“Capturing Alaska”
with Wayde Carroll






Talkeetna!




One of my recent “favorite” places is none other than Talkeetna. I’ve had the extreme pleasure of doing various work there and enjoy it more each time. I don’t think I’ve been in a Alaskan town that retains so much of the essence of the “real” Alaska while being a regular stop on the tour bus line.
As usual, if you can get there during the slower season your rewarded with no crowds and stellar photo opportunities. But even during the annual “Moose Dropping Festival” in July, when the town is packed, it still feels worlds apart from the business bustle of Anchorage.
Many climbers use it as a base before attempting to summit Denali. You don’t have to be an extreme adventurer to have plenty to do there though. Not only can you wander around a rustic old town looking for photo ops, but you can Flightsee, go on river boat tours up the Susitna, eat at wonderful cafes, and oh yeah, it’s a great place to capture views of Denali.
In the winter you can find great snowshoeing and cross country skiing as well as dog mushing.
It’s only two and a half hours from Anchorage and you can stay at one of three hostels for a mere pittance or you can luxuriate in the grand Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. Not a bad place!
I have a couple of trips planned there this summer and I can’t wait. See you there.