Strike it Rich Hunting for Glaciers and Gold Across Alaska

If you want some background on Alaska's gold and glaciers before diving in, head to the Anchorage Museum. The state's largest museum, it's chock full of art, history, and information. From "The Art of the North" to an exhibit on cultures in Alaska (featuring 600 artifacts from the collections of the Smithsonian, all interpreted by Alaska Native advisors), this is an insightful look into the inspiration, culture, and stories unique to Alaska. Add in a bevy of rotating exhibitions ranging from art installations to programs with performances and workshops, and you've got a museum worth coming back to time and time again.

In 1886, gold was discovered just north of Anchorage in the Susitna and Matanuska river basins, and in the granite of the Talkeetna Mountains. Prospectors flooded the area hoping to strike it rich, and while, for the most part, the boom faded as quickly as it started, some mines remained active through the 20th century. Independence Mine was only one of these lucky mines, and it produced nearly 6 million dollars worth of gold from when it opened until its closure in 1951. Today, the mine is preserved as a state park and shows visitors what it was like living in one of Alaska's largest gold mining camps. The Mine Managers' House has been turned into a museum, and you can take a self-guided tour through buildings scattered across the rest of the area. It's a gorgeous part of the state for a scenic drive or a berry-picking hike.

Keep with the glaciers and gold theme of your trip and stop at the Glacier BrewHouse, if you find yourself in need of a break. Whether you want to warm up with a roasty oatmeal stout, or you're looking for something more refreshing, like a raspberry wheat, the beers here are focused on being easy to drink. There's no bad time to stop by the BrewHouse, as it serves weekend brunch (with dishes featuring Alaska-caught seafood and reindeer sausage) as well as lunch and dinner. Whether you're looking for light bites to go with your beer, or you're craving pasta, steak, pizza, or burgers, the menu has something for everyone. They cook their meats on a special, alder wood-fired rotisserie, so it's bound to be a memorable meal.

Unlike Independence Mine, the Indian Valley Mine National Historic Site was a small operation run by a man named Peter Strong, who was one of the few 86ers who stayed in the area to keep mining after the rush ended. Today, the claim is a National Historic Site. Tour historic buildings on the homestead, pan for gold, and admire the gardens. You can get a good view of the famously high Turnagain Arm bore tides from here, and if you're lucky, spot eagles and beluga whales.

For a different view of Alaska's glacial beauty, make a reservation at Alyeska Resort's Seven Glaciers Restaurant. It's more than a meal; it's an experience that begins from the moment you arrive. The adventure starts with an aerial tram ride to the restaurant, which is on the mountain ... during the whole meal, you'll be surrounded by incredible views of forests, granite peaks, and the ocean. The restaurant is aptly named, as you can view seven different glaciers as you enjoy your meal. The menu emphasizes local ingredients, and there is a top-notch wine selection to go with it. Save room for dessert ... you can't leave without trying the Baked Alyeska.

Hundreds of years ago, Portage Glacier and five others were part of one large glacier that filled and shaped the entire 14-mile-length of Portage Valley, forming it into the stunning landscape we see today. Portage Glacier is still massive; it stands an incredible ten stories tall. It's truly something that has to be seen to be fully believed. Stop by the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center first, as it has tons of great info on glaciers (you can touch a real iceberg, tour a simulated ice cave, and see live ice worms.) Then take a boat tour of Portage Lake or a hike to catch a glimpse of the glacier itself.

The boat tour takes place aboard the MV Ptarmigan, operated through Portage Glacier Cruises. It lasts about an hour, and the trip is narrated by a U.S. Forest Service ranger. If you want to watch the glacier "calve" (that's what it's called when hunks fall off a glacier into the water, turning into icebergs), head to the boat's open-air top deck. As for hiking, there's a 5-mile trail called The Trail of Blue Ice that's perfect for spotting glaciers, salmon, and more.

Spencer Glacier, like Portage Glacier, is also located in the Chugach National Forest. It's more remote than Portage, though, and in a setting that will make you feel like you've traveled back to the Ice Age. The other unique thing about Spencer Glacier is you need to take a train to reach it. Hop on the Glacier Discovery Train to the Spencer Whistle Stop; you can pick it up right in Anchorage, or if you have a car, closer by in Portage or Girdwood. Once you arrive at the Spencer Whistle Stop, you can choose to take a guided or unguided tour to reach the behemoth itself. Unguided, you can hike 3.4 miles (that's one way) to the glacier's terminus, and if you plan to backcountry camp, there are plenty of side hikes around the lake. Well-equipped non-experts could also solo kayak or packraft Spencer Lake (known for its "gardens" of bright blue grounded icebergs) and the braided Placer River, a network of river channels separated by small temporary islands.

There are some awesome guided tours of the glacier as well, if you'd rather not deal with equipment and pick-up/drop-off logistics. Options include Ascending Path's kayak/hike across the glacier itself, Chugach Adventures' comet heli hiking and rafting trip, Ascending Path's overnight camping adventure, Chugach Adventures' lake and river float, or Chugach Adventures’ Glacier Blue Kayak and Grandview Train Tour.