7 highways + 4 days = 1 all-around Alaska adventure

ALASKA -- If you're hungry for a little adventure and, like most Alaskans during the summer months, pressed for time, this plan lets you travel across the state's scenic byways on a four-day adventure of fishing, camping, and, of course, driving. If you and your family, spouse or friends are the type of people who can spend a few hours a day in a car without driving each other crazy (don't worry, only the third day is scheduled for the all-day drive), this tried-and-true four-day Alaska adventure plan is yours for the taking:

The drive begins along the Parks Highway up to Cantwell. The first leg of the trip is typical Alaska highway driving, but the second you make the turn onto the Denali Highway (near Cantwell) you are suddenly taken back to traveling along a road system that resembles traveling through Alaska 50 years ago. The Denali Highway is only paved for a few miles, and then turns to dirt road. You'll see more wildlife than vehicles during this leg of the trip -- moose, caribou, bear and eagles roam freely through the landscape. The views are spectacular, the Amphitheater Mountains roll upward in a stadium-seating fashion and the dozens of lakes and creeks dotted along the side of the road are perfect spots for fishing or picnicking. Try staying the first night in the Tangle Lakes area, especially if you have brought a canoe or raft; or roam along the many foot paths before settling down for the night.

Spend the next few days along the Denali and then the Richardson Highway. Fishing along the many lakes on the Richardson is fantastic -- both my husband and I were able to catch our limit on lake trout. If you find a lake on the Richardson early on the second day you've got a whole day and night to just relax and enjoy the adventure.

Once you get to Glennallen on the third day, stop for an ice cream and head down the Glenn Highway. Once in Palmer, take the Palmer-Wasilla Highway (number five) back home to shower and relax for a couple hours. When rested, head toward Anchorage and take the Seward and then the Sterling highways. Spend the last night and day clamming at Clam Gulch, dip net or gillnet at the mouth of the Kenai River, take the ferry across the Russian River or venture to Homer and enjoy some halibut fishing.

Finish the trip with a drive back home at the end of the fourth day -- you'll be ready to get out of the car, but excited that you saw so much and experienced so much of Alaska this summer, instead of delaying it another year.