Turnagain Arm drive

[EMED2010]

Three days after we disembark from Radiance we will head up the Turnagain Arm for our overnight stay in Palmer before we head to Denali in the morning. We plan on making lots of stops along the Arm. I've been reading up on the tunnel to Whittier and am interested in going through it. Would this be too time consuming or is it something doable? I wouldn't spend a lot of time in Whittier, maybe just grab a bite to eat. I am wondering how much time this would add on to the trip? Thoughts?

[mapleleaves]

The timing of the tunnel is what will cost the time. It's only open once per hour in each direction,

ie if you went INTO Whittier at 1:30 to have lunch you'd have to wait until 3pm for the next EXIT time. It will end up costing you about 3 hrs.

 

Maybe wait until the day of to make a decision and see where you are with your time. My guess is that you will find far more interesting things to see and do ! you can drive thru the Wildlife Conservation Center in 40 minutes but if the bears are active and playing, you might spend an hour. If there are moose hanging out at the end of Potters Marsh you might spend an hour. If it's a clear sunny day you might want to take the tram at Alyeska.

 

p.s while you're in Palmer stop by the gardens to see the enormous flowers and vegetables http://www.cityofpalmer.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={E5C383A1-8AA5-493C-95E3-9EB7C54E6A9F}

Edited February 28, 2015 by mapleleaves
p.s.

[Tee & Chilli]

Does anyone know the best stops along the route from Seward to Anchorage?

[mapleleaves]

Suggested stopping points in these lists.

(Although I would recommend going to your library and making copies of the SEWARD HWY pages in the Alaska Milepost which is more detailed.)

 

 

http://www.alaska.org/guide/seward-highway

 

http://www.alaska.org/guide/turnagain-arm-drive

 

http://www.alaska.org/guide/portage-valley

 

The entire list : http://www.alaska.org/things-to-do/scenic-drives

[poolwife]

One of my favorite stops from Seward to Anchorage is Summit Lake. Most people just fly on by it, however, it is a jewel of a stop that is rarely mentioned. It will come up on your right just past the turn off to Soldotna. They also have a restaurant there that we have always gotten good food at if you are hungry. Take a few minutes to walk down to the lake and soak in the view. Just stunning. There is also a bench there where you can sit and enjoy the view.

 

Here are a few pictures:

 

 

 

 

 

This picture was taken on a different time we stopped there as you can tell by the weather.

 

[Budget Queen]

Does anyone know the best stops along the route from Seward to Anchorage?

 

Depends on the day. As mentioned, get the MILEPOST Seward Highway details, then stop where you want.

[Budget Queen]

Three days after we disembark from Radiance we will head up the Turnagain Arm for our overnight stay in Palmer before we head to Denali in the morning. We plan on making lots of stops along the Arm. I've been reading up on the tunnel to Whittier and am interested in going through it. Would this be too time consuming or is it something doable? I wouldn't spend a lot of time in Whittier, maybe just grab a bite to eat. I am wondering how much time this would add on to the trip? Thoughts?

 

It is $12 toll to use the tunnel.

[Tee & Chilli]

Beautiful pictures Sherry. Thank you

[Tee & Chilli]

Suggested stopping points in these lists.

(Although I would recommend going to your library and making copies of the SEWARD HWY pages in the Alaska Milepost which is more detailed.)

 

 

http://www.alaska.org/guide/seward-highway

 

http://www.alaska.org/guide/turnagain-arm-drive

 

http://www.alaska.org/guide/portage-valley

 

The entire list : http://www.alaska.org/things-to-do/scenic-drives

 

This is exactly what I was looking for - descriptions and pictures. Thank you!!

Edited February 28, 2015 by TeeChi

[azevedan]

I would just add it's worth getting out of your car and walking around the Wildlife Conservation Center.

[diesel1973]

Another nice place to stop for lunch is the Bake Shop in Girdwood. The food is great and the flowers outside are beautiful. If you are in the area around dinnertime the Double Muskie rest. is wonderful.It is a highly rated Cajun rest. I believe it opens at 5:00 pm. Get there early because the line starts to form at 4:30. Have fun!:p

[Glaciers]

I would just add it's worth getting out of your car and walking around the Wildlife Conservation Center.

 

Yes, it's a much better experience getting out of the car. The mosquitoes were fierce when we were there last July. Take bug spray.

[mapleleaves]

to the OP,

if cultural sites are of interest, a very quick stop on the way to Palmer is the Eklutna Spirit houses and Orthodox church. It's about 20 miles north of Anchorage, just a few minutes off the hwy exit.

http://eklutnahistoricalpark.org/

[EMED2010]

Thanks everyone! You gave me more to think of for this drive.