Galena is located about three hours north of Ancorage, four from Fairbanks, and four from Valdez. It is a perfect location to gas up your vehicle, stretch your legs, and get out. Not much to do right here, so I will expand on the area of Galena. North about 45 miles is the mouth to the Gulkana River. As you head north, on the right hand side and during June, you can see thousands of salmon spawning. They turn bright red when they hit fresh water so the sight is pretty amazing. Continuing north another 20 miles is Paxon Lake that has some great northern pike fishing (some of the largest in the world). Paxon is the location where the Denali Hwy and Richardson Hwy meet. If you turn left on the Denali Hwy you will be in the middle of nowhere for 120 miles of dirt road, bears, moose, ptarmagin, eagles, you name it. Most beautiful mountain region I have been to. Complete isolation. Make sure you can change a tire otherwise it might be an hour before the next car comes along.
|
|
Favourite spots: |
Boating out on Paxon Lake if you can arrange it is a great trip. There are also a few float planes in the area so you can get right in the heart of the mountains. Contact Logan Rickert of Fairbanks for guided white water rafting trips down the Gulkana. This is very worthwhile (have done over 20 trips since a child and could do 20 more).
|
|
What's really great: |
The Alaskan wilderness, wildlife, mountains, everything. The fishing is exciting and the views are unforgettable.
|
|
Accommodations: |
Only a few places. Best to bring a tent. It is the best way to travel in Alaska! There is a campground at Paxon.
|
|
Nightlife: |
None
|
|
Hangouts: |
a few here and there.
|
|
Restaurants: |
Occassional
|
|
Published on Friday September 20th, 2002
|
|
|
Information: |
Login if you are a member, or sign up for a free membership to rate this report and to earn globo points! |
|
|