It's the middle of June in Alaska, and summer solstice, the longest day of the year is just around the corner.

This is a time for Alaskans to celebrate as the Arctic sun beams down in full force.

Thank you. Today I'm driving south along the Seward Highway, looking to get out of town to sneak in a quick overnight camping trip.

35 miles south of Anchorage, I passed the familiar turnoff to Gergwood, and I'm reminded of Aaron Gilbert when I see a sign announcing the upcoming Forest Fair.

This year will be the 24th anniversary of Aaron's disappearance.

But today I'm headed deeper into the mountains, where there's a cluster of forest service

campgrounds that make a beautiful overnight getaway. Fifteen miles after Gurdwood, I drive

down the Portage Valley Road and check out the Black Bear and Willowah campgrounds. These are

beautiful spots, nestled in a steep valley with hanging glaciers and towering rock walls

looming above.

But I decide to keep going as I'm looking to get a little deeper into the wilderness tonight.

Soon I'm gaining elevation as I head up into the scenic Turnigan Pass.

During the winter, this is a haven for backcountry skiers and snow machiners.

But in the summertime, the area is transformed into a lush alpine sanctuary,

speckled with wildflowers, berries, and crystal clear alpine tarns and rivers.

20 minutes later, I finally pull into my destination for the evening, the Granite Creek

campground. This is a peaceful campground in the middle of Boreal Forest, surrounded by beautiful

snow-capped peaks and bordered by the glacial-fed Six Mile Creek.

Tonight, this will be my campsite,

as I plan to have a campfire and be lulled to sleep by the rushing river.

But as peaceful as it is out here,

I'm aware that this is a wilderness that harbors a familiar mystery. Music On July 7, 2012, a 43-year-old woman named Valerie Sifsoff was camping at the Granite Creek

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