In this truly wild landscape, the Alaska Railroad offers an up-close look at the fast flowing Susitna River (sand river), the surrounding Alaska Mountain Range and neighboring Talkeena Mountains. The Susitna is a sportsman's paradise, with epic runs of Coho and Chinook salmon. River access is limited to boat or floatplane, with skillful river guides equipped to put anglers on the fish.
   Here, the Alaska Railway makes its way (once a day) along the Susitna River Valley toward the small town of Talkeena. In this mountainous region the natural route follows the river valley and traces the 323 mile George Parks Highway. Simply called Parks Highway, Route 3 connects Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska's largest metropolitan areas. Small villages, historic towns, waterfalls, plenty of wildlife and fishing charters will keep sightseers and vactioners busy the entire route.
   This scenic highway along the Susitna River Valley provides the only overland access to Denali National Park and Preserve. The famous Alaskan park is capped off by the highest mountain peak in North America, the 20,300 foot tall Denali (Mount McKinley). The 600 million acre park, bigger than the combined area of America's three smallest states, is most often the main focus for northbound trips from Anchorage.
   Roughly at the halfway point between the two major cities, Denali State and National Parks will delay any Anchorage to Fairbanks travelers for at least a day. While it takes about seven to eight hours of driving time between the cities, sightseers should plan of this being a multi-day trip.

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