During his visit in Kenai Fjords National Park, President Obama posted several pictures on his Instagram. In one of them, he stands proudly with a young mother and her daughter. The daughter beams at the camera, and the president captures the moment in all of its significance with a succinct caption. “The fact that this young person I met at Kenai Fjords National Park and kids from all across the country will get a pass to visit our national parks is cool,” he reflects, “but it also speaks to something bigger— we’re connecting kids with our heritage and history.” This sentiment resonates with conscious travelers, particularly when it comes to exploring the some of the world’s most pristine wildernesses.
Following in the president’s environmentally conscious footsteps, we’ve curated the ultimate Alaskan adventure for the hippest nature-loving travelers around.
Anchorage
Obama landed in Anchorage with millennial swagger. “Hey everyone,” reads his Instagram caption, “I’ll be spending the next few days touring this beautiful state… looking forward to sharing it with you.” A city in touch with its natural surroundings, Anchorage is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to begin their Alaskan adventures. Before hitting the trails, pay a visit to the Anchorage Museum ($15 admissions for adults, $10 for students; open 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. daily), in the city’s illustrious downtown. While there, be sure to explore the Alaska Native Cultures exhibit, which comprises of over 600 artifacts (including a Tlingit war helmet!) from native Alaskan tribes. Now that you’ve interacted with some local history, it’s time to get a taste of that sweet Alaskan air. Rent a bike and ride the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, accessible via the northeast end of West 2nd Avenue. Along the trail’s vistas, riders frequently catch glimpses of moose, beluga whales, and America’s highest snow-capped peak, Mount Denali. After a solid day’s ride, unwind at Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria with an ice cold craft beer and a delicious stone-baked pizza. In addition to legendary pizza, Moose’s Tooth also regularly hosts some of the best live music in the city. Let loose to some live tunes until you feel the weight of your eyelids; then, take a short cab ride to The Lakefront Anchorage and drift into a deep, well-earned sleep.
Seward
Flying into Seward, Alaska on Marine One, President Obama took a photograph from his plane window: ‘spectacular view’, his spot-on Instagram caption exclaims. From Seward, travelers can access the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park— the natural wonderland in which President Obama took many of his legendary selfies, some of them with television personality, Bear Gryllis ("Glad this was the only bear I met in the park #DadHumor #BossManStatus", Obama remarked on one of his Instagram posts). Among the park’s most famous landmarks, the Exit Glacier, accessible from the Seward Highway, derives from the immense Harding Icefield. Sadly, the glacier receded roughly 187 feet between 2013 and 2014, and it continues to melt at an accelerated rate. Confronting this issue, President Obama encouraged public action with the hashtag, #ActOnClimate, on several of his Instagram posts (take action by voting for environmentally aware candidates and by donating to the national park of your choosing) To get close enough to ‘hear the creaks and groans of an active glacier’, consider taking a ranger-led walking tour of Exit Glacier. In addition, visitors of Kenai Fjords should consider hiking the Harding Icefield Trail. However, make sure to talk with a ranger about the conditions of the trail before setting out; hiking experts suggest taking 6-8 hours to hike the trail, which climbs over 1,000 feet in elevation with every mile. After a long day’s hike, enjoy a refreshing (and inexpensive) beverage at Seward’s own Yukon Bar, where rowdy locals go to cut loose and enjoy live music. When you’ve had your share of debauchery, head to the Sea Treasures Inn for a cozy night’s rest.
