Southwestern Alaska Travel Guide

Discover Southwestern Alaska's natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural attractions with this detailed travel guide. Find out where to stay, what to eat, and activities to do in this remote and stunning region.


Introduction to Southwestern Alaska

Southwestern Alaska is a remote and stunning region in the United States, located in the state of Alaska. It is a prime location for those who love outdoor adventures and want to experience traditional Alaskan culture. The region is home to several native tribes, including the Yup’ik, Cup’ik, and Alutiiq. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will uncover the best things to see and do in Southwestern Alaska, including natural attractions, cultural experiences, and itinerary suggestions.

List of Places to Visit in Southwestern Alaska

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Alaska Native Heritage Center
  • Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center
  • Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository
  • Togiak National Wildlife Refuge
  • Nunalleq Archaeology Project

Natural Attractions of Southwestern Alaska: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
  • Katmai National Park and Preserve
  • Kenai Fjords National Park
  • Kachemak Bay State Park
  • Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southwestern Alaska

  • Lost Lake Trail
  • Skyline Trail
  • Harding Icefield Trail
  • Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
  • Kesugi Ridge Trail

Best Things to Do in Southwestern Alaska: Activities and Tours

  • Fishing trips
  • Glacier tours
  • Dog-sledding
  • Sea kayaking
  • Wildlife viewing

Week-Long Itinerary for Southwestern Alaska

Day 1 Anchorage to Seward
Activity Drive to Seward and explore the town
Day 2 Kenai Fjords National Park
Activity Boat tour to explore glaciers and wildlife
Day 3 Kenai Peninsula
Activity Explore the Kenai Peninsula, go fishing or visit the Alaska SeaLife Center
Day 4 Homer
Activity Visit Homer Spit and take a fishing or kayaking tour
Day 5 Lake Clark National Park
Activity Fly to Lake Clark and go hiking or bear watching
Day 6 Anchorage
Activity Explore Anchorage and take a city tour
Day 7 Denali National Park
Activity Take a train ride or drive to Denali National Park and go hiking or wildlife viewing

Food and Drink Scene of Southwestern Alaska

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fresh seafood
  • Reindeer sausage
  • Smoked salmon
  • Chaga tea
  • Eskimo ice cream

Local Beverages

  • Alaska beer
  • Fireweed- or spruce-tip-infused cocktails
  • Blueberry wine
  • Birch sap

Where to Stay in Southwestern Alaska: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Alyeska Resort
  • Seward Windsong Lodge
  • Bear Glacier Wilderness Retreat
  • Glacier View Cabins
  • Alaska’s Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge

What to Buy in Southwestern Alaska: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Native art and crafts
  • Fossilized ivory art
  • Qiviut (muskox wool) products
  • Salmon jerky
  • Birch syrup

Local Culture and Customs of Southwestern Alaska

The native cultures of Southwestern Alaska have a rich history and still hold many traditional practices and beliefs. Respect for elder members of the tribe is important, as is showing respect for nature and the animals that live in the region. Traditional activities like fishing and hunting are still a crucial part of the Alaskan way of life, and visitors should be aware of their impact on the region.

Best Time to Visit Southwestern Alaska

The best time to visit Southwestern Alaska is in the summer months, from June to August. The days are long, and the weather is mild, making it perfect for outdoor adventures and sightseeing. However, visitors should be prepared for the local bugs and have enough layers to stay warm in case of a sudden change in the weather.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southwestern Alaska

Do:

  • Respect the nature and wildlife of the region
  • Take care of your trash
  • Follow the local customs
  • Hire a local guide for outdoor adventures
  • Try traditional foods and drinks

Don’t:

  • Approach wildlife
  • Disrespect native cultures and beliefs
  • Litter or damage the environment
  • Trespass on private property

Safety and Health

Safety in Southwestern Alaska

Visitors to Southwestern Alaska should always be aware of their surroundings and take care when exploring the outdoors. It is recommended to hire a local guide for outdoor adventures, as they know the region and its hazards well. It is also important to be prepared for sudden changes in weather and have the proper equipment to stay safe in case of an emergency.

Health in Southwestern Alaska

Visitors to Southwestern Alaska should be aware of the possibility of contracting diseases like Lyme disease and the Hantavirus from local wildlife. It is important to bring insect repellent and to avoid contact with wild animals, including rodents. Visitors should also be aware of the potential for dehydration and altitude sickness when going on outdoor adventures.

Getting to Southwestern Alaska: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southwestern Alaska

  • Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
  • Kenai Municipal Airport
  • Homer Airport
  • Bethel Airport
  • Dillingham Airport

Bus Stations Near Southwestern Alaska

  • Seward Bus Station
  • Homer Bus Station
  • Anchorage Bus Station

Other Options

  • Ferry: Alaska Marine Highway
  • Train: Alaska Railroad

How to Get Around in Southwestern Alaska

The best way to get around Southwestern Alaska is by car or by hiring a guide with a vehicle. Rental cars are available in Anchorage, Seward, Homer, and Bethel. It is also possible to take a bus or shuttle service to some destinations, like Denali National Park.

Where to Go Next from Southwestern Alaska: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Valdez
  • Fairbanks
  • Juneau
  • Glacier Bay National Park

Conclusion

Southwestern Alaska is a region full of natural beauty and cultural significance. This comprehensive tour guide has provided visitors with the information they need to explore the region safely and respectfully. From outdoor adventures to traditional foods and drinks, Southwestern Alaska has something to offer every type of traveler.



    Aleutian Islands