Driving Tour from Whittier to Seward to Anchorage

 

We disembarked from the cruise ship and rented a car. Whittier is totally Alaskan. It was fun to see the diversity of humanity enjoying their independence; doing what they like to do best near the most beautiful stretch of water in all America. Boats everywhere-such a sight. I’ve never seen so many boats, all kinds: little dinghies, huge beautiful private cruise-like boats, floating in the water or parked on lots near where we picked up our rental car.

Leaving from Whittier our drive took a few minutes to get to the tunnel entrance, the only

way to depart from Whittier by car. I was a bit apprehensive driving through a two and half mile tunnel on railroad tracks. It was cool; we were in and out in five minutes but it seemed like fifteen. The tunnel had lights and nice restrooms at both ends. The train takes a turn, then the cars, trucks, and buses take their turns.

We then headed south to Seward.  The town boasts a year round population of about 3,000 residents however that easily doubles once the tourists arrive. Seward is most known as the “Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park”.  We enjoyed our beautiful drive on the Seward Highway, mostly through the Kenai Mountain Range.  Upon entering into Seward we saw our first large animal – a moose.  He was just strolling along on the airport tarmac and didn’t have a care in the world.  Absolutely spectacular!  It was just like he was another citizen enjoying the day in Seward.  We found a quaint little café, had a bite to eat and started our journey back to Whittier and then onto Anchorage.

It was a beautiful day to drive along the Cook Inlet.   The tide was out so no chance to see the Beluga Whales, but the mud flats were interesting with many waterfalls and glaciers in the distance. As we drove past the Whittier exit, low and behold another moose.  This time it was a cow gently eating grass in the ditch along the highway.  No fears for her, she was completely safe!

The scenery is fantastic as you follow the Matanuska River to its headwaters in the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains. There are lots of pull-outs for rest and pictures, as well as activities and attractions along the way such as river rafting, glacier hiking and jet boat tours, and self guided hikes. The area is rich with geology and fossils, some of which can be found along the road itself. Better yet, buy a gold pan for about $20 in Anchorage and try your luck at Gold Mining along Caribou.