19 Things You Quickly Learn When You Move To Alaska
Life in Alaska presents unique challenges and experiences, from extreme weather and abundant wildlife to long road trips and breathtaking natural phenomena.
Even for the most seasoned travelers, moving to the mighty Last Frontier can be quite the unsuspecting adjustment. Daily earthquakes, extremely harsh weather conditions and unruly amounts of wildlife are just a few of the things that make life in Alaska challenging. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Here are 16 other things that you're sure to learn very quickly after planting roots in the 49th state.
Okay so "technically" there are four seasons, but the reality is that we only really notice two of them. Ask anyone who lives in Alaska and they’ll tell you that we have a short four-month summer followed by eight months of winter. Spring and fall last merely weeks before the next season storms in like a lightning bolt.
Oh and plenty of moose, lynx, wolves, caribou and wolverines to go around as well. If you live in the city, don’t worry – you aren’t safe either. Alaska’s notorious wildlife is everywhere. Always be prepared for this inevitable act to happen. Practice keeping calm and remember to respond proactively should an up-close-and-personal encounter ever occur.
Love has nothing to do with that filthy, dirty breakup season that comes at the tailwind of winter and right before spring. Unless, of course, you consider the love/hate relationship you’re about to have with your XtraTuf boots. You’ll want to take them off but as soon as you do, BAM – you’re covered in freezing cold slush up to your knees.
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4. Southeast, Interior and Southcentral are like three totally different states.
From the lush beauty of the Tongass National Forest to the wide-spread treeless ecosystems sitting on top of permafrost that’s thousands of years old. In one place you might deal with average winter temps around -50 below zero while in other areas it’s not uncommon to see temps around 50 degrees above zero in the wintertime.
Maybe you moved to Alaska because you’re an avid angling addict? If so, you might want to invest in a boat or a float plane. Otherwise, you’ll be wrestling for the best fishing spots behind crowds that’ll make you feel like you’re in the middle of the city.
You might also get away with calling it a sled, but we’ll be able to tell if you aren’t from around here if you start talking about riding a snowmobile. That’s just so… lower 48!
Have you ever tried to celebrate the 4th of July only to realize that the sun doesn’t set until 2 am? Sure does take the fun out of the firework show when it’s not dark enough to enjoy their true glory.
Four words: Invest in blackout blinds! Otherwise, you’ll be like the rest of us; staying up past midnight all summer long because, um… they don’t call it the midnight sun for nothing!
Sure the sights along the way are totally and completely amazing, but it’ll take your hours upon hours to get to your final destination. As if the miles alone aren’t long enough as is, summertime construction and tourism traffic will jam you up while hazardous winter weather conditions will slow you down in the off-season.
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10. The northern lights are always worth losing sleep over.
With views like this, you’ll quickly learn that no matter how long you live in Alaska, this is one natural phenomenon that is way too good to miss. So whip up out your good camera and break up the mid-week monotony with a spontaneous outing underneath the aurora borealis.
North America’s tallest mountain of Denali is a magnificently majestic landmark that is also quite ominous. With the Alaska Range making its own weather patterns, Denali only makes sporadic appearances that are impossible to predict.
12. You will pretty much be driving blind all winter long.
Oh do you enjoy driving on roads with clearly defined lanes? Sorry, you won’t find that around here. Unless, of course, the snow decides to spontaneously thaw, which will give you a short break of patchy lane visibility before the next storm hits.
Laugh if you will, but anyone that lives in Alaska knows that style is something that only applies after you’ve gone through the motions of survival. We are more concerned with not freezing to death than we are with trying to impress an onlooker.
The state of Alaska averages around 1,000 earthquakes each month – which is over 33 earthquakes per day. Yup, you heard that right! Hope you remember those duck & cover drillers from elementary school.
If you’ve moved to Alaska from the lower 48, don’t expect any sort of special treatment. Kids in Alaska bundle up and go outside to for recess in temps down to -10 below zero.
