Anchorage Turnagain Arm Photo Day Trip: An Honest Review
Alright, if you are like your typical visitor coming to Anchorage, Alaska, that is that you want scenery, right? Like, lots and lots of wild Alaska scenery. Perhaps you might be thinking about booking a day trip out to Turnagain Arm. I get it. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see some seriously dramatic landscapes and, oh, maybe catch a glimpse of some incredible wildlife? Well, let’s just talk about what you may experience and discover along the way so that you get the most out of your possible excursion.
What to Anticipate on your Turnagain Arm Photo Adventure
First, you will want to know that Turnagain Arm is not your average spot, and actually it is something very special. That’s to say it is a glacier-carved body of water famous for its crazy tides. Like, tides that can reach up to 40 feet! Actually, that ranks it as one of the biggest tidal ranges in North America. Anyway, these tides are quite the sight, pulling water way, way out and then rushing back in really fast. And these rapid changes? These rapid changes create conditions perfect for bore tides – think walls of water moving through. If that’s not exciting enough, right, that too it makes the area home to some really amazing wildlife. Dall sheep up on the mountains, beluga whales out in the water, and so many birds are there. If you are interested in photography, that’s quite the jackpot there. That’s to say you could potentially snag some absolutely outstanding shots.
Photo Hotspots on Turnagain Arm
Alright, when planning out your photo route, really there are some must-see spots. First up, that could be Potter Marsh. In some respects, it is like this serene, almost quiet place close to Anchorage, yet is loaded with birds, especially during migration season. Another option is Beluga Point, and you can apparently hang out there hoping for a peek at those awesome white whales swimming around. Very often, people stop there, even if they do not see anything. Too it’s almost become part of the thing to do. If you keep driving down the Seward Highway, you get to spots such as Bird Point. Is that an amazing place? Maybe, it really just depends on the day and how great the weather is. However, you can definitely find stunning spots. I think you can get incredible vistas. Also, it might be fun to grab some snacks in the small cafe!
Photographing the Wildlife
When it’s about Alaska, you, like your standard tourist, may want to glimpse some wildlife, right? Well, the wildlife viewing here is really remarkable, so be sure to pack that zoom lens! Beluga whales usually are elusive but if you look closely, you might, just might spot them during high tide near Beluga Point. Is that super exciting or what? You will want to pay attention and stay alert! As a matter of fact, they say you might get a better opportunity to notice these magnificent animals at high tide. Now, if birds are more your style, Potter Marsh is that place for you. It’s just that the marsh acts like that haven for tons of species, offering excellent bird watching. Now, keep an eye out, right, and you could maybe see everything from ducks and swans to even eagles circling overhead.
Gear Guidance for your Photography Day
Okay, to truly nail those landscape and wildlife shots, you know that having the stuff you need makes all the difference, so just give these considerations a thought before your excursion. If that’s landscape views that you are going after, you should have a wide-angle lens (perhaps something like a 16-35mm) since that too it will let you capture all that amazing scenery. Wildlife photography will demand a telephoto lens. In some respects, the more reach the better. Perhaps consider at least 300mm. Bring that tripod, yet, it just might be your best friend in keeping everything stable, notably during early morning or at dusk as that golden light begins shining. It also could be useful when trying to snap that perfect shot of some wildlife off in the distance. A polarizing filter could potentially reduce any glare that reflects off the water as it tends to make those colors truly shine. The atmosphere changes almost immediately in Alaska, so you want to also plan to have extra batteries and memory cards handy just in case so you can catch any opportunity that may happen.
Timing Your Trip Along Turnagain Arm
When it’s about finding the perfect moment for capturing those images, that’s when timing really is important, that. So just plan ahead and find out some of those specifics if that means you. If photographing wildlife is very much your thing, so spring and fall during the migration periods tends to bring the highest volumes of action. I am mentioning migratory animals, not people here! In contrast, summer might be giving you very beautiful lighting that goes well with landscapes, as those wildflowers start popping and covering everything in gorgeous color. Just remember that winter here can give you a really serene almost magical type of scenery with the snow. You can still take awesome photographs then.
Maximize your Tour: Expert Recommendations
To take full advantage of what the Turnagain Arm photo day tour can give you, be sure to make the most of every opportunity. Dress warm, yet it doesn’t hurt! If you have the mindset that you are dealing with ever-shifting Alaskan weather, then layering up, honestly, just might keep your excursions comfortable! Also bring water repellent or resistance equipment for keeping your gear shielded from spray, in the instance of random showers that always seem to be around the corner. Be mindful about that environment and always maintain a safe distance from animals, you know? Appreciate animals out in that wild. If you are up to it, try talking with guides. Doing that tends to greatly change how you think about the Turnagain Arm as their experience often adds tons of enrichment to those already spectacular sights. Ultimately be okay to have fun.