Right place, wrong attitude I stood on the walkway over Steep Creek, in the shadow of the Mendenhall Glacier. A popular spot for Juneau locals and visitors alike. This late summer afternoon, sockeye salmon finned in the clear shallows, flashing their deep red spawning colors; a bald eagle perched in a spruce, framed by the autumn-tinged slopes of Mount McGinnis: the whole scene a giant, living postcard. I gazed out, feeling my pulse and breathing slow to match my surroundings. An incoming clump-clump of footsteps signaled an end to my moment alone. No big shock. After all, the bus-packed parking lot for the Glacier Visitor Center lay just a hundred yards away. Amazing, I told myself, that this little chunk of country could absorb so much traffic, day in and out, and stay this good. “Where are the bears?” A New Jersey voice in the crowd demanded. “They said…
Seven long-time faves on the culinary scene Alaska has gained quite the reputation among foodies—and deservedly so. Using the best of what Alaska has to offer, the state’s chefs, bakers, and restaurateurs have added a distinctly northern twist to their food service. Fresh Alaskan seafood is always a featured ingredient; game may be on the menu, too, as available. Locally grown produce, such as berries and vegetables that do well in Alaska’s northern climate, are used whenever possible. And a tempting assortment of homemade treats for dessert is meant to warm the heart as well as fill the stomach. Fat Olives’ private label wine. Courtesy Jacques du Preez, Juneau’s Waterfront Restaurants The results are, well, delicious. From rural roadhouses to urban steakhouses, Alaska’s culinary scene has something for every palate and budget. Among the many choices, certain local landmarks stand out. They have earned a loyal following over time for…
Who has the right to view a wild animal? And is sharing the location of wildlife detrimental or beneficial?
There are numerous carbon offsets programs in Alaska that allow travelers to make purchases and offset their trip’s emissions.
Nick Jans remembers Romeo, a wolf that lived near Juneau and captured the community’s heart by interacting with people’s pet dogs.
The wavering roadless rule is the latest contention between the timber industry and sustainable use in the Tongass National Forest.
The jobs available in Alaska’s tourism industry have long drawn adventure seekers from around the world. That returns as tourism bounces back.
Yup’ik culture bearer and musician Qacung Blanchett received numerous notable recognitions in late 2021 and early 2022.
This book by Frederick James Currier is an Alaskan adventure memoir of his time in the north from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Haines may be remote, but it’s an eclectic and welcoming community, and Michelle Theall feels at home there.