If you are someone who doesn’t think that Alaska ever actually gets hot, like really hot – we beg to differ. In fact, we are on track to have one of the hottest summer seasons this year. In lieu of that recent sizzling news, we have prepared an epic list of 15 things that you must do in Alaska on a hot summer day. Check it out and get ready to add a few lines to your bucket list.
1. Kayak somewhere beautiful.
Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward is a great option, but there are places all over the great state of Alaska to get your kayaking on. Southeast offers incredibly epic kayaking opportunities perfect for a hot summer day.
2. Go snorkeling with the orcas.
Snorkeling tours in Ketchikan are known to be mind blowing. Sitka also has incredible snorkeling opportunities if you are looking for a guided trip.
3. Get splashed by the breeze from a booming waterfall.
At Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls in Juneau there is never a shortage of mind blowing sights to behold. Just standing next to the booming waterfall coming down the mountain is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.
4. Get a good adrenaline rush on a whitewater rafting tour.
The Nenana River just outside of the Denali National Park entrance is such an awesome experience, you'll want to do it over and over again. Many different regions throughout Alaska offer epic whitewater rafting excursions.
5. Pack the cooler full of ice and spend the day wetting lines.
Slikok Creek on the Kenai River is a great place to pull ashore and wet some lines. Or you can just spend the whole day floating the river and taking in the rays of sunshine while flipping fish.
6. Cool off in the shade and catch the breeze on a zip line tour.
To beat the heat, head to the woods and enjoy the cool shady breeze of a zipline tour.
7. Go for an epic jet skiing tour.
Whittier is truly filled with endless awesome outdoor activities. Go on a guided tour or rent a jet ski somewhere else in Alaska and do things at your own pace. Jet skiing in Alaska is life changing!
8. Go hiking and let the cool glacial air cool you off.
Glacier hiking is the perfect way to enjoy the fabulous sunshine while staying cool from the glacial air. This is most definitely an "Only in Alaska" experience.
9. Take a dip in the lake.
Goose Lake in Anchorage is a popular dipping hole in the summertime. No matter where you are in the last frontier, finding a good swimming hole and jumping in on a hot day is always a sure fire way to cool off.
10. Get wet and wild in true Alaskan surfing fashion.
Didn't think people surfed in Alaska? Think again. The 'Surf Alaska' crew is known for tearing up waves near Homer, but there are tons and tons of great places to surf throughout the 49th state.
11. Work up a sweat on your mountain bike and cool off with a dip in the ocean.
If you want to get in a good workout, bust out the mountain bike at Kinkaid Park in Anchorage and then end your journey by taking a little dip in the ocean. No matter where you are in Alaska, a bike ride with a little splish splash at the end is a great way to enjoy a hot summer day.
12. SUP! Go Stand Up Paddle-boarding.
Liquid Adventures in Seward truly sets the bar high when it comes to the Alaska SUP game. Paddling around glaciers with marine wildlife in the distance... sign us up!
13. Hit the open road and enjoy the freshest air in the world.
Just you and the open road. Press play!
14. Grab a good book and enjoy it in the backcountry.
Talk about a total soul cleanse. Nothing is more relaxing than reading in the back-country while listening to utter silence in the background. Woosah!
15. Throw on your waders and go dip netting.
Being in the water alone will certainly cool you off. So why not catch your yearly supply of delicious wild Alaska salmon and cool off at the same time? Sounds like an excellent game plan to us!
Can you think of any other great ways to cool off on a hot summer day in the last frontier?
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