Jackie

Coastal Storm Systems in Alaska Coastal Storm Systems in Alaska: What to Expect Along the Coast Alaska’s coastal storm systems are powerful weather events that bring heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas to the state’s coastal regions. These storms are driven by low-pressure systems moving in from the Pacific Ocean and can develop quickly, […]

Permafrost in Alaska Permafrost in Alaska: What It Is and Why It Matters Permafrost in Alaska is ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years, often staying frozen for decades or even centuries. It lies beneath the surface across large parts of the state, especially in Interior and northern regions. While you may

Northern Lights in Alaska Northern Lights in Alaska: Best Time and Places to See Them The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are one of Alaska’s most sought-after natural experiences. During long winter nights, the sky can come alive with moving bands of green, purple, and sometimes red light. It’s one of those things that feels

Chinook Winds in Alaska Chinook Winds in Alaska: What They Are and How They Affect Weather Chinook winds in Alaska are warm, dry winds that can rapidly change weather conditions, especially near mountain ranges. These winds move down the leeward side of mountains, warming quickly as they descend and compress. In a short period of

Polar Night in Alaska Polar Night in Alaska: What It Is and How It Affects Life Polar night in Alaska occurs when the sun does not rise above the horizon for an extended period during winter. Instead of traditional daylight, the region experiences long stretches of darkness, with only a brief period of dim twilight

Alaska: Land of the Midnight Sun Midnight Sun in Alaska: What It Is and When to Experience It The midnight sun is one of Alaska’s most unique seasonal experiences, bringing nearly 24 hours of daylight during the summer months. Instead of setting completely, the sun dips near the horizon and rises again, creating long, continuous

Freeze-up in Alaska Freeze-Up in Alaska: When Winter Returns and What to Expect Freeze-up in Alaska marks the transition from fall into winter, when rivers, lakes, and ground surfaces begin to freeze after months of warmer conditions. As temperatures drop, water that was recently flowing or open starts forming ice, and the landscape quickly shifts

Breakup Season in Alaska Breakup Season in Alaska: What It Is and What to Expect Alaska’s breakup season marks the shift from winter to spring, when months of snow and ice begin to melt across the state. Rivers that were frozen solid start to move again, ice breaks apart, and the landscape quickly turns wet,

What to pack for hiking in Alaska (1–3 days). A Simple checklist with gear, layers, and safety essentials for real backcountry conditions.  Alaska Hiking Packing List (1–3 Days) This list is for day hikes up to short overnights. It is obviously not an exhaustive list, or concrete guide –  feel free to add or remove