Alaska HikingAlaska hiking-The world is your oyster. Alaska has about 640,000 residents occupying 570,374 square miles, or 365,039,104 acres of land. Three hundred and sixty five million acres plus, is a lot to explore. Because Alaska is so sparsely populated, it is quite easy to get away from it all.Though parts of Alaska are quite unreachable, much of Alaska is very available, and offers fantastic opportunities for spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing. All along Alaska’s highways, there are established trails for your hiking pleasure. Alaska was pioneered not so long ago, largely in the mid to late 20th century, so many trails lead to historic places that played a part in Alaska’s history. Mining played a major role in the development of this great state, so many trails were established by miners and lead to abandoned mines. Travel routes before roads were established are another way many trails were created.
Other trails of course, lead to places of interest. Alaska has 5 major mountain ranges, and hiking up mountains is a favorite of many. Hiking to lakes, over passes, through valleys, along the coast, the options are truly limited.
 A quick word of warning.Alaska Hiking should always be approached with caution. Alaska has ever changing conditions and being prepared is a must. Weather is always a factor here. Especially near the coastal areas, the weather can change extremely quick. A day hiking in Alaska that starts sunny and warm can quickly turn cold and rainy, leaving the trail slick and muddy, and you exposed to the elements.Prepare with proper footwear and layered clothing, allowing you to adapt as the weather changes.
Wildlife can also be a factor hiking in Alaska. Moose and bear should always be respected. Learn the proper behavior for dealing with unexpected encounters with wildlife. Generally, the animals don’t want to have any more to do with you, than you do with them. Never pursue or horass wild animals in hopes of a photogragh, or getting closer to nature. Wild animals are very unpredictable and can be dangerous. Learn more about the proper response to unruly animals.
 Things to consider:Bug Dope: They make pocket size bottles. Spring, summer or fall, this could be the difference in a great trip or a miserable trip.Food & Water: Pack drinking water, and at least an energy bar or two. As a kid, our rule of thumb was, ‘if the water is clear and flowing it’s drinkable’. I’ve since had ‘Beaver Fever’ or giardia and I’m not so quick to drink water from streams unless I’m really thirsty and the water is really flowing. Alaska Hiking can be demanding. Play it safe, bring your own. Footwear: Most trips will present you with the chance to get your feet wet. Be Prepared. Clothing: One word. Layers. Plan for the worst, and make sure you can also be comfortable in the best of conditions. Getting caught wet, cold, and exhausted can be dangerous. Conditions and bear sightings: Check the weather (take it with a grain of salt) and look for postings of recent bear sightings. Be smart. Information: If available, get trail maps and reports. Consider the terrain, calculate best and worst case trip times and plan food and water consumption accordingly. Play it safe. Waste: If you brought it, bring it back. Don’t litter. Unfortunately, this needs to be said. Too many people today don’t seem to care enough to be responsible and Alaska is worse for the wear. Help keep Alaska beautiful.
Safety: Again I want to emphasis, hiking in Alaska can be different than other places in the world. If you choose to leave established trails, note landmarks and realize our thick vegetation can make navigation very difficult. Every year, hikers get lost. Choose hikes that fit your skill level. Respect nature, it’s powerful.
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