Brazen trippers can get the full northern experience without risking whitewater in this 1.3-millon- acre park, located about 150 miles south of Anchorage. Fish for rainbow trout and spot grizzly, moose and bald eagles. Try the Swan Lake Route, covering 60 miles and 30 lakes, linked by short portages. The more challenging and isolated Swanson River Canoe Route travels 80 miles through some 40 lakes and rivers, providing an even better shot at viewing elusive wildlife.
This photo is was taken by Flickr user U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Headquarters and licensed under Creative Commons.
This article originally appeared in Canoeroots & Family Camping, Early Summer 2013. Download our free iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch App or Android App or read it here.