Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

Rarely is there one spot in Alaska that will satisfy every single person looking for outdoor recreation. But the Nancy Lakes State Recreation Area could be that one spot

Unlike some resort-filled tourist destination that touts "something for everyone" on a faded pamphlet, the Nancy Lakes system really does have something for everyone -- everyone looking for outdoor opportunities, that is.

In the summer, the area has a little bit of everything -- decent lake fishing, plenty of camping opportunities, kayaking and canoeing locations -- but during the winter the place really comes alive.

For those looking to put a little speed in their lives, the area offers plenty of snowmachining, four-wheeling and dog mushing opportunities (provided there is 18 inches of snowfall in the area, which isn't a given these days).

With lakes littering the landscape, there are plenty of ice fishing opportunities as well. The numerous lakes host a variety of native species -- landlocked silver salmon, rainbow and lake trout -- as well as introduced species such as the pesky northern pike.

The area is one of the most popular ice fishing locations in the Valley because of its central location.

Nancy Lake State Recreation Area is only about a half-hour drive from the core area of the Valley north on the Parks Highway. At Mile 67.3 of the Parks, Nancy Lake Parkway travels 6.5 miles to South Rolly Lake Campground -- but only 2.2 miles is plowed during the winter.

There area also a number of state-owned cabins in the area, and they can be rented for a night through the Alaska State Parks. They can be rented up to six months in advance -- and many of the cabins are rented for every weekend from now until six months. The cabins are located on Red Shirt, Lynx, Nancy, James and Bald lakes. The cabins are insulated and equipped with wooden bunks, counters and wood-burning stoves. Each cabin has an outhouse and outdoor fire ring.

There are plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities as well. For a photographer, a stay in one of the Nancy Lakes system's cabins could be great opportunity to capture one of Alaska's critters on film.

In the winter you may see a moose munching on the brush, and in the summer, you may be greeted by a loon swimming right up to your canoe.

Thanks to its natural beauty, the area has been able to resist commercialization. While the area is extremely scenic, it is too wet and is not mineral-rich, making development a problem for most. But for recreationalists looking for an ideal setting, the area is perfect.

For more information about the Nancy Lake State Recreation Site, interested people can visit the Alaska Department of Parks Web site.