Wide expanses of snow, ice and glaciers are what we think about when most of us think about Alaska. Going hiking in Alaska probably isn't something most of us would consider. Surprisingly, Alaska does actually have a summer, and it is possible to hike there then. Alaska also has some fabulous hiking trails in incredibly beautiful country where you can get back to nature more than anywhere else in America. If you're thinking of hiking in Alaska though, you really should consider these two hiking trails: the Kachemak Bay State Park near Homer and the Kenai Fjords near Seward.

The Kachemak Bay State Park is stunning and easily reachable from Homer but only by plane or by boat. Here there are two options for trail hiking. Either stick to the well-maintained trails, which will take you up mountains and glaciers and around hidden coves, or branch out to the eastern part of the park. Here it's basically completely Alaskan wilderness with no marked trails, making it a huge challenge but really gorgeous. The Kachemak Bay State Park is also home to loads of wildlife and birds, so don't forget your camera and notebooks. Oh, and be careful of the bears! They may look cute and cuddly, but they can kill you.

The Kenai Fjords are something else entirely. These fjords will rival anything Norway has to offer, with trails cut through the woodland as well as a lot of hikes that cross the glaciers. If you do these hikes make sure you're fully prepared for glacier hiking. It can be somewhat dangerous for those with no experience. (You don't want to fall down a crevasse or break a leg and have to get the Alaskan rescue service to save you.) Near the Kenai Fjords is also one of the most popular places in Alaska for hikers, a coastal defense depot that operated during World War II. Check out the old buildings and pretend you're a WWII soldier. You can also camp in the Kenai Fjord National Park overnight. Just make sure you stock up on provisions in Seward before you set out, because there's nothing to buy in the national park itself.

There are many more amazing hiking trails in Alaska. Your best bet is to start out in Anchorage, Homer, Seward or Juneau and branch out from there.

Just because you love the great outdoors doesn't mean that you relish 100 degree heat and sun so bright you can't leave the house without sunglasses. August is the hottest and most miserable month of the year for some of us, particularly if you hail from Texas, California, Florida or any of the other southern states.

So what's the solution? Pack up the family and head somewhere cold ... like Alaska!

One of the most beautiful states in the U.S., Alaska is also a major tourist magnet, drawing thousands of visitors throughout the year. The south central area of the state, in particular, is perfect for the month of August, with highs in the 60s and about 15 hours of daylight. Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna and Kenai are some of the most popular cities for travel at this time of year, and I can guarantee you'll never be bored.

Some of the most beautiful bald eagle sightings occur in Homer, Anchorage and Seward during August, and you can't miss a boat journey around Gull Island, where you'll see some of the most diverse populations of birds in the world.

Trails for both hiking and biking are plentiful in Alaska, and can be quite refreshing when you aren't dealing with summer heat. The Eagle River Nature Center is a great place to start if you're looking for guided tours or if you want to learn about the wildlife on Alaskan trails. Chugach State Park is also a lot of fun, encompassing more than 500,000 acres of trails and beautiful scenery.

Of course, if you'll be going to Alaska in the summer, you'll have to be prepared for the temperature change. Transitioning from 98 degree heat to mild weather can be a shock to the system. Bring a versatile coat, such as the Hurley Interpol Spy Coat for women, or the O'Neil Report Jacket for men. You might also want a windbreaker if you plan to go out on the water.

Summer vacations in Alaska are a lot of fun, and will provide you with immeasurable relief from the heat.

Also known as Mount McKinley, Denali rises more than 20,000 feet above sea level.

Things may grow bigger in Texas, but Alaska plays host to Mount Denali, one of the famous "Seven Summits" and the highest mountain on the North American continent. With an altitude that exceeds 20,000 feet, it's also one of the most difficult mountains in the world to tackle, even for a seasoned, physically fit climber.

Though sometimes referred to as Mount McKinley, Denali, whose name translates as "The Great One" or "The High One," is located about 140 miles north of Anchorage, Alaska. When you get within sight of this beautiful destination, you'll want to get out and climb right away, but preparations definitely are in order, though.

Like Alaska itself, Denali is a study in contrast, with strong winds that can approach 100-mph and cold temperatures. Depending on what time of the year that you decide to challenge Denali, you also could climb on a very warm day with nearly endless hours of sunshine.

Denali is, therefore, a mountain suitable for those who are both physically and mentally ready to climb it, especially due to the high risk of altitude sickness. There are, however, climbing schools located near Mount Denali that can help you get prepared to reach the summit. Experienced guides also are available to assist you in your quest to conquer Denali.

Because this mountain is located in Denali National Park and Preserve, the National Park Service charges a "special use fee" of $200 for every person attempting to climb Denali plus a $10 per person park entrance fee. You also must pre-register with the National Park Service at least 60 days before your attempt.

There are plenty of lodges and hotel near Denali National Park, but one of the recommended places to stay is the town of Talkeetna, which offers air taxi services that offer a close view of Denali before you make the climb. Some of the major airlines service Anchorage and from there, it's about a 120-mile drive to Talkeetna.

No matter if you call it Mount McKinley or Denali, this is one majestic mountain and one of the biggest climbing challenges you'll ever face.

Resources:
PBS Kids: http://pbskids.org/nova/denali/where.html
National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/dena
Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce: http://www.talkeetna-chamber.com/