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Mt. McKinley: Day Off Guide
Make Friends On Your Day Off
The Hangar: Grab a drink and unwind after a long day.
Share stories over a couple of pints – the best way to make a
new friend.
The Altitude: Get online and check in with the rest of the
world. Send some emails, kick back and relax. It's low-key,
and the place to be if you're under 21.
Head to Town: Trapper Creek is only 15 minutes away –
just a quick jaunt! The slightly-larger Talkeetna is less than
an hour on the free shuttle bus from the lodge. Immerse
yourself in the local charm of true Alaskan towns.
A free shuttle bus is also available to Anchorage every week
during June, July and August. The biggest city in Alaska is 2
½ hours away.
"I set up camp in the middle of the Chulitna River
on a large gravel bar. I took my girlfriend there, built
a bonfire and we spent the night just the two of us
and the immenseness of Alaska all around – mountains in full view." – Brian
Curling up with a nice hot burger
in the comfort of my own room
with a half-read book by my side
and the knowledge that I can sleep
in if I want to – those are my
favorite (and rare!) day-off moments! - Ben
Hike Like You Mean It
On your days off take advantage of the stunning
scenery and overwhelming beauty of the Alaskan
outdoors. Wind through the foothills of Mount
McKinley, spend the day in Denali State Park,
roam the Mat-Su Valley and discover adventure at
every turn.
Denali Backcountry: The Chulitna, Susitna
and Talkeetna Rivers wind through Denali State
Park, and Mt. McKinley looms above. Get your
backcountry hiking permit at Denali's
Backcountry Information Center, and plan your
own adventure.
Cascade Trail on Byers Lake: Close to the
McKinley Lodge, this six-mile course offers
some of the most majestic views of "the High
One" from the east side. The trail is not too
difficult and great for a fun day trip.
Endless Possibilites
Butte (2 hours south): A quick but vertical hike, with
the highest point a panorama of the surrounding
country.
Hatcher Pass (2 hours south): Spend the day in the
epic Talkeetna Mountains with views of the MatanuskaSusitna Valley and the alpine waters of Willow Creek.
Not your average day hike.
Fishing Frenzy
the banks of the Chulitna, Susitna or Talkeetna.
Wander the shores at your own pace, hike up your
waders and get wet. There's no better way to
become one with the water.
What would an Alaskan summer be without some of the
Drift boat fishing: Looking for a way to cover
best salmon in the world? Chinook, Sockeye, Coho – you
more water in less time? Grab a boat and launch
name it, you can find it in the waters near Mt. McKinley
yourself into the sparkling waters of Alaska's
Princess Wilderness Lodge.
rivers. Since fishing is one of the main pastimes of
Mat-Su locals, finding a river guide is easy – and
Wade fishing: Spend a leisurely day wade fishing on
your employee discount makes it a no-brainer
Riding the Rapids
With three rivers nearby ready for rafting, land lubbers quickly
transform into water lovers. Grab a life jacket and get wet!
Matanuska Lion’s Head: An exciting, short stretch of Class
III-IV whitewater under stunning rock formations. Pack your
neoprene –the water is cold!
Chulitna River: With a put-in point less than five miles from the
lodge, rafting the Chulitna River is the best way to take advantage
of sunny days (and team member discounts!). Pull out in
Talkeetna, and get some rejuvenating grub at the West Rib.
Where the Wild Things Are
Never thought you'd get the chance to see a moose? A bald
eagle? Think again. McKinley is thriving with the creatures
you only hear about in stories – in fact, Denali State Park
Rangers say that there are more black bears in this region
than any other worldwide! Bring your camera.
True Tails
"I saw eight bald eagles while rafting down the Chulitna."
"After a moment, an ermine hopped out from under the
deck with a vole almost as big as it was in its mouth. It
pranced across the path within inches of my feet as proud of
itself as it could possibly be and completely oblivious to my
presence."
"I could see both moose and grizzly bears from the plane."
"I have seen so many new flowers!"
Awesome Adventures
Adventure seekers don't have to travel far for a thrill. The staff at McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge is
privy to some of the most out-of-this-world opportunities you never thought you'd get to take. Check it out.
"I used my team member discount to take an airplane ride from Talkeetna which circled around Mt.
McKinley and landed on one of the glaciers just below the peak. The sky was cloudless, and the pilot
brought us to where we could see all of the nearby mountains, pointing out all the geographic and geologic
features along the way. We watched as mountain climbers got into position to summit Mt. McKinley." –
Robby
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Taking it Easy - Alaska Style
Best Places for Alaskan Bites
• West Rib: Best place for a burger
• Talkeetna Roadhouse: Best place for homemade pastries and
a piping-hot breakfast
• Café Michele: Best place for salmon dinner
• Mountain High Pizza Pie: Best place for an Alaskan Calzone
• Fairview: Best place to grab a drink
Rainy Days Off
Head back to your room and take a nap, journal about your day, or
catch up on some reading. With so much to do, Alaska can be an
exhausting place.
© Princess Cruises and Holland America Line