Looking for a town with a flavor of the Northern Exposure television series? Take the turnoff to Talkeetna located in upper Susitna Valley. This historic hamlet serves as a staging area for mountain climbers planning to ascend Mt. McKinley. In addition, it offers visitors outstanding fishing opportunities, flightseeing, and river rafting. On clear days, the views of Mount McKinley could not be more dramatic.
The town of Talkeetna is located approximately 115 road miles north of Anchorage, about 14 miles off the Parks Highway at the end of the Talkeetna Spur Road. This small distinctive community of less then 500 is often said to be the inspiration behind the television series “Northern Exposure”. The town is also the main staging area for climbers waiting to start their Mt. McKinley ascents, and the Talkeetna area is probably the best location on the highway or rail system to view “the Mountain”. The area also offers visitors the chance to experience some true Alaskan small-town flavor, yet offers easy access and a number of nice lodging choices.
The area surrounding Talkeetna is also often referred to as South Denali Park due to its strategic location near the Southern border of both the National and State Parks.
