Striking Gold in Alaska

Prospectors came to this rugged region a century ago to look for gold. Although the precious metal was spotted, today Alaska's real treasure lies in the state's extensive outdoor opportunities. Lovers find countless chances for outdoor adventure in the wilderness that spans much of this 586,000-square-mile state. Couples can view Alaska's northern lights, the Aurora Borealis, cross the Arctic Circle, view the highest mountain peak in North America, try to reel in a 400-plus pound halibut, or observe some of the 900,000 wild caribou that populate the state's interior and Far North regions.

For all its wilderness, however, you'll find that Alaska is a modern state, one served with good air connections, pampering hotels, and every amenity you'd expect to find at home.

Another surprise for many honeymooners is that Alaska is a year-around destination. In the summer, coastal temperatures may be a cool 40 degrees while interior temperatures soar to a balmy 90 degrees. Typically, Juneau enjoys a maritime climate, with January days hovering at 23 degrees and July afternoons at 56 degrees, with an average annual rainfall of 40 inches. Drier, with a scant 15 inches of average rainfall, Anchorage temperatures range from 11 degrees in January to 58 in July. The widest variance is found in Fairbanks, with January temperatures averaging a chilly -13 degrees and July 61 degrees. At this northern latitude, look for dark winter days (with less than four hours of daylight near the solstice) and summer days with close to 24 hours of daylight.

Much air travel to Alaska is routed through Anchorage. Travel time to Anchorage from Los Angeles is about five hours and 19 minutes; from Seattle, three hours and 18 minutes. From Anchorage, flight times to other destinations vary from 50 minutes to Juneau to two hours to Unalaska/Port of Dutch Harbor.

For many lovers, cruising is a popular way to see Alaska and sample several regions. Large ships from Princess Cruises and Holland America wind their way along the rugged shoreline. For other groups, smaller vessels provide a peek into ports such as Skagway, Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan. Alaska Sightseeing/Cruise West offers small ship cruising with a maximum of just over 100 passengers.

ALEUTIAN CHAIN

The Aleutian Chain is the seafood capital of North America, remote and a favorite with nature buffs. The center of the Aleutian chain is the island of Unalaska and its port city, Dutch Harbor. This island is located 800 miles southwest of Anchorage but, thanks to daily air service, is an easy getaway for couples looking for good hotels combined with excellent outdoor recreation. Couples will find many opportunities for deep sea fishing excursions as well as birding tours, hiking trips, and flightseeing tours in this sparsely populated region.

Filled with history, many area sites saw World War II activity. The area also boasts a native culture which is rich in this region.

For many lovers, their home away from home on this island is The Grand Aleutian, a 116-room. The two of you can try your luck at halibut fishing, hiking, historic tours, and birdwatching.

FAIRBANKS

Just 250 miles from the Arctic Circle, the city of Fairbanks is a good choice for couples interested in eco-tourism and adventure travel. For active honeymooners, your travel agent can arrange tours that include river rafting, helicopter tours, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hay rides. The city is a gateway both to the interior and the far northern sections of the state and is located only two and a half hours from Denali National Park and Preserve. Here you might spot grizzly bear, caribou, and Dall sheep or fish for Dolly Varden, grayling, and lake trout. If you are interested in visiting Denalim, note that most facilities are open from the Saturday before Memorial Day to the second Thursday after Labor Day. The park remains open year around. June and July are top months here, a time without snow.

ANCHORAGE AREA

For many lovers, an Alaska trip means Anchorage. This cosmopolitan city of 245,000 residents has excellent airlift, making it the most accessible Alaska city.

Low meal and lodging costs also appeal to couples with an eye on the budget. The average cost for a single room and three meals is $128, compared to $289 in New York and $197 in Seattle.

And winter months don't mean an end to vacation in Anchorage. Summer means fishing and rafting and the luxury train to Denali National Park, but sled dogs, skiing, and the northern lights are all options for winter visitors.

KENAI PENINSULA

The Kenai Peninsula, a three-hour drive or a 30-minute flight from Anchorage, is known for its outdoor tours, including a cruise to view three active volcanoes, cruising the Kenai Fjords National Park for a look at sea lions, seals, otters, porpoise and whales, panning for gold, and river rafting through Kenai Canyon.

This city of 7,000 residents is accessible with flights scheduled hourly from Anchorage on Alaska Airlines and other carriers. Fifty flights a day serve the Kenai Municipal Airport.

JUNEAU

Couples looking for a lofty perch to sneak a kiss find it in Juneau at the Mount Roberts Tramway. Carrying passengers to the 2,000 foot level of the mountain, the tram offers views of the Inside Passage, the Coastal Mountain Range, and the city of Juneau.

You can reach Juneau aboard a jet from Seattle or Anchorage or, for a true Alaska experience, the year-around ferry service via the Alaska Marine Highway System. Perched at the base of two mountains, this scenic city is rich with both historic and outdoor activities. Couples can tour the Alaska State Museum, with over 25,000 artifacts, shop a myriad of art galleries that feature the Native influence, or enjoy a day sightseeing on the Mendenhall Glacier, fishing for king and silver salmon, or kayaking along the Inside Passage.

KETCHIKAN

Called the "Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikan is home to 15,000 residents and is rich with native culture. Located 90 minutes from Seattle or 50 minutes from Juneau by air (daily service provided by Alaska Airlines), this city is with nature lovers and active honeymooners. World class sportfishing, boat tours, kayak tours, a historic district, and a scenic waterfront attract visitors to this community surrounded by 17 million acres of the Tongass National Forest, the largest in the US.

NOME

You might say "Nome is not for everyone." This town of 4500 is one of the state's more isolated towns. There are no roads connecting Nome to any major city, although jet service is available several times daily. A direct flight from Anchorage is less than 90 minutes; air service is also available from Fairbanks.

For those couples who choose this city, located just 130 miles from Russia, gold panning, native crafts, birding, fishing, and other opportunities await.