Fodor's Alaska by Fodor's Travel Guides

Author:Fodor's Travel Guides
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fodor's Travel
Published: 2019-02-18T16:00:00+00:00

Hope

88 miles south of Anchorage, 74 miles north of Seward.

The little gold-mining community of Hope sits just across Turnagain Arm from Anchorage. To visit, however, you must drive the 88 miles all the way around the arm. Your reward is a quiet little community that is accessible to but not overrun by tourists. Miners founded Hope in 1896, and the old log cabins and weathered frame buildings in the town center are favorite photography subjects. In its peak, Hope had a population of 3,000. Now, according to the 2010 census, there are just 192 residents. You’ll find gold-panning, fishing, and hiking opportunities here, and the northern trailhead for the 39-mile-long Resurrection Pass Trail is nearby. Contact the U.S. Forest Service for information on campgrounds, cabin rentals, and hikes in the area.

GETTING HERE AND AROUND

The only way to get to Hope is by car. Head south on the Seward Highway out of Anchorage. About 40 miles past the Girdwood turnoff look for the Hope exit. From there a two-lane road meanders through the forest for 16 miles before ending in the town center.

a Activities

MOUNTAIN BIKING

The Kenai Peninsula offers outstanding opportunities for mountain bikers seeking thigh-busting challenges amid extraordinary scenery. Crescent Creek Trail (at Mile 44.9 of Sterling Highway; drive 3 miles to the trailhead at end of gravel road); Devil’s Pass (at Mile 39½ of Seward Highway); Johnson Pass (at Miles 32.6 and 63.7 of Seward Highway); and the Resurrection Pass trail systems offer miles of riding for a wide range of expertise. Cyclists here are subject to highly fickle mountain weather patterns. But remember that you’re never really alone in wild Alaska: be sure to bring along bear spray and bug dope (repellent). For maps and descriptions of trails, visit the website of the state’s Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.alaska.gov.

r Restaurants

Creekbend Cafe

$$ | AMERICAN | This locally beloved roadhouse diner, formerly known as Tito’s Discovery Café, serves remarkably fresh salads, delicious sandwiches, and is, notably, the only place in town open for breakfast. They are also known for extraordinary homemade pies. Known for: roadside stop perfect for breakfast; incredible homemade pies and pastries; fantastic outdoor concert venue. Average main: $15 Mile 16½, 19842 Hope Hwy. 907/782–3274 Closed Oct.–mid-May.

h Hotels

Bowman’s Bear Creek Lodge

$$ | B&B/INN | This lodge is comprised of seven cabins either situated around a pond or creekside. Pros: excellent food at restaurant; nightly campfire around the pond; very peaceful. Cons: some cabins have shared bathhouse; 16 miles off the main highway; no cable or television. Rooms from: $200 Mile 15.9, Hope Hwy. 907/782–3141 www.bowmansbearcreeklodge.com 5 cabins.

Seaview Cafe & Bar

$ | RENTAL | True to its name, this rustic little establishment in the original Hope town site offers great views of the Arm and the Chugach. Pros: charming historic location; scenic surroundings; true Alaskan lodging experience. Cons: cabins are rustic; no running water; outhouses only. Rooms from: $60 Main St., Box 110 907/782–3300 www.seaviewcafealaska.com No credit cards Closed mid-Sept.–mid-May 50 tent sites, 16 RV sites, 2 cabins.

b Shopping

Sherritt Fine

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