Alaska Scenic Byways

In addition to the state designated byways, the Seward Highway is designated as an All-American Road. Situated near Anchorage, this 127-mile drive through south-central Alaska takes you through awesome natural beauty on the way to Seward. Few roads in the United States can offer the diversity of scenic landscapes and unique natural features so concentrated in one area.

Recreation - Byways provide access to numerous recreational sites, facilities and activities. Some of the most popular activities along the byways include hiking, picnicking, biking, fishing, photographing scenery, viewing historic sites and of course scenic driving.

Climate - The climate in Alaska varies with terrain and region. The south-central region of the state is most temperate because it is protected from cold northern winds by the Alaska Range. The large bodies of water that lies closely to this area create a stabilizing factor for the air temperature. Southeast Alaska is wet. An average of 80 inches of rain comes to this region directly from the Gulf of Alaska.

In contrast to the southeastern region, the interior receives very little precipitation. The winters are long in this region with spring, summer and fall taking place from May through September. The western coast of Alaska experiences long, cold winters and short, chilly summers. This area is very far north and at the mercy of huge water bodies that don't warm. Southwestern Alaska experiences foggy, wet summers with high temperatures reaching 60 degrees F. Winters are severe on this long peninsula of land with storms rising from the surrounding waters frequently. The average rainfall for the region is 75 inches/year.

Location - Alaska's Byways travel through scenic and historic areas throughout the state.