Talkeetna: Planes, Pints & the Denali View
• Denali Brewing / Brewpub: https://www.denalibrewing.com/denali-brewpub • K2 Aviation: https://www.flyk2.com/ • Talkeetna Air Taxi: https://www.talkeetnaair.com/ • Talkeetna Roadhouse: https://www.talkeetnaroadhouse.com/ Helpful Links: Estimated drive from Broke‑Ass Mountain: ≈ 2 hours Why Go:Talkeetna is Alaska distilled — quirky, scenic, and a little buzzed. It’s where bush pilots, artists, and climbers all hang out waiting for Denali to show itself.What to Expect:Day 1: Drive north about two hours via Wasilla and the Parks Highway. Stop at Denali Brewing Company for lunch and a pint of Twister Creek IPA. Book a floatplane flightseeing tour with K2 Aviation or Talkeetna Air Taxi — glacier landing optional, heart‑rate increase guaranteed. Spend the afternoon wandering Main Street’s art galleries and gift shops, or have a beer at the historic Fairview Inn, a bar that’s seen everything and everyone. Dinner at The Roadhouse or Latitude 62, where the portions are as Alaskan as the accents.Day 2: Breakfast at Talkeetna Roadhouse — their cinnamon rolls are the size of bear paws. Optional jet‑boat tour or Susitna River stroll before the drive home.Local Tip: Clear‑sky mornings offer the best Denali views — the mountain is famously shy by afternoon.Pro Tip: Flightseeing weather can change fast; book the first flight of the day and have a backup beer plan.
Suggested flow
- Start — Depart Eagle River Log Cabin
- Drive — Head to first stop
- Explore — Main activity
- Optional — Scenic stop/cafe
- Return — Drive back
Packing list
- Water & snacks
- Layered clothing
- Camera/phone
Safety notes
- Check weather & daylight.
- Respect closures & wildlife.
- Leave no trace.