Talkeetna, Alaska

Talkeetna is famous for the breathtaking views of Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range. Talkeetna is in the Mat-Su Valley area and looks out over a broad valley where the Susitna, Talkeetna and Chulitna rivers meet. Talkeetna is a friendly community wtih a frontier character with log cabins, rustic buildings, and authentic Alaska charm.

Gold brought miners to the Susitna River in 1896 and by 1901 Talkeetna was a miner’s supply center and eventually a riverboat station. In 1915, it became the headquarters for building the railroad north. Today, Talkeetna is a popular stop for tourists and professional mountain climbers.

Gateway to Denali - Mt. McKinley

Mt. McKinley is the tallest mountain in North America with an elevation of 6,194m. Talkeetna is one of the closest communities to Mt. McKinley and air operators based in Talkeetna provide services to tourists and climbers.

Flightseeing - Airplane Tours

There are several air charter operators in Talkeetna. Scenic flights of the mountain and the Alaska Range are awe-inspiring and many offer glacier landings as well. At times, visitors might even catch a glimpse of climbing parties en route to the summit.

Climbing Expeditions

The U.S. National Park Service Mountaineering Ranger Station on Main Street tracks the numerous climbing expeditions to Mt. McKinley during the summer. It features a small display and a video program for those thinking of scaling the peak. Visitors are welcome at the Ranger Station and can sometimes watch the climbers come and go at the airport in small aircraft using wheel-ski planes, flying climbers to and from the 2,300 m altitude.

Visitors can stop by the local cemetary to appreciate the effect of the mountain on this town and understand the tie between the community and the climbers. There are memorials to famous climbers, but the most touching sight is a simple bulletin board that lists the names and ages of all the climbers who have died on the mountain over the years.

Other Activities

Riverboat and jetboat tours up Talkeetna Canyon, Devils Canyon, Chulitna River and Tokositna River are popular. Several guides offer riverboat fishing trips and commercial float trips and raft tours provide another popular way of exploring the roadless wilderness. Sighting wildlife along the way is common, including views of bald eagles, beaver, moose and black bear. Fishing is excellent. Horseback excursions are also available and range from 2 to 8 hour treks on seasoned trails with majestic views of Mount McKinley. Overnight pack trips are also an option.

Access: By road off the Parks Highway, at the end of the 14-mile Talkeetna Spur Road, Alaska Railroad daily passenger service on Anchorage-Denali Park-Fairbanks route, railroad flag-stop service between Talkeetna and Hurricane, air taxi services, charter service, flightseeing and glacier landing.

Location: Talkeetna is located at the junction of the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers, 184 km north of Anchorage. The paved Talkeetna Spur Road is located at Parks Highway Milepost 98.7 and runs 23 km east to Talkeetna.

Population: 873.

Accommodations: 5 hotels/motels, one hostel, several bed and breakfasts, 5 lodges/cabins/chalets, other accommodations in outlying areas, 9 restaurants/cafes, all services.

External Link: www.MainStreetTalkeetna official site.