Little Alaska
The hardest part of planning a trip to Alaska is figuring out where to go in such a vast state. Do you fly into Fairbanks and then head to Denali National Park? Or should you make use of the state's ferry system and stick to the southeastern coast?
( By Dana Hull, Mercury News, 07/22/2002 11:45 AM PDT)

Going forth in south Alaska
Sure, it's a cliche. But legend has it that the highlight of Alaska's Independence Day celebration started as a bar bet. And when you see the muddy, bloody runners dragging themselves over the finish line after scrambling up and down Mount Marathon in Seward, it makes sense that the first people to conceive of this outrageousness were likely drunk. What it doesn't explain is why hundreds of apparently sober people choose to put themselves through this high-altitude endurance test.
( By Karen Schwartz, Associated Press, 07/01/2002 10:00 AM PDT)

Night rarely falls on Alaska's rapids, hiking trails and campgrounds
It's just after midnight in the Riley Creek Campground, but you'd never know it. Jennifer Shifflet and David Campau of Anchorage are roasting hot dogs over an open fire. Amy Haugsven of Anchorage and Kostia Olachea of Mexico City just pulled in from a bicycle ride. And the Stepovich boys of Fairbanks -- Marko, Christopher, Lawrence and David -- are darting in and out among a crowd of aunts and uncles, parents and cousins, enjoying a weekend family reunion.
( By ALLEN HOLDER, The Kansas City Star, 06/24/2002 09:41 AM PDT)