Stop and smell the fireweed … Denali National Park and Byers Lake

Like most Alaskans who travel on the Parks Highway, I am one who rarely takes the time to stop and enjoy the hidden treasures along the way. Usually the goal is to travel from point A to point B with an occasional stop to stretch the legs.

Recently, on a trip north on the Parks Highway, I decided to break the usual routine and take the time to discover some of the best recreational areas along the way. One such area is the Denali State Park and Byers Lake.

Denali State Park, established in 1970, spans 325,240 acres, almost one-half the size of Rhode Island. The park is located approximately 100 air miles north of Anchorage and is divided in half by the George Parks Highway. To the east are the Talkeetna Mountains and to the west is the Alaska Range. The landscape varies, with lowland streams to alpine meadows. On the eastern half of the park is a 35-mile long ridge comprised of the Curry and Kesugi Ridges. The western border is shared with the Denali National Park and Preserve, home to Mt. McKinley.

Whether it be hiking, kayaking, fishing or relaxing in front of a campfire, Denali State Park is an excellent place to partake in these summertime activities. There are six backcountry trails available with levels ranging from easy to difficult. If you are interested in an easy day hike, the 4.8-mile Byers Lake Loop Trail is a good choice. The trail begins and ends at the Byers Lake Campground, located at mile 147 of the Parks Highway. Bring good walking or hiking shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather and for the plant enthusiast, an Alaskan wildflower book. The trail loops around Byers Lake and hosts several species of plants ranging from edible berries to wild iris and paper-birch. In August, when the berries are ripe for the picking, hikers can enjoy grazing upon blueberries, cranberries and watermelon berries as they walk along the trail.

Byers Lake is home to many types of birds, including the trumpeter swan and loon. This non-motorized lake is ideal for kayaks, boats and canoes. As you paddle around, look for some of the local residents -- moose, grizzly and black bears, beavers and red squirrels. The lake is surrounded by beautiful hills with a breathtaking view of Denali in the foreground. More than 65 camping units are available for RV or tent camping at the Byers Lake Campground. There are six other units at the Byers Lake Lakeshore Campground; however they are not accessible by road. In addition to these camping units, two public use log cabins are also available for daily year-round rental. Contact the Mat-Su Area Headquarters at (907) 745-3975 for more information.

To learn more about the flora, fauna and history of the area, take a guided trip with Susitna Expeditions. Kay and Toby Riddell, life-long Alaskans, offer several guided hikes and kayak tours as well as boat rentals. For more information about their services or to make a reservation, visit www.susitnaexpeditions.com or call 1-800-891-6916.

After you have had an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, learn about the history of the military in Alaska and the heroes honored at the Alaska Veterans Memorial. The memorial is adjacent to the Byers Lake Campground and consists of five free-standing pillars representing each branch of the armed forces. Read about the amazing stories of those who fought in Alaska and spend a solemn moment as you gaze out onto the Alaska Range.

Next to the Alaska Veterans Memorial is the Visitor Contact Station where there are bulletin boards that display detailed information about the park's history, hiking routes and advice for the traveling public. Peruse the books on Mt. McKinley and other park resources that are housed at the station as you sip on a complimentary cup of hot chocolate or coffee. For more park information, contact the Denali Ranger through the VCR Area Headquarters at (907) 745-3975 or at matsu@alaska.net.