Anchorage

Icelandair from Amsterdam through Reykjavik. On our way over we fly to Seattle and then to Reykjavik where we will stay over for two days on our way to Copenhagen.

Yes, except no stop in Seattle. From Anchorage to Portland.

We had a half-day in Anchorage last August and really enjoyed it. We had lunch at the Snow City Cafe---highly recommended---and then walked sections of the nearby Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. It was a beautiful day for a walk---70 degrees and sunny. We had a car so were able to sample various sections of the trail. Out by the airport we came across a mama moose and her baby browsing right by the trail, unconcerned with the cyclists going by (and the jets flying overhead). We chose to be cautious and not walk past, but spent about 15 minutes just enjoying the sight of this magnificent animal and her very cute baby.

Without a car you could just start on the path nearest the cafe and head south and west. We walked that part as far as the lagoon and looped through town to the Anchorage Museum to meet up with my husband. He said the museum was great (we didn't go in). That would be a good option if the weather is uncooperative.

Lola, These are great suggestions. It would be great to get in a walk on a day filled with flying. Oh, how I would love to see a moose! Thanks for your thoughtful response.

I have seen lots of moose as I used to live in Alaska ( Fairbanks not Anchorage). In winter one used to bed down in our yard. But it is always a treat.

If you skip the lunch suggestion, you could rent bikes and ride out to the area where we saw the moose. It would only be about 4 miles each way. No guarantees, of course, but people there seemed to think it is pretty common to see on along there, or farther west.

Here is a map of the trail:

http://anchoragecoastaltrail.com

There was a bike rental shop at the end of 4th or 5th Avenue, and you can access the trail through the little park you see there (the trail has limited access points downtown). We saw the moose in or very near the park you see just east of the point out by the airport. The flight paths for one runway go right over the point. The moose and her baby were east of that point, not directly under the incoming planes.

I live in anchorage and my suggestion would be to rent a car and drive the Seward highway to girdwood. It's one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and I've seen a few. It takes about 45 mins one way, and in girdwood there's a pizza place, ice cream shop, and bakery.

Thanks Rachel. That is another tempting possibility.