Hiking AlaskaAlaska-the Midnight Sun in the Arctic, rain forest along the twisting coastline of the Southeast, the towering peaks and glaciers along the Gulf of Alaska, alpine ridges rolling like ocean waves across the Interior-it’s all Birdshooter’s Take: This book is organized by geography with an index map showing you the exact location of each hike. That’s a major plus if you are looking for a day or overnight trip in a particular region of the state. Hiking Alaska also has a trail map which shows major roads, trailheads, and the route of the hiking trail. There are some pictures in this trail book and the material is decent with data on trail difficulty, length, elevations, and special features and attractions. There are 50 hikes in this book and it is geared to both day and overnight hikers. My Recommendation: If you do a lot of hiking all over the State of Alaska this is a good buy since it is one of the few books that covers the entire state.
Lonely Planet: Backpacking In Alaska Birdshooter’s Take: I used an earlier edition of this book during two trips to Alaska in the 1990’s. The book covers the entire state and is a major plus to a non-resident of Alaska since it recommends hiking and backpacking trails but also includes traveling details for transportation, lodging, and services in each region of the State. My Recommendation: This is the book to get if you are not a resident in Alaska and only plan to spend a week or two in the area. 50 Hikes in Alaska’s Chugach State Park Birdshooter’s Take: There are quite a few books on hikes in Alaska, but this one is good if you do a lot of trips near Anchorage or the Seward area in the Chugach State Park. (You might also consider the Chugach National Forest which is nearby and has some great trails.) My Recommendation: If you don’t want to venture too far from Anchorage and want some great hiking and backpacking experiences, the Chugach State Park is easy to access and has some great terrain. This book provides all the details you need. However, if you are not a resident of the State and only plan to spend a week in the area, you are probably better off with the Lonely Planet’s Hiking In Alaska. Denali: The Complete GuideDENALI: THE COMPLETE GUIDE is the most comprehensive guide to one of North America’s best-known parks. This sweeping reference to Denali National Park and Preserve details in words, pictures, and maps, all the information the traveler needs for a great Denali experience. Explore Denali by bus, car, train, bike, boat, or foot. Raft whitewater rapids, pick berries, climb the continent’s highest mountain, backpack through forest and tundra, watch grizzlies dig for ground squirrels, share a Birdshooter’s Take: This book is more geared to the general outdoor enthusiast than the hiker and backpacker, and it is also very specific to Denali. My Recommendation: Get this book if you plan to spend most of your vacation in Denali National Park and want a mix of outdoor activities. If you plan to explore other parts of the State (ie. the Chugach National or State Forest) and are focused on hiking and backpacking, then consider some of the other books listed here. 55 Ways To The Wilderness In Southcentral Alaska Birdshooter’s Take: There are quite a few books on hikes in Alaska, but this one is good if you do a lot of trips in the Southcentral area. My Recommendation: If you visit Southcentral Alaska frequently, this is the book to get. If you are not a resident of the State, however, and only plan to spend a week in the area, you are better off with the Lonely Planet’s Hiking In Alaska.
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