Grrrrr! The tradeoff with the spectacular summertime weather is that these pesky critters will invade your life and drive you absolutely bonkers. Tip: don’t leave home without that bug dope!
17. Your friends that aren’t from here will ask you the craziest questions.
No, you don’t live in an igloo. No, everyone in the state is not an eskimo. Yes, there are more men than women. But remember to tell them this, "the odds are good but the goods are odd."
You might have thought that you’ve seen mountains before coming to Alaska, but once you arrive – you’ll quickly notice that you were dead wrong. The majestic mountains in Alaska are so powerful that they’ll basically ruin you for life. From this moment on, everywhere else you go will simply not compare in the slightest.
The cost to live in the only place on earth known as the Last Frontier, is certainly not cheap. Everything that gets up here either has to be shipped, barged or drove for thousands of miles – and all with a premium price tag. But here’s the thing, it’s SO worth it. Living in Alaska comes with its fair share of tradeoffs but the quality of life up here is unlike anything else in the world.
The temperatures are warming, sunlight is quickly increasing, and spring is returning to The Last Frontier. There is a wealth of activities to enjoy and destinations that are worth exploring during the warming spring months, and we've compiled a guide to the best of the best things to do in Alaska in spring to help you plan your travels and adventures.
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Flower Blooms In Alaska
Wildflower blooms don't typically occur in Alaska until the very late spring and early summer months – as early as May and as late as July – depending on the latitude and location. Below is a selection of the best wildflower blooms in Alaska in spring and early summer for wildflower lovers.
Price: Kodiak Island can be accessed via the Alaska Marine Highway, the state's ferry system, beginning at $275 per outward trip from Seldovia
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Kodiak Island Borough is resplendent with wildflower blooms in the late spring into early summer seasons. The landscape itself is lovely, but when it's blanketed in wildflowers of all varieties, the natural beauty of this majestic landscape is unsurpassed. The wildflower types you're most likely to see here are wild iris, fireweed, wild geranium, and lupines galore! Check out the rolling hills surrounding Fossil Beach and mindfully explore the bluffs to see if you can spot these beautiful flowers. As always, be careful not to accidentally trample them or any other sensitive vegetation in the area.
Popularity: Fairly popular to visit in late spring and early summer
Price: Tongass National Forest can be accessed via multiple communities within the Inside Passage. You can join a guided tour, a cruise excursion, or explore independently by chartering an air taxi service or daily flight service from Anchorage or Seattle. Prices vary depending on the method of travel. Special Use passes and cabin reservations carry additional costs and vary depending on the activity. Visit the Forest Service website for more information
Tongass National Forest encompasses an archipelago with about 1000 islands and stretches across a distance of 500 miles of southeastern Alaska, a geographic area also known as the Panhandle. Throughout this stretch of temperate coastal landscape, you'll find wildflowers like Chocolate Lilies, Bunchberries, Bog Laurels, Red Paintbrush, Western Buttercups, and much more. Of course, wildflowers aren't the only thing to love about this beautiful landscape; there is also abundant wildlife, such as wolves, grizzly bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, Pacific salmon, Bald Eagles, and more. In fact, this forested area hosts the largest Bald Eagle population (over 7,000) in the world! Explore the wildflowers, enjoy the wildlife, and take in the sights of the sprawling glaciers and lush scenery that surrounds you in Tongass National Forest. And for a bonus fun fact: Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States, as well as the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world!
Popularity: Very popular during the spring and summer months
Price: Ketchikan ferries are $6 one way per adult or $7 per vehicle
Among the most beautiful places to find wildflowers in full bloom in Alaska is around the Ward Lake area in Ketchikan. This area is very popular for whale watching this time of year as well, so you can couple your wildflower explorations with some whale and wildlife spotting beginning in late spring and going into summer. The majestic Misty Fiords National Monument is also nearby and is a must-visit for its resplendent landscape, which offers towering coastal cliffs and awe-inspiring fjords. There is a plethora of beautiful natural wilderness to explore in the Ketchikan area, and Ward Lake, in particular, is one of the best areas to find wildflowers strewn across the landscape.
