The month of September has National Wildlife Day as one of its holidays. One of our favorite places to experience wildlife is Alaska! The 49th state is known for its memorable outdoor experiences, breathtaking natural beauty, and abundance of wildlife.
While the sun barely goes down during the summer, it is a great opportunity to see all of the beautiful wildlife. Both Black Bears and Brown Bears call this state home. Our first encounter with a young Brown Bear was at the Russian River as he was catching a salmon for lunch. Seeing an animal in their natural habitat is priceless. Granted it might raise your adrenaline but it sure beats seeing them in a zoo.
Tip: to stay in a safe distance bring a good camera with a long lens ;)
Alaska is not just bear country it is also home to a “wild” array of wildlife! Moose and Caribou run wild in winter, and Dall Sheep (yep, the guys with the curly horns) bound over the hills in Denali Park. Wolves and Bald Eagles abound in Alaska. Make sure to bring binoculars and do not miss out on the Humpback, Gray, and Orca Whales that migrate during the summer. When we took a glacier cruise from Seward we got to witness an amazing feat of nature: There was a pack of about 20 Humpback whales doing a bubble net hunt! What a rare and spectacular treat!
Puffins and Sea Otters also make their homes on or near the waters of Alaska. You often see the Sea Otters chilling in the water and holding hands. So if you’re an animal lover, you’re in for a real treat! Just make sure YOU don’t turn into a treat… no pun intended. We recommend bringing an air horn for safety whenever you’re out and about exploring Alaska on or off the trails! This sign says it all!
Another incredible experience was to watch salmon spawn in a stream near Seward. The life cycle of Alaska salmon is fascinating as they return to the very place they were born. How they find their way back from the immensity of the Pacific Ocean is a small feat in itself. Not to mention, that they swim from fresh water to salt water and back again!
We have visited Alaska several times but always during the summer. A reason to go back during the winter would be to see the Northern Lights. Not an easy task for someone who’s always cold but I’m sure it would be an incredible experience.
If Alaska is on your bucket list, there are several ways to explore it. Rent an RV and encounter Moose and Bear sightings along the way or pick a cruise where not just food but also all sorts of entertainment will be provided. Especially great when traveling in a large group.
As for any travels, preparation is key. Therefore, don’t forget to bring the best travel bag with you! Our pick for a trip like that would be our water-resistant X-over bag from the Summer Sports Line. It comes in 3 vibrant colors, 2 sizes, has sealed zippers, loops to attach your hiking sticks, and several utility hooks on the front strap to attach the bear whistle and bell. Store your documents in the secret compartment and fill the rest of your bag with mosquito repellent, rain gear, binoculars, snacks, hydration, and even a clean change of clothes in case your day trip turns into a longer adventure.
Ready to get out and explore? Shop our x-over bag selection today!
