Talkeetna
It doesn’t take much to picture Talkeetna in its prime gold rush days. Dusty dirt roads run past quaint shop fronts with hand-painted signs, while old-school saloons offer well-deserved refreshment to the intrepid climbers who come here to conquer Denali. But alongside this old-fashioned facade lies a town firmly in the now, as a gateway for adventures in the surrounding forests, lakes and rivers.
Adrenaline-inducing ziplines swoop over the treetops, river rafting takes you out into the frigid waters and through lush rainforest, while more sedate fly-fishing allows you to soak in the serenity of this remote wilderness. However you explore this stunning landscape, keep an eye out for the bears, beavers and moose that roam freely across this natural wonderland.