Alaska is a big state. Getting from Denali to Anchorage and vice versa is a 233 mile trek, and for some perspective on just how far that is, when I drive from Seattle to Portland it’s “only” 173 miles. Alaska is big. The airport we were to fly home out of was in Anchorage, and in order to get there we spent 8 hours on board the McKinley Explorer Rail Car.

I felt like I was an extra character in the Polar Express. 

Up until this point we were placed on motor coaches in order to get around, and I tell ya what, not being stuck on a bus with the permeating smells of a lavatory was like finding snow on Christmas morning. Not to mention extra leg room, and options to walk around.

Oh, and did I mention a better view?

View from my seat.

When visiting Alaska, a train ride of some sort is a must. I’m glad this was the train we were able to ride, and although 8 hours is a long time to be on any type of transportation, the train provided a handful of options to make the ride more comfortable.

The train was separated into multiple different sections, but if you wanted to visit another car, or find your way to the caboose for a better view, you were able to walk about freely. I enjoyed being able to walk a bit and stand outside whenever I felt stagnant.

Caboose view.

Each car had a personal guide, providing information of the local surroundings as well as suggestions for prime photo spots. There’s a shop on board should you wish to purchase any last minute souvenirs, and the bathrooms are downstairs below the seating area.

Yea, this train was two levels. Too legit to quit.

The lower level also had a small restaurant, because who doesn’t get hungry in an 8 hour time span? We chose to visit the lower eating area for breakfast, while some chose to visit for lunch. The lower area doesn’t have the dome like windows, but you can still see your surroundings outside.

Upper level dome.

Lower level dining.

This ride was quite enjoyable, and provided more views of Alaska I would not have seen had I traveled to Anchorage by motor coach. The train took us through back country landscape soaking up the final fall colors. Fall in Alaska happens quick, within one week we watched the leaves turn from red, to yellow, to falling off the trees.

As with everything else, this train ride was 100% set up by Holland America, and was included in our cruise package. Before arrival in Denali we were given a packet with our travel information regarding everything land based. Badda boom, badda bing.

Like a science.

8 hours later we arrived in Anchorage, and were shuttled to our hotel, where we would spend one night before departure. Anchorage was like any other big city, but smaller. This was the only location I felt “meh” about. I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit Anchorage, although I ate the second best meal of the trip at Humpy’s. First place still goes to Skagway.

There was limited time for exploring the morning we flew home, just enough to walk around a bit, find some legit wall art, and in the words of Dale Cooper I did find myself a damn fine cup of coffee. I lost all my morals at Dark House Coffee and ate myself a vegan/gluten free muffin with my coffee. I paid for it later, but it was worth it.

#eatlocal 

And just like that, our trip to Alaska was complete. I cannot recommend an Alaskan cruise enough, and this is coming from someone originally uninterested in the idea of any kind of cruise. Sometimes it’s nice to let others do the work for you. If you’re on the fence about embarking on an adventure like this, in the words of Nike – just do it.

Q: Where is your next adventure? I’m off to Arizona for two weeks, and we’ll be back to current time blog posts! 

There are multiple options for cruise packages these days, and what you choose depends on what the overall goal for your vacation is. Most packages have similar stops along the way, but the land portions are different. Our goal was to visit Denali National Park. In my dad’s words, “if we’re going all the way to Alaska, I want to see Denali.”

Wise words, from a wise man.

As mentioned in my last post, we spent two nights at the Princess Wilderness Lodge. Our first day/night was spent around the lodge, and our second day was spent driving through Denali National Park. For 8 hours. Should you visit in your own vehicle it’s not likely you’ll get passed a certain check point without a permit, but when you hop aboard the magic school bus it’s full steam ahead.

But seriously, we rode a legit school bus. 

The space was cramped, the Australian woman behind me was sick, but we were able to get out and use the bathroom/explore every couple hours. There were no complaints because I was in Alaska. For food we were given a snack pack, although I didn’t eat anything inside because #autoimmuneprobs.

I fueled my stomach with amazing views and even better company. 

The weather ranged from sunny and blue, to cloudy and rain, to below freezing and snow. It was even more unpredictable than my home state of Washington. I loved every minute. Except when we got out and it was below freezing. I bought a hat on the cruise ship (and a jacket) that was a Godsend, but I was still frozen.

My dad and I spent time getting to know each other on this trip, and I was able to teach him how to take a proper selfie. He then became the selfie king, which was good because I never take selfies.

Selfies aside, we saw a wide range of wildlife on this tour. Denali National Park has over 6 million acres of protected land, and I’ve never felt so small in my life. Amazing how easily we could have been swallowed by these mountains with even the slightest amount of careless disrespect.

Either the mountains, or a grizzly bear.

This bear was right next to the road, and I immediately took back all the unkind things I thought about the cramped bus. I was thankful for the large hunk of steel to separate me and the grizzly. He didn’t seem too phased by us anyway. With 6 million acres, seeing a grizzly isn’t all that common, but we lucked out.

We also saw tons of dall sheep, caribou, and a handful of moose. 

All critters aside, the vast open landscape was what captured my soul. The locals say it’s hit or miss to actually see Mt. Denali due to the changing weather, and for us it was a miss. The clouds covered the spot where Denali should be visible, but there was plenty of beauty to make up for the hiding peak of Denali.

Of all the places we visited this was the only spot I would have liked to see in the summer months opposed to the fall. There are trails for hikers all over the park, and I’m not a big snow fan. Looks like I’ll have to go back and cover some land by foot.

Although, I’m not sure I want to run into a bear. 

Alaska is truly a wonder, and is a place you have to see for yourself to appreciate all the beauty.

Q: Have you ever seen a bear in its natural habitat?