People come from all over the world to see Alaska’s stunning beauty, but if you live here, it’s easy to take the jaw-dropping scenery for granted. One way to renew your appreciation for this beautiful place is by taking a scenic drive. Here’s one that’s easily accessible year-round.
The Seward Highway stretches 125 miles from Seward to Anchorage. Life Magazine named this stretch of road one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world.
Federal Highway Administration/Wikimedia It’s also known as Alaska Route 9 and Alaska Route 1.
The highway starts at Seward, and is just two lanes wide. The road is located in the center of this photo, and you can see that it’s just a few hundred feet from the Gulf of Alaska.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Wikimedia The highway passes through Seward and then travels north to the Chugach National Forest.
You’ll enter the Chugach National Forest about five miles into your scenic drive.
Kate Mereand/Wikimedia This gorgeous national forest encompasses 6,908,540 acres, and of course you’ll only see a small part of it, but it’s incredibly picturesque.
The road follows alongside tracks for the Alaska Railroad, and the tracks cross back and forth along the way, so you’ll go across several bridges.
lifetravelandmore/flickr
The road skirts Kenai Lake for about five miles before traveling over Moose Pass.
DCSL/flickr
Moose Pass sits at an elevation of 472 feet. During winter months it can be a little icy.
DCSL/flickr
There’s a tiny town here, with around 300 residents.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
Tern Lake is another of the many beautiful sights you’ll see during the 72-mile journey through this forest.
Peter Rintels/flickr
You’ll also pass pretty meadows and witness stunning mountain views.
DCSL/flickr
A little farther down the road, you’ll reach Portage, and travel along the Turnagain Arm.
Meghas2/Wikimedia
If you’re ready for some lunch, stop at Turnagain Pit BBQ for some of the best pulled pork you’ve ever tasted.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr The address is 3637 Old Seward Highway.
There’s pretty much a scenic vista around every turn along this highway.
DCSL/flickr You’ll leave the Chugach National Forest as the road turns north, toward Anchorage.
You’ll start to see signs of civilization again as you reach the outskirts of Anchorage.
readlistendream/flickr The highway continues on into the heart of Anchorage before turning east, where it becomes the Glenn Highway.
What’s your favorite spots along the Seward Highway?
Federal Highway Administration/Wikimedia
It’s also known as Alaska Route 9 and Alaska Route 1.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Wikimedia
The highway passes through Seward and then travels north to the Chugach National Forest.
Kate Mereand/Wikimedia
This gorgeous national forest encompasses 6,908,540 acres, and of course you’ll only see a small part of it, but it’s incredibly picturesque.
lifetravelandmore/flickr
DCSL/flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/flickr
Peter Rintels/flickr
Meghas2/Wikimedia
The address is 3637 Old Seward Highway.
You’ll leave the Chugach National Forest as the road turns north, toward Anchorage.
readlistendream/flickr
The highway continues on into the heart of Anchorage before turning east, where it becomes the Glenn Highway.
If you’re ready to plan a summer road trip, take a look at this one, which will take you to several hidden beaches.
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