Day Four: Talkeetna
TALKEETNA: Rise & Shine as today will present one of many highlights of your adventure. Talkeetna is a local town sporting the most photographed scenes in our state, the towering peaks of Mt. Denali & the Alaska mountain range. Only 1 ½ hours north, this town is a hub for international mountain climbers. A quaint town, many local artisans show off their wares for visitors to enjoy. From outside markets to indoor shops, you can find native artwork, hand-made birch products, local beauty products made from silt. Next, take time to enjoy lunch at one of several local bistro’s. Mountain High Pizza Pie makes a fantastic “special sauce” on all their flat-bread sandwiches. Then wander over to the Historical Talkeetna Roadhouse, for some desserts and pastries that will make your mouth water.
Next, based on the type of package booked, Deluxe or Quality, you will be able to choose one of the following adventures to enjoy in Talkeetna.
Click the option titles below to show and hide details.
Denali Flightseeing & Glacier Landing
This magnificent flight takes you within six miles of Mt. Denali’s summit. As your flight departs Talkeetna, you begin to see how the last ice age has shaped the land. Moments later you enter a world of rugged high mountain peaks and wide glacier filled valleys. Listen as your pilot describes the natural wonders of Denali National Park. See the Sheldon Amphitheater, beautiful Ruth Glacier, and the Great Gorge (the world’s deepest – almost 2 miles from top to bottom). “No Alaska visit is complete without this experience!”
Next, consider adding an optional glacier landing on the Sheldon Amphitheater glacier beneath Mt. Denali. The aircraft is equipped with skis, floats, and voice activated headphones. Passengers, each with comfortable window seats, enjoy narration by an experienced pilot-guide highlighting points of interest including geology, wildlife, and history. Flight time is 1 hr and you can add a glacier landing upgrade for $100.00 per person*. (Flight available ONLY on DELUXE package, or upgrade of $250.00 per person on the QUALITY package. Glacier Landing Upgrade is $100.00 per person)
2-Hour Homestead Riverboat Adventure
Your exciting trip will begin aboard a covered riverboat as it whisks you into the heart of the wilderness in comfort designed to safely navigate rivers that were previously inaccessible. You will visit an authentic trapper’s cabin and view how trappers lived in “Bush” Alaska at the turn of the century. Your experienced guide will display furs from the local area and demonstrate trapping methods.
Naturalists will acquaint you with the wildflowers and plants that grow in abundance along the river system and you will learn about the edible plants that were used by the First Peoples for cooking and medicines. As you travel ten miles of river you will have opportunities to view nesting bald eagles, beaver activity, and moose and you just might see black bear and grizzly bear roaming the shore. Wildlife, folklore, artifacts and a panoramic view of Denali in the Alaska Range combine to make this an unforgettable Alaskan river adventure. (Available on DELUXE & QUALITY packages, your choice of one)
