ECI Hyer: Carlson Sean

Flattop Mountain is Anchorage's most popular day hike. The mountain is a towering 3,510-foot formation and it proves to be the perfect hike for both veteran and beginning hikers. This is a 3-mile round trip hike that includes good views of Alaska Range, Cook Inlet and Anchorage itself.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center attracts both visitors and locals who are drawn to the incredible selection of native crafts, artwork, and other unique items that are for sale. Beyond shopping, there are several demonstrations, art classes, informal lectures and workshops where you can learn about the 11 Native Alaskan groups and their cultures and traditions. There is also a museum section that features indoor exhibits and outdoor village attractions.

Getting into nature's beauty is one thing, but being a part of its very real adventure is something that you can experience by braving the elements on a Nova Raft and Adventure Tour. Nova has been leading rafting trips since 1975, and that distinction makes them Alaska's most experienced wilderness guide company. And it really doesn't matter if you prefer to brave the unrelenting white water or choose instead to paddle along, Nova has a trip that's perfect for you. The daytrip packages are usually four or five hours, and some include glacier hikes. Special overnight excursions are also available.

When you visit Alaska, the wildlife will seem like it's everywhere! To familiarize yourself with your new surroundings, a visit to the Alaska Zoo might be in order. You'll marvel at the incredible diversity of creatures as well as how accurately they represent the animals you might encounter as you spend time in the state. The large viewing area features such popular zoo inhabitants as caribou, moose and Dall sheep grazing along together. Also, one of the zoo's most dramatic attractions is the 25-acre bear habitat where you'll see black bears, glacier bears, and brown bears, also known as grizzlies. Some of the zoo's other more notable inhabitants include a few camels, a Siberian tiger and an elephant that has the distinction of being the only one in the entire state!