We are heading to Alaska the end of May. Have made reservations on the ferry from Bellingham to Haines. From Haines, we will go to Denali - but beyond that we have no planned destinations. We do plan to stay for the summer and go as the wind blows. Ideas involving pleasant winds and interesting destinations are welcome. I've gotten great ideas about this trip from the forum already so thought I would fish for a few more. Thank you!
We just returned from Alaska last year (drove from Texas up as far a Fairbanks. Spent 4+ months on the road (over 2 months in Alaska). I kept a photograph blog the entire trip. If you are interested, you can view it at http://blog.haroldblair.com. You will need to go to the archives and start at the beginning (June). Let me know if you want any additional information. We plan to return in '14 (will be returning to Newfoundland in '13). Good luck and have a great trip (we certainly did!) BTW, we drove a 2002 Ford F-350 hauling our 2003 Lance 1161 and loved it!
Harold Blair
If the OP will tell us more about his/their interests and "why" they are going would make it easier for people to give suggestions. Some people seem to look at Alaska as a place to turn around and come home, others go to fish, some for photography, some to see the wildlife, meet new people from a different cultural background, some to hike and so forth.
There is so much to do and see in Alaska that a lifetime of trips won't cover the north country. Most first timers are well served by driving around the tourist circle. First go to Fairbanks and spend a week or so, then south to Denali Park area and on to Anchorage. Not much to do there as it is just another big city IMHO. Then on to the Kenai Peninsula for some fishing, boat tours,flight seeingg, beautiful scenery and weekend crowds of people from Anchorage. LOL Then back to Anchorage or take the ferry from Whittier to Valdez, fun day trip, spend some time around Valdez then start to wander back north to the Alaska Hwy and head home. This will fill most of a summer for most travelers plus it gives you an idea of what to do on your next trips north. It is addictive to many people.
joe b.
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The 8Th of May we are getting on the ferry in Haines and will get off on the 26Th in Prince Rupert, BC. We will spend 2 or 3 days in each of the major towns in South East Alaska. Juneau, (our capital), Sitka (the original capital), Petersburg, Wrangell and Ketchikan. From Prince Rupert we will work our way up the Cassiar and Alaska Highways back to our home here in Fairbanks.
I think we have driven just about everywhere up here that you can without taking a ferry. Check OUR WEBSITE to see some of our travels. Feel welcome to PM me with any questions.
After you see Haines you might want to drive back onto the ferry and go to Skagway. I think it takes about 2 hours. Skagway was the start of the Klondike gold rush of 98 and I think is the only gold rush town in Alaska that hasn't burned down at least once. A very interesting and colorful place. From there take the Klondike Highway to the Alaska Highway and Whitehorse (the capital of the Yukon Territory) From Whitehorse you can either continue on up the Alaska Highway or take the Klondike Highway to Dawson City, the home of the Klondike gold rush and then the Top of the World Highway to Alaska and the Taylor Highway that will take you south to the Alaska Highway just 12 miles East of Tok, Alaska.
I hope you have a great visit to our state,
Chuck
As Joe asked, what are your interests?
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Consider starting with this BOOK. For the sake of disclosure Ron is a friend however his book is a real treat to read as you travel. He has great advice and names lots of great spots. We travelled to Wisconsin and back through California last year. On our return through Lake Louise and Banff (Must see spots) we ran into Ron, Jennifer and Mom on their way south. This is a regular trek for them as Ron continues to collect data for updated versions of his book.
While in Alaska, I suggest you traverse the Denali Hiway. There are plenty of boondocking spots. On the eastern end you will find the Tangle Lakes. Grayling fishing is great. Since you mentioned Denali Park as a destination, you can travel the Denali Hiway as part of your travel either to or from there.
As OP stated, posting your objectives would be helpful! Regardless, I hope your trip is safe and enjoyable. Alaska is a beautiful place.
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Wow! I've already gotten some great resources in the replies you have given. We'll look at the blogs and websites - thanks.
We did get the Milepost...I learned about it here. Gripnriprod, thank you for the book suggestion - we'll check it out.
We are going to Alaska because I have really itchy feet and we like to explore and learn about places we haven't been. We prefer to stay a few days in one spot before moving on to the next. We don't like large crowds. Hiking, photography, wildlife, open space, fishing, camping, new cultures are all good. We are 69 & 70 so participating in extreme sports is out.
By leaving my post unstructured, I'm hoping for folks to tell me about what they know, experience and enjoy. That way I will learn about things I didn't know existed and might never have known if I asked a more structured question. My intention was not to frustrate anyone. I expect to talk to lots of folks along the way too.
