mall planes are a way of life in Alaska, and Anchorage's position as a jumping-off point to the rest of the state is noticeable. Floatplanes are moored in the center of Anchorage, near busy commercial streets and Anchorage International Airport.

There's a huge rural Alaska outside of Anchorage, and although Anchorage is modern, you'll see many signs of rustic Alaskan life in this town. The visitor center, for instance is a genuine sod-roofed log cabin, and further evidence of nature is everywhere.

On your arrival in Anchorage, for instance, you will notice that you are surrounded by mountains. The Chugach Range is on the east. The Kenai Mountains are to the south. The Talkeetnas are to the northeast, and the Alaska Range - featuring Mt. McKinley, North America's highest mountain - are to the north.

On a clear day, you can see Mt. McKinley from Anchorage. In addition, Chugach State Park borders the city of Anchorage, and provides residents and visitors with access to the wilderness. The park consists of almost 500,000 acres. You can get to Chugach State Park by driving north of Anchorage, on the Glenn Highway. Or, you can also drive south of Anchorage to get to the park, on the Seward Highway.

You can even get to the park from Prospect Drive, Huffman, and O'Malley Roads (from what is known around town as "The Hillside.") Please be aware the park has regulations, and that the park area is genuine wilderness, which can be just as dangerous as the desolate tundra hundreds of miles away. Fatalities have occurred when hikers venture too close to steep bluffs. For more information about Chugach State Park, call 345-5014.