The Richardson Highway in Alaska.
Alaska Route 4 - One of the “all to often overlooked jewels of scenic Alaska drives”, the 270 mile stretch of the Richardson Highway between Delta Junction and Valdez Alaska traverses some of the more remote wilderness of the major highways in Alaska. You don't need to do the total distance in one day. There are some uniquely Alaskan roadhouses on the Richardson Highway along with a number of government and privately owned campgrounds to accommodate you along the way.
There are three major points of entry onto this scenic highway. The first point connects beside the Delta Junction visitors center from the Alaska Highway. This is also the junction of State Route 4 with State Route 2 also part of the overall Richardson Highway but considered a separate highway with it's own state route designation. One of the most photographed historic points in Alaska is located here, the northern monument for the Alaska Highway that marks the end to the historic 1422 mile road project.
Delta Junction is one of the two most popular points of entry to this always breathtaking panoramic drive. For those arriving from Anchorage, Glennallen in the obvious point where you meet up and decide if it's to be the northerly route through Paxson or the southerly route to the town of Valdez. Either way your guaranteed a spectacular drive in what we describe as being a very formidable wilderness setting.
What Makes This Drive So Special?
- Mountains; Prepare for breathtaking views of the Chugach Mountains and the Alaska Range as the Richardson Highway climbs and descends it's way through the mountain passes and across the tundra's.
- Glaciers; Isabel, Worthington and Gulkana Glaciers are just three of the most well known glaciers along this route.
- Crystal Clear Lakes; Summit, Fielding, Paxson and Tangle Lakes all inspire appreciation of the beauty found in this area. Camping is available at all three lakes as is some very good fishing for trout and grayling. If you have never gone grayling fishing, do yourself a favor and try fishing the lakes and streams in this area with flies or small spinners. We really like the smallest Panther Martin spinners with the yellow body and gold blades.
- Panoramic Scenery; in every direction one looks; their is high mountain tundra, steep mountains topped by brilliant glaciers, deciduous forests and spruce laden valleys. This scenery can rapidly change as the seasons pass inspiring us to return many times throughout the year.
- Abundant Wildlife & Nature Tours; the animals seem all to ready to pose for a photo scene as you embark on one of the nature walks along this highway.
- Trans Alaska Pipeline; again, a very popular point of tourism, the Trans Alaska Pipeline is one of the most impressive feats man has ever undertaken.
- Historic Roadhouses & Lodges; fun and engaging, a stop at any of the roadhouses along the road leads to great food, great conversation and a growing respect for the people and places along the Richardson Highway.
Fishing, (Grayling, Lake Trout & Salmon); Fishing
along Richardson Highway in Alaska is plentiful. This is one of our favorite
places to experience the finest in Alaska fishing for one of the most
beautiful of quarry, the Arctic Grayling, “Cinderella
Fish of the North”. If you are traveling with kids, these active
and aggressive feeders are a real crowd pleaser and their great eating
too. Wrapped in foil with some lemon butter and salt, your now enjoying
one of the specialties from an Alaskan experience.- Hiking, Biking, Rafting, Exploring; So many opportunities, so little time; that's the best way to explain what lies ahead on the Richardson Highway, one of Alaska's most under appreciated driving experiences.
Are You Driving To Alaska From The Lower 48 States?
Don't
just pass this route in favor of visiting Fairbanks. If you've driven
all the way up the Alaska Highway looking for a memory, the Richardson
Highway must be experienced.
Also take the side trip along the 21 miles of pavement along the Denali Highway. This will take you to the ever popular Tangle Lakes area where camping is available in one of Alaska's most scenic settings. It's semi roughin it unles you opt for a night at the Tangle River Inn. Many do so call ahead for reservations.
Tangle River Inn
Mile 22 Denali Highway
PO Box 6
Paxson, AK 99737
Call
(907) 688-9173
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