The area around Fairbanks is the land of the gold rush days, lots of history in this part of the state. Still reminders of the gold rush, then the oil pipe line days of the early 70s. To do something a bit different you might try catching the ferry to Kodiak Island. This was the original settlement of Lord Baranoff, Governor General of the Russian America Company. After about 5 years he moved the capital to New Archangel (sp), just a few miles from the current site of the town of Sitka. My good buddy Chuck got close on this one. LOL A drive out Chena Hot Springs road in the early morning from Fairbanks will usually get you some great photo opps of wildlife, especially moose.
The Stan Stephens boat trips out of Valdez are well worth while, IMHO, especially the Two Glacier trip. We tend to spend the majority of our time in the Interior as this is the part of the state I still consider home as I lived there longer than any other place.
Be sure to take a look at Chuck's web site as it is most excellent. Lots of beautiful photos and information on it. I check it out every so often when I need an Alaska fix.
Lots of good hiking in the area north of Fairbanks along the Chena road. A trip across the Denali highway is always a highlite for us. We normally will spend a week or so at the Tangle Lakes area, just west of Paxon, which is on the Richardson Hwy. Some of the best grayling fishing to be had on the road system. Make sure you take lots of bug dope if you venture onto the Denali Hwy.
I too am 70 and I suspect Chuck is about the same age, give or take. The Kenai is full of photo opps, just try to stay off the main highway going down from Anchorage on the weekends, the Seward Highway. If you are interested in salmon fishing, it is totally dependent upon the fish runs. You can take a look at the site, www.alaskaoutdoorjournal.com and they have a list of the seasonal fish runs in the different parts of the state. I have been known to plan my travels in the state to time it to the historical times of the salmon runs.
The Milepost is good, just getting too large IMHO, due to the ads and Alaskan Camping by Mike and Terri Church is excellent, most honest views of campgrounds that I have found. www.rollinghomes.com
I tend to take between 2,000 to 3,000 photos on most of our trips to the north country. While in Whitehorse, YT make sure you go to the Follies Can Can show. If you are a person that enjoys a fine brew, go to the Yukon Brewery and try some of their products, such as Yukon Red or Gold. One of the finest micro breweries I have ever found.
It is a great trip to Alaska and one I never get tired of making. We try to get back up every other year for a visit.
I would say that the Ron Dalby book, recommended above needs to be updated. My copy is a 2008 copyright. Hopefully he has put out a corrected edition since that time.
* This post was
edited 04/21/12 03:41pm by joe b. *
joe b. wrote: If the OP will tell us more about his/their interests and "why" they are going would make it easier for people to give suggestions. Some people seem to look at Alaska as a place to turn around and come home, others go to fish, some for photography, some to see the wildlife, meet new people from a different cultural background, some to hike and so forth.
There is so much to do and see in Alaska that a lifetime of trips won't cover the north country. Most first timers are well served by driving around the tourist circle. First go to Fairbanks and spend a week or so, then south to Denali Park area and on to Anchorage. Not much to do there as it is just another big city IMHO. Then on to the Kenai Peninsula for some fishing, boat tours,flight seeingg, beautiful scenery and weekend crowds of people from Anchorage. LOL Then back to Anchorage or take the ferry from Whittier to Valdez, fun day trip, spend some time around Valdez then start to wander back north to the Alaska Hwy and head home. This will fill most of a summer for most travelers plus it gives you an idea of what to do on your next trips north. It is addictive to many people.
This is very similiar to what we did in 2010 and it made for a great trip as suggested by Joe B.
We also went from Whitehorse up to Dawson City and over the top of the world highway which should also be included in your trip.
We also went up the Dempster Highway Tow vehicle only) north of Dawson City to the Tombstone Park area which is well worth the drive.
When coming home go down the Stewart Cassair Highway and get into Steward and Hyder also. Three of the nicest parks(Boya Lake, Kinaskan and Meziadian) that you will ever stop at along the Stewart Cassair .
If you are into fishing much, we found a GREAT place to catch Kings and Reds. We happened upon it on our trip. It is in a very small town called Copper Center. The fish camp is on the Valdez (kind of south) side of the Klutina River in Copper Center. It is nothing to look at but the people there are really great. The can take you on the Copper River to catch your Kings and then you can fish right at the fish camp for Reds. This avoids all the "combat" fishing in the Kenai. We caught our Kings there and then caught plenty of Reds. We then took a few days and drove down to Valdez where we caught a "bunch" of Pinks over at near the hatchery. This was really fun. No bait, just treble hooks. We then smoked the pinks (the only way to eat pinks according to the natives!). If you want more info, let me know. Also know of a GREAT place to view bears up close and personal on the Russian River.
Harold
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