Botanical Gardens In Alaska
Many areas of Alaska do not begin to see wildflowers bloom until the summer months, but you can still enjoy flowers in the springtime despite the frozen landscapes. Head to one of the many diverse botanical gardens in Alaska to discover many blooming wildflower varieties in the spring and summer.
Popularity: Popular with locals and visitors during evenings, weekends, and holidays
Price: Winter entry rates are $6 per person (children under age 6 are free), spring and summer rates are $14 per adult, $10 per student/senior/military, and $10 per youth ages 7 to 17
Hidden in plain sight in one of Alaska's largest towns lies a little slice of heaven: Alaska Botanical Garden in Anchorage. Beginning in early May, you can find vibrant Liverleaf, Saxifrage, Drumstick Primula, Oxlip Primrose, and Currant; then, into late May, you'll start seeing some Perennial Tulips, Snake’s Head Lilies, Alpine Snowbells, and many more. Peonies, Arctic Poppies, Yellow Globe Flowers, and other varieties begin to make their appearances in the garden in early June. You'll find no shortage of flower varieties throughout this carefully curated botanical paradise.
Popularity: Very popular during the spring and summer months
Price: Admission is $7 per person, and all donations go toward Garden programs and operations
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Georgeson Botanical Garden houses some of the most visually stunning and diverse subarctic flora in Alaska. The garden grounds are quite peaceful as you wander around – hopefully with your camera in hand – admiring the beautiful flower and plant varieties throughout the garden. You'll even find a newly created pollinator exhibit that houses bees, butterflies, and other insects. They host several events throughout the warmer months, so be sure to check their event calendar for opportunities to experience all the goodness the Georgeson Botanical Garden has to offer.
Popularity: Very popular during the spring and summer
Price: Rainforest Adventure Tours cost $30.40 after tax for adults and $19.90 after tax for children ages 6 to 12. Children under 6 are free
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One of the most unique gardens in Alaska is located in Juneau and offers some of the most diverse and beautiful flora in the state. Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure is a hidden gem that offers 50 acres of greenery, rainforest, and flowers to explore. It is most well-known, perhaps, for its impressive flower towers, which earned the title of America's Most Interesting Landmark by Reader's Digest in 2012. The temperate climate allows some truly exotic plants and flowers to bloom here that aren't found anywhere else in Alaska. You'll want to take one of the guided Rainforest Adventure Tours for the full experience; it's well worth the cost as it is both enriching and educational. There is a small lower garden area that you can explore at your leisure after the tour. Make sure you don't forget to bring your camera!
Parks To Visit In Alaska This Spring
Truth be told, Alaska is home to some of the most jaw-dropping parks in the country. With 15 national parks and 150 state parks (plus many hidden gems in between), there are endless opportunities to experience the beauty of springtime in Alaska. Below are a selection of the best parks to visit in Alaska in the spring.
Popularity: Popular during the spring and summer months
Price: There is no entrance fee for Kenai Fjords National Park. Wildlife Cruises begin at $109 per adult.
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Kenai Fjords National Park is among the most beautiful and wild of Alaska's parks. Whale migration patterns bring various whale species through Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park beginning as early as March each spring. Common whale sightings include Gray, Humpback, Orca, Minke, and Fin, depending on what month you visit. To get the full whale-watching experience, I'd recommend taking a wildlife boat cruise, such as those offered by Major Marine Tours, through Resurrection Bay — one of the most popular destinations for whale watchers — and surrounding areas. These tours are truly the ultimate wildlife viewing escapade in Alaska; it's hard to imagine an experience more thrilling than watching whales breach, all while being guided by local experts who know how to get you there safely.
