Readers Digest (editor) - RD Great American Road Trips Hidden Gems

DAVID JENSEN

Kayaking and fishing are favorite pastimes on the pristine waters of Oregons Wallowa Lake.

IF YOU PICKED UP THIS BOOK, then you are ready for a trip! Whether near or far, you are dreaming of the perfect destination. And were here to help!

Discover some of the most beautiful places in America that you might never have heard of before in the pages of Great American Road Trips: Hidden Gems. This book is the third in the series and features engaging firsthand travel accounts with helpful advice and stunning images taken by many of Americas best scenic photographers.

Youll find easy-to-get-to road trips that are a bit off the beaten path, organized by region of the country. Some trips offer activities for the more adventurous, such as rafting or mountain biking; others include suggestions for the more leisurely traveler who wants to stop and take in the views by the roadside.

The small towns and people youll encounter along the way will certainly leave their mark. Take, for instance, the Sea Islands culture of the Gullah Geechee along the southeastern coast of the United States. And do you know how Burkes Garden, Virginia, got its name? Or maybe you are seeking wildlife; weve got you covered with locations such as the Channel Islands in California. Let this book help you set the agenda for your next getaway.

So get ready to jump in the car or RV and share these experiences with the ones you love!

FROM THE EDITORS

STORY BY JANINE NIEBRUGGE

PHOTOS BY RON NIEBRUGGE

EASY TRAILS LEAD TO GORGES, GLACIERS AND GRAND VISTAS IN AMERICAS SECOND-LARGEST NATIONAL FORESTLAND.

NOT TO BE MISSED

Among the many lakes dotting Chugachs millions of acres are Lower Summit Lake and then Summit Lake, a bit to the south. Lower Summit Lake lures nature photographers seeking exemplary shots of wildflowers.

FUN FACT

There are about 100,000 glaciers in Alaska, and the beautiful blue color associated with them is created by the density of the ice, which absorbs all the colors of the spectrum except blue, which is reflected.

SIDE TRIP

Chugach State Park encompasses a half-million acres of forest, mountains and glaciers. Visit the Potter Section House, a restored building once occupied by railroad workers who maintained tracks here during the days of steam locomotives. Declared a state historic site, the structure is home to the Chugach State Park headquarters.

OVERSHADOWED BY DENALI National Park to the north, Alaskas Chugach National Forest flies below the radar of many visitors. The beautifully diverse Chugach is home to scores of glaciers and ice fields, lush rainforests and magnificent mountain ranges that descend to meet the ocean.

My husband, Ron, and I spend a lot of time hiking, photographing, trail running, cross-country skiing and camping in Chugach, which is about the size of New Hampshire yet only has 90 miles of Forest Service roads.

Although much of the massive national forest is not easily accessible, there are many fascinating areas to visitand some are surprisingly simple to reach.

Near the town of Girdwood, a 45-minute drive along the Seward High-way from Anchorage, you can find yourself hiking in the beautiful rainforest on the Winner Creek Trail. The easiest way to reach the trail is from the Alyeska Resort, and the first half-mile is accessible to the disabled. Farther down the trail youll be treated to an impressive gorge and a hand tram to cross the creek. This is one of my favorite places to take visitors, as the trail is a fairly easy hike and a pathway to some marvelous views.

Fishing boats crowd the harbor in Cordova.

Right in our backyard in Seward is Lost Lake Trail, one of Rons favorite places to photograph and an area where I spend countless hours year-round. The trail runs through landscapes from the verdant rain forest to alpine meadows full of summer wildflowers. Hardy hikers who break above the tree line to alpine tundra discover delightful alpine ponds and pristine Lost Lake.

A truly wonderful place to visit is the tiny coastal community of Cordova, which is surrounded by the Chugach forest and has access points to many trails. Located along Prince William Sound at the mouth of the Copper River, Cordova is accessible only by boat or plane. I try to make at least one trip a year there via the Alaska State Ferry.