP are closed. I did not get to spend hundreds of dollars on merch and I’m still sad about it
• Park buses stop running so you must have a car to explore the park (and pay attention to your rental car’s rules – some don’t allow you to drive in Denali)

Northern Lights… Finally!

After our magical day exploring Denali, we drove back up to Grande Denali Lodge for dinner at the onsite restaurant AlpenGlow. Incidentally, it was one of the only places to eat as most area restaurants had closed for the season within the past few days. Fortunately for us, the food was delightful – especially the crispy Brussels sprouts and salmon!

Check pricing and availability at Grande Denali Lodge

Then, I promptly passed out only to receive the free aurora wake up call from the Grande Denali reception desk. Read all about that wild experience here: 👉https://angieaway.com/2025/09/30/the-aurora-that-got-away-and-the-alaska-that-didnt/

Day 6: Denali → Talkeetna → Girdwood

After staying up far too late marveling at the northern lights, we had an early start for the drive south, first to Talkeetna to catch a scenic flight and ultimately stopping in Girdwood for our final hotel stay of the trip. It’s a LONG driving day starting with about 2.5 to 3 hours to Talkeetna. Take note that it’s a jaw-droppingly scenic drive, and wildlife is far more common than bathrooms or rest areas! Stay alert, take a potty break anytime you see one and don’t rush it.

We got to Talkeetna an hour before our flight, so we had some lunch at Y Knot Barbecue and then made our way to K2’s airport. Talkeetna itself is a quaint little village, but it serves as a major hub for climbers attempting Denali and a great place to break up the longer drive south.

Glacier Landing with K2 Aviation

K2 Aviation’s Denali Flyer was one of the standout experiences of our entire trip. Flights in signature red float planes typically last about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or closer to 1 hour and 45 minutes if you add the glacier landing, which is 100% recommended if conditions allow. From the moment you take off, the views are unreal. Our pilot narrated as we smoothly flew around massive Kahiltna Glacier, past Mount Foraker and around the southern side of Denali, seeing climber base camps and terrain that can’t be accessed any other way – and 100% can’t be accessed by me. It’s an airplane or nothing when it comes to mountain summits.

We landed on Ruth Glacier, and again, it was smoother and more chill than you might expect. Stepping out onto a wide field of snow surrounded by peaks, it really put Alaska’s scale into perspective. Having had Denali’s peak and these surrounding mountains in view all day while driving around the national park yesterday, it was almost incomprehensible to get to see them up close and realize just how massive they must be to be seen from so far away.

K2 FLIGHT TIPS: Dress in layers you can strip off. It was shockingly warm when we landed on the glacier. That may be a rarity, but worth noting that it might not be as cold as you think. Wear sturdy shoes – you can add glacier booties over the top for extra grip. Do not forget sunglasses – it’s bright up there!

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Of course flights are weather dependent, so book early AND keep your schedule flexible in case of delays or cancellations. We had zero flexibility in our schedule and were blessed with the most crystal clear, spectacular, nearly warm day you could imagine. Not a cloud in the sky, a smooth ride all around the peaks and the most fun bouncy snow landing on the glacier. 100/10 experience, would absolutely recommend. If you are considering booking for next season, use code ANGIEAWAY for 10% off the Denali Flyer with Glacier Landing tour.

Lunch in Talkeetna

After the flight, we were basically speechless and giddy, wandering wild-eyed into town for lunch. I can’t even remember where we ate, I was so gobsmacked by the experience we just had. Talkeetna is an easy place to explore on foot, and there are plenty of casual spots for burgers, pizza, pastries and ice cream. If it’s a clear day, you can see Denali in all its breathtaking glory from the shore of Talkeetna Riverfront Park — again, it’s like 60 miles away but the mountain is so huge it seems much closer. Talkeetna is also a stop on the Alaska Railroad, so if the timing works, you might see the iconic train pull in, which is fun to watch and worth filing away for a future Alaska trip.

Talkeetna to Girdwood

From Talkeetna to Girdwood, plan on about 2 to 2.5 more hours of driving, depending on traffic through Wasilla and Anchorage and how often you stop. The highlight is the stretch along Turnagain Arm, which they say is one of the most scenic drives in Alaska… and I couldn’t help asking, aren’t ALL the drives in Alaska scenic?! But the experts were right. It was truly cinematic. We stopped at Beluga Point to watch the tide churn through the inlet and scan for whales.

ITINERARY NOTE: This would be a good spot in the itinerary to add on an extra day. Would have loved to explore Talkeetna a bit more and not have to rush south. It felt like a LOT of driving for one day.

A few road tips here: tides move quickly in Turnagain Arm and mudflats can be dangerous, so stay well back from the water. If you cross the railroad tracks to get closer to the rocks, be extremely cautious. Trains move quickly and quietly. Weather can change quickly along this stretch, with strong winds and sudden rain, so keep layers handy and allow extra time if conditions shift.