Location: Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, Fairbanks, Alaska
Popularity: Very popular
Price: Standard entrance fees are $15.00 per person
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Denali National Park is a destination that seems like a page straight out of a storybook. Denali, also called Mount McKinley, stands as the towering centerpiece of this magnificent park at 20,310 feet in elevation, making it the tallest mountain in North America. The park itself encompasses 6 million acres of pristine wilderness waiting for adventurous explorers to traverse its natural wonders. Wildlife is abundant, and grizzly bear sightings are not uncommon, so always come prepared with bear mace if hiking off the beaten path. Polychrome Pass offers some of the most breathtaking views in the park, but many scenic locations may not even require you to leave your car. Denali National Park is one of Alaska's most precious natural landscape gems, so treat it with the respect it deserves as you enjoy the endless beauty it offers.
9. Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area, Sutton-Alpine
Price: Guided tours are the only way to access the glacier and range from $40 for residents and $150 for non-residents, depending on the trail and tour. Otherwise, you can view the glacier from a distance from Glenn Highway for free
Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area in Glacier View, Alaska, is a popular destination for visitors because it is one of the most easily accessible and viewed glaciers in Alaska. You can view the glacier from various scenic viewpoints found along Glenn Highway, which itself is one of the most scenic highways in Alaska. Matanuska Glacier Trail is an amazing trail option for those wanting to get close to the glacier via hiking, but just be aware that you'll need to pay $150 for access to this particular trail. Guided tours are the only way to access the glacier up close, but they are fully worth the cost of the experience. Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area is truly a photographer and nature-lover's paradise.
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Spring Hikes In Alaska
Springtime provides unique hiking and trail-running opportunities, including sled dog racing trails that visitors travel from around the world to witness. So grab your microspikes and head to the trails to experience some of the most unique and beautiful spring hikes in Alaska. Be sure to download AllTrails+ to download offline trail maps (including topographic maps), record and track your hike, and much more.
Price: There is no cost to watch the race, aside from any associated travel costs to and from the event
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The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is a beloved Alaskan tradition dating back to 1973. While this trail is more suited for the mushers and their sled dogs, visitors come from around the world to partake in the event's festivities, which begin a few days before, and to watch the race itself. The ceremonial race is typically held on the first Saturday in March every year in Anchorage, with the official restart of the race beginning the next day in the small town of Willow. The race ends in the town of Nome, which is a great location for those wanting to wait at the finish line to see who wins the race. Come witness a cherished staple of Alaskan culture and history by watching the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Popularity: Popular during the spring and summer months
Price: There is no fee to park at the trailhead or hike the trail itself
Byron Glacier Trail is a stunning 3.2-mile out-and-back trail located beside Portage Lake, which is about a 45-minute drive from Anchorage. What's amazing about this trail is that it brings you up close and personal to the glacier even during the warm summer months, so visiting in the spring will offer plenty of opportunity to enjoy the glacier, Byron Creek (you'll cross over it via wooden bridge), and the surrounding snow-covered mountains. As with any hiking trails in Alaska in the spring, just come prepared with microspikes in case of patches of ice, and you will be set to enjoy the magnificent views that Byron Glacier Trail provides.
Popularity: Light to moderate crowds, depending on the time of day and the day of the week
Price: There is no cost to park at or hike Lost Lake Trail
If you're up for a lengthier trail that leads you through some of Alaska's most remote and pristine wilderness, Lost Lake Trail is the trail for you. Touted as one of the best hikes in the Kenai Peninsula, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more visually stunning hike in the state. While the trail itself is 14 miles in length, it is only rated moderate in difficulty, so it's not an overly strenuous trail aside from the distance. Come prepared with all the hiking essentials – including extra layers, plenty of food and water, bear mace, bug spray, sunscreen, and first aid supplies – and you'll be well prepared for the journey. While you will gain 2,631 feet in elevation during this hike, the ascent is a gradual one, so you won't encounter any extreme inclines. Lost Lake is incredibly peaceful and beautiful – when you do finally reach it, you may not ever want to leave. Due to the remoteness of this trail, you're unlikely to encounter many – if any – crowds. As always, be aware of wildlife and do your part to leave the environment as natural and untouched as you found it. You can expect to complete this trail in six and a half to seven hours, making it a great option for a full-day hike. Pack a picnic, and enjoy!
