Several questions! (Anchorage, Kenai, Seward: to live in, nicest, land)

[Thatguy]

1) What region of Alaska has the nicest scenery?

2) What is it like on the Alaska peninsula?

3) Does Alaska have plenty of public land or is it all private?

4) What region of Alaska would I need to live in if I wanted a job as a fisherman?

[pw72]

I'll make an attempt here. Please correct me if I'm wrong...

1. Nicest Scenery? Very difficult because there is so much. The Denali area is probably the most famous, but weather doesn't permit a lot of great views. However, catch it on the right day, and it is amazing! I also like the route from Anchorage to Girdwood, abounding with water and mountain vistas.

2. The Peninsula. This is the sportsman paradise. Reminds me a little of the Pacific Northwest mountain areas.

3. Private/Public. Really have no idea. But my guess most is public.

4. See #2.

[Metlakatla]

1. That's subjective. I like the Copper River area as well as anywhere about mile 160 on the Parks Highway. To see it at it's best you've got to see it in the winter.

2. The Alaska Peninsula--doesn't have trees, has lots of wildlife like brown bear, caribou, moose....lots of rain, huge sockeye salmon population, sparse human population. And I am talking about the Alaska Pen. here, not the Kenai. They are two different areas.

3. Public.

4. Depends.

[pw72]

Peninsula? I assumed the poster was talking about the Kenai. That area has trees, abundent wildlife, and where many go to fish and hunt. I'm 10 years removed, what peninsula are you speaking of?

[Metlakatla]

The poster asked about the Alaska Peninsula.

He didn't ask about the Kenai Peninsula.

Again, they are two different geographic regions.

[pw72]

OK, help me with this...what exactly constitutes the "Alaska Peninsula"?

[Metlakatla]

Southwest Alaska - Alaska Peninsula

It's on all the maps as the "Alaska Peninsula", too.

There is a Seward Peninsula as well, but it isn't near Seward.

[earls]

1. The entire state has the best scenery. The real answer depends on your preference. But I can find great things no matter what specific area.
2. ?
3. Every one else seems to think Public - I say private most of it belongs now to the Athabaskan native tribes. If fact they recently had an advertisement in the Alaska Magazine that basically said KEEP OUT of our lands no trespassing no fishing no hunting. A lot of them wont even talk to you if your white. Sort of reverse discrimination. I think it is because of the way they were treated in the past.
4.You could contract to one of the crab boats out of Dutch Harbor and become a 'real' fisherman. Otherwise I would try to contact the boats fishing the Inside passage - much calmer seas! - My choice in this area would be Sitka.

[Metlakatla]

I believe that Doyon corporation is the largest private landholder in the state, but I think that the majority of the land is still owned by the federal government.