By the time you reach Girdwood, the mountains close in again and the pace slows, making it a great place to settle in after a long but memorable day on the road and in the sky.

Check-in: Alyeska Resort

Alyeska Resort felt like an entirely different Alaska from the one we experienced up north. Tucked into the charming mountain town of Girdwood about 40 minutes south of Anchorage, the resort sits at the base of steep peaks and thick forest with clouds that drift low enough to touch the treetops. While many Alaska destinations cater to either summer (milder temps) or winter (aurora season), Alyeska is open all year. It’s an ideal home base for anyone who wants easy access to outdoor adventure like hiking and biking in the summer and excellent skiiing in the winter. They get 650′ of snow annually! Add to that good restaurants, a spa and comfortable rooms all under one roof, and proximity to tours and activities in Anchorage, Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, and you can’t go wrong.

The surrounding town of Girdwood is small and easy to explore. It was originally a mining town and now has a blend of locals, seasonal workers and travelers who come for hiking, skiing and the artsy mountain vibe. You’ll find casual restaurants, a few shops and trailheads right off the main road. The setting is lush thanks to the coastal rainforest. Trees are tall and dense and the whole valley feels tucked away from the rest of Alaska. Even simple drives around town deliver postcard views of hanging glaciers and narrow waterways feeding into the Turnagain Arm.

Check pricing and availability for Alyeska Resort

We were surprised to be upgraded to the Black Diamond Club floor, which includes access to a private lounge with elevated breakfast options, afternoon snacks and evening bites overlooking mountains, forest and Turnagain Arm in the distance. The quieter atmosphere and thoughtful touches made it feel super luxurious and exclusive. Definitely something we’d book again.

Our Black Diamond Club level room at Alyeska Resort was spacious and calm, a nice shift after several busy days on the go. Rooms overlook the mountains or the small ponds that curve around the edges of the property and we watched for the resident moose that sometimes wanders through. There’s also a heated indoor pool and fitness center so the resort works well whether you want to relax or stay active. Even though the property is large it never felt chaotic which probably has a lot to do with when we visited.

For dinner, we tried Forte, the Italian restaurant on site, where the king crab pasta was a standout, and had a lighter meal the following night at ABar for a few small plates and dessert after a full day of exploring.

Highlights of Alyeska Resort

September might be the quietest time at Alyeska. Summer crowds have thinned out and the winter ski season hasn’t started yet so the resort shifts into a softer, slower rhythm. Restaurants take their time, the lobby stays peaceful and the trails around Girdwood feel almost private. The weather can swing between crisp sunshine and steady rain but that’s part of the charm. On clear days you can see bright fall colors on the mountains. On rainy days the resort becomes its own retreat with long spa sessions, warm meals and lingering afternoons in the lounge. If you want Alyeska without the flutter of peak season, this is the month to go.

One of the standout features at Alyeska is the aerial tram that climbs the side of Mount Alyeska in just a few minutes, with views that open up as you rise above the trees and look out across the surrounding peaks. At the top, viewing platforms overlook the valley, and it’s also home to Seven Glaciers, the resort’s fine-dining restaurant known for its panoramic views. We didn’t make it up there this time, but both are high on the list for a return visit.

Check pricing and availability for Alyeska Resort

Day 7: Girdwood → Anchorage → Lake Clark National Park

On Day 7, we left Girdwood and retraced our route up Turnagain Arm toward Anchorage for a full-day trip that ended up being another highlight in a trip absolutely filled with spectacular moments: bear viewing with Rust’s Flying Service at Lake Clark National Park. After checking in at Rust’s on Lake Hood in Anchorage, we boarded a seaplane for a scenic flight of about an hour over Cook Inlet before landing on Crescent Lake, deep inside a national park so remote, you can only get there by float plane. The entire outing lasts around 10 hours, and while it’s one of the pricier excursions on an Alaska itinerary, it struck me as a perfect way to see a chunk of wilderness few people ever experience.

Once we landed on the turquoise lake, motoring to a floating dock at Redoubt Mountain Lodge, the day unfolded with knowledgeable guides who helped us quietly observe CHONKY coastal brown bears fishing for salmon or moving along the shoreline, all from the comfort of a covered pontoon boat. Because the bears are in their natural habitat, and the shoreline is rich with food sources like spawning salmon, Bald Eagles and other wildlife often appear too, so we were immersed in a genuinely wild ecosystem. Seeing bear behavior up close – from moms teaching cubs to fish to massive adults patrolling the shallows and seemingly posing for our photos – is exactly what many travelers hope for when they come to Alaska. It’s certainly the safest way to encounter an Alaskan grizzly in the wild.

Lunch at the lodge – a hearty, home-cooked meal with views of Crescent Lake and the surrounding peaks – broke up the day and gave us a chance to warm up by the fire, recharge cameras and talk over sightings. As far as splurges go, this one felt worth every dollar, especially if seeing bears is on your bucket list. I’m convinced there’s no better way!