Spring Picnic Spots In Alaska
Fancy a picnic in Alaska? If so, you're in luck because you'll find plenty of scenic spots to settle down for a quick rest and refuel across this beautiful state. A few of these locations below may surprise you, but each of these locations offers a unique way to enjoy a springtime picnic in Alaska.
Price: Lift tickets start at $109 for a full day during mid-week for adults and $59 per child, with prices increasing during prime time dates
There is unlike to be a more epic place to enjoy a picnic on the mountain than at Tramway Cafe at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. This is the perfect option for skiers and snowboarders who plan to enjoy a day on the slopes; you can grab a tasty meal to refuel during lunch or after a long day of shredding that fresh powder. And what's even better is that the cafe is one of six restaurants you can choose from at the resort. Soak in the scenic alpine views as you take in a tasty meal at the cafe, and bonus points if you can secure accommodations at Alyeska Resort. After all, what's better than waking up with the ski lift essentially in your backyard? If I were to visit, that would be exactly what I would do to maximize my experience visiting this beautiful area.
Popularity: Replace this text with the correct information.
Price: General Admission: $25 per person (ages 13 and up), Youth: $20 per person (ages 4 to 12), Child: Free (3 and under), Military: $22 per person (active US military with ID), Alaska Adult: $22 per person (Valid Alaska ID required. Year-round),Alaska Youth: $18 per person (ages 4 to 12. Valid Alaska ID required. Year-round)
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Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a true sanctuary for Alaskan wildlife that is being rehabilitated or has a permanent home on the conservation center's lands. You'll get the opportunity to witness a variety of wildlife that you might not be so fortunate to witness anywhere else, such as black, brown, and grizzly bears, arctic fox, tundra wolves, bald eagles, lynx, moose, musk oxen, owls, wood bison, porcupines, reindeer, Roosevelt elk, and much more. The Flamin' Raven restaurant on-site makes for a delicious and convenient option for a picnic break during your visit. You'll want to take your time exploring the 200 acres of wildlife enclosures accessible via the 1.5-mile loop (which you can explore by foot, car, or bike). A picnic and visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is the perfect springtime activity to enjoy if you happen to be visiting the Girdwood area of Alaska.
Price: Admission is $25 per adult (ages 18-64), $20 for Alaska residents (ages 18-64), $18 for Seniors (65+), active duty military with ID, students (13-17) with ID, $12 admission for ages 6 to 12, and FREE admission for ages 5 and younger
Springtime weather in Alaska can be quite unpredictable, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy a great picnic and adventure of a different variety. If you live in or plan on visiting Anchorage and the weather doesn't quite cooperate for much in the way of outdoor activities, I highly recommend you visit the Anchorage Museum. Thousands of works have been displayed in both resident and traveling exhibitions throughout the gallery, and many of these pieces date as far back as 100 years. The museum represents the thriving art culture in Alaska and its people, and you'll be enamored by the vibrant contemporary artistry you'll encounter on your visit. You can enjoy a picnic on the museum's grounds with a visit to the Muse, the on-site cafe, and soak up the sunshine if the weather cooperates, making the Anchorage Museum a unique but memorable option for a picnic in Alaska.
Which of these spring activities in Alaska are you most looking forward to visiting first? There is no shortage of things to do in Alaska in spring, and we hope this guide serves as travel inspiration for your next adventure to The Last Frontier.
The legendary, brutal Alaska winters scare away most of the tourists and the summer seasonal employees. By November, those serious about Alaska are hunkering down for the winter and the snow is falling in earnest. Follow these tips, and you may not freeze to death or get the blues this winter. We promise it will make the winters bearable!
Get outside and play and you will feel 1,000 times better. Seasonal Affective Disorder affects many people in Alaska, making them moody and listless in the dark winter months. Beat back the Alaska winters blahs with a healthy dose of sunshine every day and you will have a much more enjoyable winter. Of course, you can purchase full spectrum lights for your home or office, but there is no real substitute for the sun.
