Glenallen

Location/Climate: On the Glenn Highway near the Copper River. 9"/yr. precip., 39"yr. snowfall, -74°F–96°F.

Population: 493 (6.7 percent native, mainly Ahtna Athabascan).

Travel Attractions: Crossroads gateway for various points.

Getting There: Vehicle access via the Glenn Highway from Anchorage or Tok or via the Richardson Highway from Valdez or Fairbanks; charter air.

Information: Copper River Valley Visitor Center, P.O. Box 469, junction of Glenn Highway and Richardson Highway, Glenallen, 822-5555, www.alaskaoutdoors.com/copper, chamber@alaska.net.

Though it’s not saying much, Glenallen is the chief town in the region. Essentially a crossroads for the Richardson and Glenn Highways, Glenallen offers a full range of highway and travel services, but little else. One spot worth a stop is the Copper River Valley Visitor Center at the northwest corner of the highway junction. There is plenty of info, some displayed items, and a helpful staffer who will happily paint you a picture of local life.

Where to Stay and Eat in Glenallen

Caribou Hotel, Mile 187 Glenn Highway, (800) 478-3302 (AK only), 822-3302, $130 and up, $10–$15 less in winter. The hotel features modern rooms, a gift shop, and the Caribou Cafe.

Copper Basin Travel (reservation service), 822-5445. Lodging and recreation reservations for Copper Valley, Valdez, and Cordova.

Dry Creek State Recreation Site Campground, 5 miles north of Glenallen along Richardson Highway (AK 4). Basic sites in a forested setting.