Alaska Summer: A Photo Diary

In July 2024, I returned to Alaska for my third visit—and my second that year. I’d also gone in January to join friends for a week of skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling (although in Alaska, they insist you call them “snowmachines”).

I hadn’t expected to go back so soon, but when my friend Eric told me he was heading to Anchorage for a comedy show and invited me along for an extended trip, it was an easy yes. We’ve traveled together before—Tokyo years ago, and an epic Africa adventure in 2023—so he knew I was a solid companion: up for anything and happy to help plan. I brought my dog Gary, a 12-year-old mini Aussie who travels like a pro in his under-seat carrier.

Seldovia

From Anchorage, we chartered a flight to Seldovia and stayed in seaside cabins on MacDonald Spit. The tiny plane barely fit the four of us, our 21-year-old pilot, Gary, and all our gear. It was a little nerve-wracking but incredibly scenic—especially when the pilot detoured over Grewingk Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, flying low between icy peaks.

MacDonald Spit is a narrow, mile-long peninsula with beaches on both sides. It’s one of the most peaceful and picturesque places I’ve ever stayed. The cabins are off-grid, so we brought all our own groceries, and our friend Remi—a talented private chef—cooked every meal. Our days were spent kayaking with otters, fishing for halibut and cod, watching bald eagles eat salmon on the beach, soaking in the hot tub, sweating in the sauna, and doing 11pm cold plunges in the Bering Sea. Eric, ever the host, brought a full bar setup and mixed impressive cocktails throughout the day. Meanwhile, Gary was in heaven, rolling in seaweed and sniffing every inch of the spit.

Scenes from MacDonald Spit. Fishing for halibut, kayaking in the bay, feeding salmon scraps to bald eagles.

Anchorage

After Seldovia, we returned to Anchorage for Eric’s show. Two of my good friends from LA, Doug (DJ Douggpound) and Maylee Todd, flew in to open for him. The four of us hiked the steep but scenic North Face Trail at Alyeska Resort—three miles and 2,000 feet up, with a gondola ride down. That night, the three of them performed to a packed crowd at Williwaw. The show was as chaotic and hilarious as you’d expect from an Eric Andre production.

I stayed in the area for a few days, splitting time between Anchorage and nearby Big Lake with my favorite Alaskan, Kurt—who I met on an Antarctica cruise in 2016. We spent a cloudy afternoon riding Kurt’s jet skis and speed boat on Big Lake with friends.

Eric and Maylee performing in Anchorage with a local drag queen, hiking in Alyeska, enjoying a cocktail with a view at the Crow’s Nest, jet skiing on Big Lake.

Seward

Even though I’d already done the Kenai Fjords boat tour on my first trip in 2018, I joined Eric again—he’s a boat guy, and so am I. The fjords never get old. We cruised past glaciers, spotted puffins and sea otters, and watched humpbacks surface in the distance.

We had dinner at the iconic Flamingo Lounge, where the owner pointed out that a few ceramic bottles on the shelves weren’t just decor—they held the ashes of long-time regulars. That’s Alaska for you.

Kenai Fjords boat tour, Bear Glacier, and Eric after getting invited to steer the ship 😂

With the sun still high after dinner, we took a quiet evening hike in Kenai Fjords National Park. The trail led us toward the mouth of Exit Glacier, past black stones and glacial mud shaped by centuries of movement—now exposed by the glacier’s rapid retreat.

Another trip highlight was taking a very scenic helicopter flight from Girdwood up to Punch Bowl Glacier, where Iditarod sled dogs live and train on the ice all summer. We rode with them, met the mushers, and stood on a field of ice in the middle of July, surrounded by happy, howling huskies. It was a very cute and unexpected experience to have in the summer.

Dog sledding on Punch Bowl Glacier and meeting the puppies

Portage Pass

When my return flight was canceled (thanks to the infamous “blue screen” meltdown), I took it as a sign to stay longer.

The best part of this extended time was a day trip to Whittier. Gary and I hiked to Portage Glacier on a rare sunny, blue-sky day. We crossed over Portage Pass to the lake, continuing as far as we could until a glacial river blocked the trail. There, I flew my drone and got some of my favorite shots from the trip.

Whittier is a hub for Alaskan fishing boats, and it’s the best place for fresh halibut. I treated myself (and Gary) to lunch at Wild Catch Café, where I had the best fish and chips of my life—crispy, light, and impossibly fresh.

Drone images from Portage Lake & Glacier, Eating halibut fish and chips with Gary

Back in Anchorage

I did some solo exploring with Gary and joined my friend Kurtis for a few local hikes around Anchorage. One afternoon, I visited the Anchorage Museum, which ended up being a surprise highlight. I especially loved the paintings of local landscapes, pieces by Native artist Erin Ggaadimits Ivalu Gingrich, and the beautifully curated collection of historical clothing and artifacts, categorized by the different regions and tribes of Alaska Natives. It offered a deeper lens into the cultural history and diversity of the state—something that’s easy to miss if you’re only focused on the natural beauty.

On my final day, Kurt, his wife Yuliet, and I spent the afternoon salmon fishing on the Kenai River. Snagging red salmon is a very specific technique, and while I gave it my best shot, I didn’t catch a thing. Kurt and Yuliet landed a few, though—and that night, I cooked up my favorite salmon burgers using the freshest fish I’d ever handled.

Art at the Anchorage Museum (salmon sculpture by Erin Ggaadimits Ivalu Gingrich), Sallmon fishing the Kenai River with Yuliet, Hiking with Gary and Kurtis, Gary zonked at the airport.

Final Thoughts

I’ve been lucky to travel to a lot of places, but Alaska is easily in my top five. It’s vast, raw, and endlessly inspiring—with something wild to see or do in every season, often right outside your door. This trip felt especially fulfilling—equal parts fun, cozy and epic—and spending time exploring with so many of my friends made it all the more memorable. Huge thank you to Eric, who spearheaded stays, flights, and experiences I wouldn’t have planned on my own, and the result was one of my favorite adventures yet!

As usual, I documented this trip extensively in my Instagram story highlights. Visit @wrenees if you want to see more!