Winter has the most beautiful, long sunsets on the short winter days, but don't discount outside fun just because the sun is about to set. Skiing, sledding, running, and long walks in the woods can be magical in the moonlit starry evenings and mornings. That's how to survive Alaska winter!
It makes EVERYTHING a whole lot easier if you have the proper gear to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable while outdoors in the harsh winter. It will seriously change your desire to leave the house. Get the gear you need, whether it's layers of warmth for the cold northern winters or waterproof everything for southern rain. Winters in Alaska are easier to bear when you're dressed correctly.
You actually have to put the warm gear on to reap the benefits of ownership. Even on a warm, sunny afternoon, remember to fill the car and backpack with all your warm clothes for when the temperatures drop. It can happen quickly and drastically. You won't want to skip out on these essentials during Alaskan winters.
Whether you head across the globe or just down the road, plan an adventure at some point this winter. A change of scenery can break up the long months of darkness. Hawaii is a popular winter destination for Alaskans and international traveling is common, but seeing a new part of the state can be just as refreshing.
Alaska winters can be nice when broken up by some warm weather and sunshine!
When you head out on a trip, try to do so during the daylight hours for ease of travel. Roads that are dizzying with blowing snow late at night can be completely clear by the time the sun is high in the sky. Temperatures aren't as frigid, either, which cuts down on misery if you should break down or slide into a ditch. Winters in Alaska are just easier that way!
Getting out in the wilderness is one of the wonderful benefits of living in Alaska. Taking advantage of the mountains and oceans will make the winter a lot more fun. Try snowshoeing, the different types of skiing, ice skating, hockey, snowboarding, ice climbing, curling, or just walking in the woods. Exercise will show you how to survive an Alaskan winter.
Don't be absolute about plans in the winter months. Be flexible and accommodating, taking into account the regularity of flight delays, road closures, and storm warnings. It'll make everything easier if you accept that the conditions are extreme and tight schedules can't always be kept. Everything's just different up here!
You never know when a motorized vehicle is going to break down in the cold and you will have to walk to safety. Being caught unprepared has negative consequences ranging from uncomfortable to fatal. Always assume you need to be ready to walk a couple miles in the cold, and night temperatures can drop significantly. Alaskan winter can strike at any time.
Even if it's bitterly cold, icy, foggy, slippery, and snowing like crazy, you still probably have to go to work. Prepare yourself and your vehicle for the winter with winter tires, flares, a tow strap, gravel or kitty litter for traction, gloves and extra warm gear for driving in stormy conditions because that is just the way of life the north. Check local websites to make sure the roads and businesses are open. Locals get used to the weather in winters in Alaska, so our schedule doesn't change much.
11. Autostart is real, and it can change your life.
Before you leave to go somewhere, it is customary to start the car and wait a few minutes for it to warm up. This reduces strain on the engine and gets the heater going in the cab, making the trip easier on you and the car. Autostart is an upgrade you can purchase that allows you to start the car from 20-50 feet away, through a window. It's the best invention ever. It makes an Alaskan winter more bearable!
It's easy to hole up in your home and workplace and become lonely and isolated. Make sure you get some human interaction from friends, clubs, sports or activities once in a while. It's good for the soul. Get out, find the sunshine (or aurora borealis,) and soak in what you can. It will help!
The hardest time for the mind can be when the light comes back in spring. Be careful not to get hopeless at this time of year. Reach out to your friends who have been hibernating, too. Get outside, get together, and start moving your body.
Throughout the winter, you will inevitably find people in need. No matter if it's shoveling a driveway, chopping wood, or carrying something up an icy path, take the extra time help someone out. Winter can be very hard on those in a weakened condition. Lend a helping hand when you can, for it may be you that needs help next time. In Alaska we take care of each other!
Winter can be rough, but Alaskans make it through together. And once you get all of these tips under your belt, you’ll start to see everything there is to love about our Alaska winters!
