If you talk to anyone who moved to Alaska this is what they will tell you; “I went to Alaska to visit and I never left.” In this blog post, I am going to give you the perfect eight-day itinerary for your first trip to Alaska.
Looking over Lake Clark
Preparing for your first Alaskan Adventure
First things first, visit alaskaalpineadventures.com and browse their extensive selection of wilderness adventure trips. I highly recommend the Turquoise to Twin Lakes Traverse. Set in the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Clark National Park, this seven-day adventure promises an experience of authentic wilderness exploration like you’ve never seen.
Having spent my formative years mere miles from Turquoise Lake in the charming town of Port Alsworth, I can attest to the unparalleled beauty and uniqueness of this region.
Once your trip is booked, you will fly to Anchorage where someone from the Alaska Alpine Adventures team will arrange your pick-up and take you to The Lakefront Anchorage hotel. On your first day, you will head to Snow City Cafe for brunch, an iconic Anchorage landmark renowned for its eclectic energy and delicious menu.
Following brunch, take a leisurely stroll through downtown Anchorage, exploring its authentic souvenir shops and perhaps treating yourself to a reindeer sausage hotdog from one of the downtown hotdog stands.
As the day transitions to night, elevate your dining experience at Crush Wine Bistro, where delectable prosciutto-wrapped dates await alongside an extensive selection of meticulously curated wines. Toast to the adventures that await.
Time to Head out
Prepare for departure from Anchorage’s Merrill Field with Lake Clark Air. The flight duration will last around an hour and a half where you’ll fly over towering mountains, active volcanoes, and glacier crevasses. Weather permitting, brace yourself for a breathtaking flight through the pass. As you fly above glacier-fed rivers, keep your eyes peeled for the brown bears that call this wilderness home.
Upon landing in the small 200 person town of Port Alsworth, with its picturesque lakeside views and mountain backdrop, you’ll find yourself momentarily questioning if this landscape is real. Once grounded, your trip guides will warmly welcome you and take you to the Farm Lodge. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious homemade dinner and discuss the itinerary for the days ahead.
Here is when things get real
Get ready, your excitement is about to reach a new height. Rise and shine for an early departure to Turquoise lake, where you’ll board a floatplane operated by Lake Clark Air. As you take off into the Alaskan skies once again, you will be shocked by the vast mountains cloaked in tundra.
Before long, you’ll touch down on the blue waters of Turquoise Lake, where the floatplane will drop you off on a secluded sandbar in one of Alaska’s most remote and untouched regions.
This is when it all begins. Over the next seven days, get ready to disconnect from the stressors of everyday life as you start the 20+ mile trek towards Twin Lakes. Throughout this experience, you’ll set up base camps, complete breathtaking day hikes, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring wilderness of remote Alaska. There is a high chance of encountering remarkable wildlife, from mama bears nurturing their cubs to elusive mountain goats, wolves, and moose.
Amidst the excitement of these encounters, it’s the moments of quiet reflection that truly define this expedition. Rarely do we have the opportunity to completely detach from modern distractions for an extended period, allowing for deep introspection and connection with the natural world.
Saying goodbye?
After your trip is over there might be a wide variety of emotions, because now it’s time to return to everyday life. However, returning to running water is a plus. You just spent eight days in Alaska, now what? Well, this is typically how Alaska gains its residents. See you soon!
Bella Oberlatz 
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