15 Surefire Ways To Soak Up Every Ounce Of Alaska’s Epic Midnight Sun

Fun Under The Midnight Sun

 By: Courtney Dowd-Stanley 

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The season of Alaska’s glorious midnight sun is officially upon us, and we are just getting started soaking up all those luscious UV rays. With summer solstice fast approaching on June 20th (marking the longest day of the year), we felt it incredibly important to remind locals and visitors alike just how important it is to not take a single daylight hour for granted. From hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing – to gathering for Alaska’s most raved about celebrations of the year. Now is the time to drink up life and live in the moment. That radiant sunshine filled with healthy amounts of vitamin D, is guaranteed to put you in a state of constant Last Frontier euphoria. When you live in paradise and you’re blessed with the ability to soak up the midnight sun, you’d be crazy not to take full advantage of the epic outdoor fun that awaits. Stop existing, start living! Flickr - Daniel Heggie

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1 – Hit the open road and leave your watch at home. Nothing says ‘ultimate vacation road trip’ like having no sense of time. Flickr - JLS Photography - Alaska

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2 – Every local knows that it’s not uncommon to be spotted gardening at 11pm. Use that glorious midnight sun to produce locally grown, lusciously leafy, delicious greens for your whole family. Flickr - Larry Ewing

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3 – Channel your inner Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and live out the ultimate “you and me goin’ fishing in the dark” melody on one of Alaska’s many prolific rivers, lakes, and streams. Flickr - Joseph

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4 – Trade in your regularly scheduled bedtime for a (beach) walk on the wild side. With over 6,640 miles of coastline in the Last Frontier, we don’t think you’ll have a problem finding your own little slice of seaside paradise. Flickr - Dan Logan

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5 – Break up the work-week monotony with a hike under the midnight sun. This is always a great excuse to load up the dogs for some unexpected Alaska adventure. Flickr - Kim F

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6 – Get your groove on under the midnight sun at one of Alaska’s MANY summer solstice festivals. Locations include Moose Pass, Seward, Sitka, McGrath, Trapper Creek, Healy, Girdwood, Anchorage, and all the way on up to the Golden Heart City of Fairbanks. Flickr - Tom Brady

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7 – Don’t let the clock keep you down. If the sun is shining at 10pm on a Tuesday and you’re feeling that second wind coming on, get outside and soak it in! Mow the lawn, water the flowers, and take the kids to the park. Whatever you do – don’t choose to be ordinary. Alaskans are way to unique for the status quo! Flickr - Marie LaFauci

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8 – When you combine glaciers and flightseeing with the midnight sun, you’re sure to be in for the most awe-inspiring ride of your life.

Flickr - Madeleine Deaton

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9 – Walk the docks and look for a local hole in the wall along the way. You never know what kind of (awesome) shenanigans you’ll be able to find. Flickr - Brittany

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10 – Visit a nearby town, via bicycle. Or if you’re a biking fanatic already, consider racing in the Kluane/Chilkat International Bike Relay. Flickr - Lee Carruthers

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11 – Saddle up and feast your eyes on a midnight sun view via horseback. Talk about God’s country! Trails End Horse Adventures

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12 – Be one with your inner tourista self and hop on a scenic marine cruise to enjoy captivating views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife on an up close & personal level. Flickr - Rennett Stowe

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13 – Leave the motorized machines behind and enjoy living the easy, breezy, eco lifestyle. Take a scenic float on a nearby river to find peace and quiet away from the crowds. Flickr - Bureau of Land Management

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14 – Get off the grid and head into the backcountry. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of daylight hours to make it to your campsite before the sun sets (a month from now).   Flickr - Paxson Woelber

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15 – Pull an all-nighter. Remember; you’ll have plenty of cold, dark, depressing days to catch up on sleep this winter. You know we’re right! Plus, nothing is worse than having sun guilt in Alaska. Flickr - Marie LaFauci

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Looking for more where that came from? You'll never forget world-class brown bear viewing inside Alaska's Lake Clark National Park. Explore Alaska's Mendenhall Ice Caves for a surreal glacier experience. Or enjoy these seven adrenaline-packed Alaska adventures that are sure to amplify your summer. Also, be sure to check out the world's largest ziprider that's located right here in Alaska. You won't be able to resist the magnificent scenery in Kachemak Bay, Alaska's first state park and only wilderness park.

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If you are living and loving The Alaska Life – share your adventures with us on our Facebook page HERE, and they might just end up getting featured in one of our next blog posts.

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Written by Courtney Dowd-Stanley