What Anchorage Looks Like in June: Wildlife, trails, and the start of an Alaska summer
Anchorage shines bright in June, making it one of the best destinations for Alaska summer travel. From trails to tours and everything in between, visiting Anchorage in June means catching the city at its most energetic, and Copper Whale Inn is the perfect home base to enjoy Alaska's largest city.
June in Anchorage offers nearly 20+ hours of daylight, blooming gardens, and a city shaking off winter in the best possible way. While much of the Lower 48 states are already headlong into summer weather and related activities, Alaska's northern location means we're still watching leaves green up, with residents shaking off another season of cold and snow. Here at the Copper Whale, our downtown garden is beginning to bloom, we've opened up the bike rental kiosk, and we're nearly at peak daylight hours (20+ hours by summer solstice).
Looking for things to do in Anchorage during June? We've got all our favorite activities on tap, just for you.
Bike or Walk the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
One of the most popular adventures for Anchorage visitors is a walk or pedal along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, an 11-mile out-and-back paved trail that begins in downtown Anchorage (right below the Copper Whale Inn) and ends at Kincaid Park south of town. In between, visitors can savor the views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range, and pass through local parks and neighborhoods that provide an interesting snapshot of life up here. Rent a bike from Copper Whale Inn’s kiosk and pedal the day away, or take a shorter stroll to places like Westchester Lagoon, Lyn Ary Park, or Earthquake Park. This summer bike rental kiosk, operated by the Trek Bicycle Store, is located in front of the inn for quick and easy bike rentals seven days a week
Summer Hiking in Anchorage: 200+ Miles of Trails
Summer hiking in Anchorage is one of the city's signature experiences, popular among residents and visitors alike. The Municipality of Anchorage manages more than 200 miles of trailsin the city limits, and Far North Bicentennial Park, a cooperative section of federal, state, and local trails, all within a few minutes' drive of downtown. Among our favorite Anchorage hikes are the Glen Alps area in the hills above town, the Campbell Tract trails in southeast Anchorage, and the Turnagain Arm Trail system that parallels the Seward Highway just south of downtown.
Anchorage Wildlife: Where to Look and What to See
Want to see some Anchorage wildlife? There are several locations to learn more about the animals, birds, and fish that live in our city. The Alaska Zoo offers a free summer shuttle from the Log Cabin Visitor Center on 4th Avenue to its south Anchorage facility. Open every day, it’s a great place to see bears, moose, musk ox, bald eagles, and other critters of the circumpolar north. The William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery, just east of downtown, has excellent exhibits and a hatchery interpretive walk to see salmon jumping a waterfall along Ship Creek on their way to spawn. Cook Inlet beluga whales are sometimes spotted within view of Copper Whale’s west side, and along the Turnagain Arm section of the Seward Highway heading south from Anchorage. Finally, take notice of brushy areas along trails and roadways; moose often browse among the leafy greens, and the occasional bear can be spotted ambling along the same pathways used by people. Many locals frequent Kincaid Park and Potten Marsh State Wildlife Refuge to spy moose and a plethora of bird species. Note: Do not ever approach any wild animal, and read up on Alaska Department of Fish and Game recommendations for co-existing with wildlife.
Explore Anchorage with a Local Guide
Of course, some people would rather take a guided tour and allow someone else to plan adventures and lead the way. Fortunately, Copper Whale Inn’s sister company, Salmon Berry Tours, has an amazing array of opportunities available for those wanting to explore Anchorage and southcentral Alaska with a team of experienced local guides. Popular trips include the Scenic City Tour of Anchorage, the Matanuska Glacier tour, or the Turnagain Turn tour. The Salmon Berry team can take care of all the arrangements, with pick up and drop off right from the front door of Copper Whale Inn.
More Things to Do in Anchorage
We have even more ideas for Anchorage fun during June, so be sure to check out our Things to Do page, and let us know if you have any questions!