For those who haven't visited Alaska before, the thought of driving hundreds of miles through Alaska wilderness is a bit intimidating. Visions of four-wheel-drive vehicles with spare tires and gas cans strapped to the roof spring to mind.

But those are visions of the past, not the present. The Sterling and Seward highways that connect Homer and Anchorage are smooth ribbons of pavement with rest stops, passing lanes and communities dotting the trip.

And of course, there's the scenery. Virtually the entire drive features vistas that are everything that coming to Alaska is about — snow-covered mountains, salmon-filled rivers and aquamarine lakes, volcano-lined inlets and bays and the opportunity to see a host of wildlife along the way.

If you aren't in a rush, the trip can easily take up a day or two with stops and the many scenic attractions along the way. If you are in a hurry to get to Homer, however, the trip can take four or five hours, depending on traffic and weather. The following are just a few of the highlights along the way. For a more complete digest of the road's must-see attractions and facilities, pick up a copy of “The Milepost.”

As you leave Anchorage, the Seward Highway will wind along the edge of the Chugach State Park and the Cook Inlet. Drive carefully, as mountain goats, bore tides and beluga whale sightings often cause a cluster of cars on the roadside.

Girdwood

Girdwood, located 37 miles from Anchorage, is your last stop for gas until Cooper Landing. In addition, it is a vibrant community with a variety of eateries, shops and the Alyeska Resort, Alaska's largest ski area. A mountaintop restaurant is open year-round and a 60-passenger aerial tramway takes you to the top of the mountain with ease.

Portage Glacier

About 50 miles from Anchorage, you reach the turnoff to Portage Glacier. The area features an opportunity to hike up to a glacier as well as visit the visitor center. A sightseeing boat also is available to take you to the glacier.

Cooper Landing

Now on the Sterling Highway, your travels have taken you into the heart of what Alaskans call the combat fishing zone. Before you get there, however, you pass by Kenai Lake as you enter Cooper Landing, where you can get gas, food and most everything you need for fishing, rafting or standing around in the water.

The road parallels the Russian River, and if the fish are running, the banks will be packed with eager fishermen angling for sockeye and coho salmon as well as rainbow trout. Several parking areas allow for a safe place to pull off and take in the quintessential Alaska scene.

Soldotna

A major commercial hub for the Kenai Peninsula, Soldotna is a chance to stop, stretch and grab a bite to eat. You are 85 miles from Homer now, and might want to visit the famous Kenai River. The Soldotna Visitor Information Center just south of the Kenai River Bridge offers a boardwalk area to view the river as well as all the information you need on the area.

Ninilchik

Now you are driving beside Cook Inlet and on a clear day can see a string of mountains and volcanoes to the west on the far shore of the inlet. Ninilchik offers a good opportunity to stop and take in the views. Located 44 miles from Homer, Ninilchik village and beach campground are a great place to enjoy the scenery. There also is a commercial area where you can get food, treats and gifts. The area is also home to the largest charter fishing fleet in the state.

Anchor Point

If one last stop before the end of the road is in order, a quick drive down the Old Sterling Highway in Anchor Point will take you to the Anchor River, another popular fishing destination and scenic area. The town also features a wide range of services and facilities.

You made it!

Just a few miles from Homer, stop as you reach the crest of Baycrest Hill. Here you will find that breathtaking first look at Kachemak Bay, the surrounding mountains and the Homer Spit. Take a moment to savor the scene — then dive in!