For more details on what the day looks like and tips for planning your visit, check out my full guide to bear viewing in Lake Clark National Park here. AND, use my discount code – ANGIEAWAY – for 10% the tour when you book for next season.

Dinner back in Girdwood

We drove the 40 minutes back to Alyeska Resort absolutely wired from seeing two dozen bears in the wild, grabbed a quick bite at aBar and toasted to our very last night in Alaska. A picture perfect trip if ever there was one!

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Day 8: Alyeska Nordic Spa → Bore Tide → Anchorage → Home

Our last Alaska morning was dedicated entirely to the Alyeska Nordic Spa – and I’m not being dramatic when I say it was the perfect finale. Hot pools, cold plunges, saunas, aromatherapy rooms, exfoliation stations… It’s a whole wellness playground tucked into a spruce forest. (No photos allowed in the spa, sorry!)

Alyeska Nordic Spa circuit

Years ago, I visited the Kananaskis Nordic Spa halfway between Calgary and Banff. It was such a great time that when I saw the same folks had opened a sister Nordic spa at Alyeska, I said, “I don’t care how much it costs – we’re going!” And actually the price was pretty reasonable for a few hours of respite – starting about $100 each, and of course you can go all out with massages and treatments. The mix of hot and cold pools, saunas and steam rooms felt like hitting a reset button after our last few days of long drives and early mornings. We spent the whole morning of our last day luxuriating in the pools and steam rooms dotted throughout the forest, followed by a healthy spa lunch. With a week of hiking, flying, bouncing around in UTVs, and staying up late for aurora hunting, my body basically melted in gratitude.

Final drive to Anchorage (and one last wildlife sighting)

We reluctantly checked out of our swanky Alyeska room for the drive back to Anchorage, but we had one more important stop to make along the way. I’d discovered that we might be in the right place at the right time to catch Turnagain Arm’s famous bore tide. It’s a natural phenomenon where the incoming tide forms a visible wave that travels upriver against the current. It happens here because Cook Inlet has some of the largest tidal swings in North America, and when conditions line up just right, that surge of water funnels into narrow river channels and pushes forward as a rolling wall of water.

Bore tides only occur on certain days each month and at specific times, and you have to be positioned along the right stretch of river before it arrives. Miss the window by even a little and it’s over, which makes it one of those Alaska moments that rewards planning and patience. Wouldn’t you know, we were scheduled to be driving along Turnagain Arm at exactly the right time. After some false starts and wondering, “Is that it?” the wave made its way to where we had parked, close to a bunch of surfers. (When all else fails, find someone else who looks like they know what they’re doing!)

I LOVE to watch surfing, but I didn’t expect that pastime to follow men all the way to Alaska! We parked just as a handful of guys in wetsuits crossed the mudflats, surfboards tucked under their arms. They paddled out in a line and watched for the wave… and eventually, it rolled right in! It was a pretty small wave that day – maybe 2-3 ft. – but it can get up to 6 feet when conditions are right.

The sight of intrepid surfers surrounded by towering, snow-capped mountains was so unreal, my eyes didn’t really believe what I was seeing. And of course now I want to try it myself one day.

Goodbye, Alaska

We ended the trip with a nostalgic meal at the 49th State Brewing location in the Anchorage airport, because we loved it so much we needed one last fix before flying home. I had to have more fry sauce, one more bowl of chowder and another Yak burger.

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Why You Should Plan Your Own Alaska Road Trip

This 7-night itinerary is perfect for first-time Alaska visitors who want a mix of comfort, adventure, wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery. Whether you’re chasing Northern Lights, landing on glaciers, wandering through Denali or soaking in a spa surrounded by mountains, Alaska is 100% that girl. One of my favorite states to visit and one trip I can’t stop thinking about. 

“That was the best trip we’ve ever taken,” said Rick, a man who traditionally says very little. 

If you’re ready to start planning your Alaska adventure, here are your next steps:

• Read the related guides linked throughout this post.
• Check pricing & book early – especially for these particular hotels and specialty tours.
• Build flexibility into your schedule; weather can change your plans.
• Pack layers, waterproof shoes and backup batteries.
• And above all: leave space for magic. Alaska always delivers it.

Helpful links from this trip

• My Borealis Basecamp review: https://angieaway.com/2025/11/03/borealis-basecamp-review-fairbanks-alaska/
  
• My Northern Lights story: https://angieaway.com/2025/09/30/the-aurora-that-got-away-and-the-alaska-that-didnt/
  
• Bear viewing guide in Lake Clark National Park: https://angieaway.com/2025/10/08/bear-viewing-in-lake-clark-national-park/
  
• K2 Aviation Denali Flight with Glacier Landing: https://www.flyk2.com/tours/denali-flyer/

Got questions about this Alaska itinerary? Drop them below, or come hang out on Instagram for videos and behind-the-scenes moments.