Publishers of the venerated Milepost have released the ninth edition of the Alaska Wilderness Guide (AWG). Experienced travelers to Alaska know the best experiences lay beyond major population centers. The other reality is that this large state makes trip planning a daunting undertaking. The AWG is an enjoyable resource for marine travelers planning a visit to Alaska.
A Must Carry Guide - A mainstay resource for commercial fishermen in Alaska is the Pilothouse Guide published by Alaska Fishermen's Journal. The guide provides information on various ports and ship services available throughout the state. In addition to this data, the Pilothouse Guide has fishing related stories interspersed within port listings. The Alaska Wilderness Guide has done something similar in their effort. AWG has added articles from Alaska Magazine describing their favorite communities and activities in rural Alaska. Both guidebooks are valuable resources that provide a good read for travelers in off moments like waiting for a ferry or plane. Reading about paddling adventures made to Cape Spencer or hunting for great halibut in Cook Inlet fire the imagination and lead to the planning of future trips.
Organizational Format - Using only 552 pages, the Alaska Wilderness Guide is a comprehensive outline of backcountry destinations available to the adventure traveler. The guide is divided into six sections detailing the Southwestern, Western, Arctic, Interior, Southcentral and Southeast regions of the State. Each section introduces the region, and then highlights topics covering regional attractions. A biography of each community in the region follows with information on location, access, facilities, and services. Following this, the reader will discover an index of attractions broken into topics of based on activity or land use. The guide lists culturally appropriate and low impact travel practices throughout the book. AWG concludes with a comprehensive index and comes with a color map of the state showing key landmarks described within it.
Marine Recreation - Those of us interested in marine related recreation will find a treasure trove of opportunities listed in the guide. AWG describes marine related topics covering:
- Forest Service cabins
- Canoe trails
- Fishing
- Lighthouses
- Marine parks
- River running
- Sea kayaking
- Whale watching
- Wilderness areas.
Areas of Interest - Some areas of interest for marine travelers include the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Anan Wildlife Observatory, Misty Fiords National Monument, Glacier Bay National Park, Shuyak Island State Park, and Bering Land Bridge National Preserve. Literally there are hundreds of areas worthy of further consideration by waterfront visitors to Alaska.
Reviewing listings found in the guide shows information is current, correct and relevant to the areas described. AWG provides the information most needed by visitors planning a trip to rural Alaska and includes resources on where to find additional details. Visitors to the waterfront should have this book in their library and carry a copy on their boat. The Alaska Wilderness Guide is available from the publisher Morris Communications LLC, outdoor equipment outfitters, and major booksellers.
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