Alaska

Of course, there probably are not too many places to NOT love in Alaska, though today in our downpour I certainly can say Valdez is NOT my favorite place to be right now.

If you ever get to wander this way, you might consider checking out these favorites of ours:

Liberty Falls, on the Edgerton Highway between Kenney Lake and Chitina, Alaska.  A beautiful stop along the way, good for smaller campers and tents or a day trip.

Our Kids love the falls, as you can follow a trail along the right side up into the pools towards the top.  The water is extremely cold, even on hot days, but well worth a wander, and to be surrounded by the sheer beauty and sounds of roaring water as it crashes down behind the rocks and into the river below.

Kennecott Mine and Mcarthy

If you keep on heading east on the Everton highway you will eventually reach the end of the road at Mcarthy. The last 63 miles of the road are dirt and you average 20-30 miles an hour, unless you interested in ruining your suspension I would not go much faster. The road cuts through the edge of a mountain as you drop down into the Copper Valley.

The mine is on the National Register of historic places and holds a great history and education about the history of copper mining in Alaska. Some of most financially beneficial mining in Alaska was not from gold.

There is a large campground where the road ends or you can spend the night at the mine in the lodge.

The town of Mcarthy sits below the mine and has a mercantile, restaurant and a few small hotels. It’s well worth the trip and pictures will never do this place justice.

Squirrel Creek

One of our favorite places to camp in between Valdez and Glenellen is Squirrel Creek Campground. It is not a place most people think to stop but if you do you can treat yourself to a morning view while having your coffee.

Or go for a stroll on a brisk fall morning.

Or try your hand at catching Rainbow Trout in the pond.