Nature Journaling in the Land of the Midnight Sun: Talkeetna, Alaska
- Billie Jo Reid
- Jun 24
- 4 min read
Just when I thought it would be hard to top my recent adventure in the Galápagos Islands, I found myself heading north to another incredible destination: Alaska.
This summer, I had the privilege of joining John (Jack) Muir Laws and an amazing group of nature journalers for a week-long nature journaling adventure in Talkeetna, Alaska. The trip was organized by Let's Meet in Alaska, whose owner, Kim Ryals, created a thoughtful and seamless itinerary that allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the landscapes, wildlife, food, and community of this spectacular region.
Arriving in Alaska
Our journey began in Anchorage, where we boarded a train bound for Talkeetna. The ride itself was an experience, offering stunning views of Alaska's vast landscapes and serving as the perfect introduction to the adventure ahead.
As soon as we arrived in Talkeetna, I knew this place was special.
The town is incredibly charming, with a main street lined with food trucks, local restaurants, artisan shops, galleries, and small businesses. Everywhere you looked there were handcrafted works by local artists, homemade salves and balms, jams and jellies, and unique treasures that reflected the spirit of Alaska.
Most importantly, the people of Talkeetna were warm, welcoming, and genuinely excited to share their community with visitors.
A Perfect Home Base
Kim had arranged for our group to stay at the Talkeetna Inn, a quaint and comfortable inn located right along the river.
For a group of nature journalers, it could not have been a more perfect location. The river provided endless opportunities for observation and journaling, while the inn was only a short three-minute walk from downtown Talkeetna.
It quickly became our home away from home.
Exploring Alaska Through Food
One thing became very clear during this trip:
Nobody was going hungry.
Kim did an incredible job incorporating local restaurants and businesses into our experience, giving us the opportunity to sample some of the best food the region has to offer.
Our group meals included visits to the Historic Fairview Inn and Mountain High Pizza Pie.
Breakfasts and lunches were catered by the wonderful Flying Squirrel Bakery Café.
Along the way, I was fortunate enough to enjoy:
An incredible breakfast burrito from the Talkeetna Spinach Bread food truck
A juicy burger at the Denali Brewpub
Delicious chicken and dumplings from Homestead Kitchen
Pulled pork sandwiches from Annie's food truck
The famous cinnamon rolls from the Talkeetna Roadhouse
As if that wasn't enough, Kim also arranged a taco bar from Tacos Cancun Mexican Grill in Wasilla and an unforgettable seafood boil from The AK Crab Spot.
Needless to say, our stomachs were very happy all week.
Nature Journaling in Denali Country
Of course, food was only part of the adventure.
Kim's carefully planned itinerary partnered us with Alaska Nature Guides, whose knowledgeable guides helped us explore some of Alaska's most beautiful landscapes.
One highlight was our visit to Byers Lake, where calm waters reflected the surrounding mountains and forests. Everywhere we looked there was something worth slowing down to observe and record.
We also spent time hiking in Denali State Park, exploring the wilderness while surrounded by stunning views that seemed to stretch forever.
The scale of Alaska is difficult to describe until you experience it firsthand. The mountains, rivers, forests, and skies all feel larger than life.
As nature journalers, we spent our days doing what we love most: slowing down, observing carefully, asking questions, making sketches, recording details, and sharing discoveries with one another.
The Land of the Midnight Sun
One of the most memorable aspects of the trip was experiencing Alaska so close to the summer solstice.
The "Land of the Midnight Sun" truly lives up to its name.
The extended daylight gave us more time to explore, journal, and enjoy the outdoors. Even late in the evening there was enough light to continue observing and sketching.
There is something magical about watching the day stretch on seemingly forever. It creates a sense of timelessness that feels perfectly suited to nature journaling.
The People Make the Experience
While Alaska's landscapes are breathtaking, what truly made this trip special was the people.
Our group consisted of 30 nature journalers from across the United States who came together with a shared goal: to spend time in nature, deepen their observation skills, and learn from one another.
Every participant brought curiosity, enthusiasm, kindness, and a willingness to slow down and truly notice the world around them.
As always, one of the greatest joys of nature journaling is sharing observations and experiences with others. Whether we were gathered around a journal page, admiring a landscape, or swapping stories over dinner, there was a wonderful sense of community throughout the week.
Until Next Time, Alaska
This trip reminded me why I love nature journaling so much.
Nature journaling gives us permission to slow down. It encourages us to look more closely, ask better questions, and appreciate the details we might otherwise miss.
Talkeetna provided the perfect setting for that practice.
From incredible landscapes and delicious local food to warm hospitality and unforgettable conversations, Alaska exceeded every expectation.
A huge thank you to Kim Ryals and everyone at Let's Meet in Alaska for creating such a thoughtful and memorable experience. Thank you to Alaska Nature Guides for helping us explore this beautiful region, and thank you to Jack and the wonderful group of journalers who made the week so special.
I have a feeling this won't be my last trip to Alaska.
In fact, I sincerely hope it is only the beginning.
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