Oh, Alaska. The mere mention of it conjures images of rugged, ice-clad landscapes where the brave or the foolish (depending on who you ask) dare to tread. But Alaska in the summer? That’s an entirely different breed of adventure, my friends. Dare I say, it’s when the mountains put on their summer attire, trading their icy-blue gowns for lush green cloaks and blooming wildflowers. And so, with my best hiking boots laced tight and a can-do attitude, I embarked on a journey to experience Alaska’s mountains in their summer glory. Here’s the lowdown on what I found, spoiler alert: it’s breathtakingly awesome, with just a dash of bear encounter thrill. Buckle up, wilderness enthusiasts (and bear aficionados) – Alaska’s summer mountains are calling, and I must gush. The Sun: Alaska’s Midnight Marvel Forgot about needing a flashlight? In the Alaskan summer, so will you. The sun, in an extravagant display of celestial stamina, barely dips below the horizon, providing what’s fondly referred to as the ‘Midnight Sun’. I must admit, reading by natural light at midnight without a lamp was both an eerie and an exhilarating experience. Just don’t forget your eye mask for sleep – or embrace insomnia as your new superpower. Wildlife Galore: Bear-y Close Encounters If you thought your neighbor’s dog was a nuisance, try a bear sauntering through your campsite. Alaska’s mountains in summer are basically a mixer for the animal kingdom. From majestic moose to stealthy wolves, and yes, our fluffy albeit slightly terrifying friends, the bears, the wildlife here doesn’t just steal the show – they are the show. Word to the wise: bear-proof your food or prepare for the world’s furriest uninvited picnic guest. The Great Outdoors: Hiker’s Paradise and Mosquito Banquet Alaska’s trails in summer transform into a verdant wonderland, dotted with crystal-clear lakes and rivers that reflect the mountains like a mirror. The hiking here ranges from ‘stroll in the park’ to ‘I hope you brought your willpower’. But here’s the buzzkill – quite literally. Mosquitoes. In numbers best described as ‘biblical’. So, come prepared with bug spray or wear your bites as battle scars from the great Alaskan outdoors. Finally, as I stood atop a mountain, with the sun refusing to set and a potentially bear-attended picnic below, I realized Alaska in the summer is an experience of endless daylight, untamed wilderness, and the kind of natural beauty that postcards can’t do justice. It’s a reminder of how wild, vast, and immeasurably beautiful our world is – and why we must venture beyond our front doors (bear spray in hand) to see it. Alaska’s mountains in summer aren’t just a destination; they’re an adventure that tests your mettle, soothes your soul, and leaves you with a bear-sized hunger for more. So, what are you waiting for? The Midnight Sun won’t watch itself, you know.
Alaska Mountains in Summer: Where the Sun Seldom Sleeps and the Bears are Basically Neighbors