Alaska State Parks

     I'll bet you didn't know that the State of Alaska operates 139 state parks. You did? Good for you! They have divided the state into 7 sections each with several camp sites, they are,Chugach State Park(21sites), Northern(15sites), Kenai(35sites), Southwest(2sites), Kodiak(6sites), Mat-su/Copper River Basin(18sites) and Southeast with 42 sites. Now the sites will very from site to site, some will have rustic cabins with a wood stove, benches, bunks (no mattresses), table, chairs, and kitchen counter. Outside furnishings usually include a fireplace/grill, and latrine. Cooking stove, firewood, and drinking water are not provided. There is a rental fee for most sites, it ranges from $20-$70 per night depending on the night and the season. You may find more info by contacting the Alaska State Parks at, www.alaskastateparks.org.
I'm going to talk about a couple of the Alaska State Parks in the Southeast section, mainly because that's where I live and write about here at "K-townking",( maybe not as often as I should, it is fishing time!!!) . The first Alaska State Park is one that I highly recommend "Totem Bight State Park". This state park has been around since the 1938. It was developed using funds from the "Civilian Conservation Corps"(CCC). Older skilled Native carvers were hired for the project, two things took place: the younger artisan learned the art of carving totem poles, and totems left in the woods to go back to the earth were either repaired or duplicated.

   If your visiting Ketchikan on a cruise ship this is one of the places I recommend to all the tourist  who ask me "What is there to see?". You'll get some fresh air, exercise, and learn something all in one Great park. There are 15 totem poles in the park and a clan house, which is an amazing building its self. One of the reasons I recommend and enjoy "Totem Bight" is its location. It was developed on a site were Natives once come to spend the summer. They would harvest the foliage, fish and other foods of the area. You can get the feel of what once was, I do. So, when your visiting K-town be sure to find a way to "Totem Bight Alaska State Park", you'll enjoy it!

Hope to See Ya in K-town,

  K-townKing