Day Six: Hatcher Pass & Knik Glacier
WASILLA: Rise & Shine, as the midnight sun never sets! Continental breakfasts will be available in your private room as you begin your day. Today experience spectacular views of Hatcher’s Pass and the Independence Gold Mine, built in the early 1900’s. Here you have your choice of taking a walk on paved trails, or hiking back into the mountains for a real adventure. Those who love photography will have a real photo safari here with the arctic flora and fauna.
Or if learning about the history of the area is your choice, a park naturalist is here to share the history of the mine, as well as the lifestyle of the engineers to the flunkies who worked tirelessly on the mine. A lunch stop will be provided in Palmer.
PALMER: This afternoon’s adventure will take you aboard an airboat ride to Lake George, the base of Knik Glacier. Lake George, an ice dammed lake was once responsible for floods of cataclysmic proportions. Knik Glacier, 28 miles long, 6 miles wide and over 1000 feet thick, is one of Alaska’s grandest natural attractions.
Knik Glacier, born in the Pleistocene Glaciation period (the beginning of the Ice Age) 600,000 years ago, covered the Anchorage bowl and the entire Cook Inlet. While it remains active, motion imperceptible to the naked eye, this glacier is in a constant state of change. After traveling all over the state of Alaska, the Knik Glacier always turns out to be a trip highlight. We consider ourselves very fortunate to live in such a magnificent landscape and it is our pleasure to share it with you.
ANCHORAGE: Next, your guide will take you to your local hotel for an evening of leisure. Located in Southcentral Alaska on the shores of Cook Inlet, the Municipality of Anchorage is a unique urban environment situated in the heart of the wilderness. There’s a special mystique to Alaska. The name conjures up adventure, raw natural beauty — glaciers, mountains and seas, unmatched the world around — fascinating wildlife, a unique cultural heritage, and independent, pioneering people. Here you will find four-star restaurants and small cafes, an outstanding Museum of History and Art and a multitude of other fun activities.
Enjoy downtown shopping at any of the artist hot spots, or relax and enjoy the nightlife of Anchorage, “the city of lights”. Delectable restaurants dot the downtown area and offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy fresh salmon to prime rib. Overnight at your Anchorage hotel.
View our preferred accommodations for this area:
Anchorage Metro-Area Lodging