Best way to do Alaska?

[PeterPan]

RV? Car and hotels each night? Cruise? It would be the 4 of us (2 adults, 11, almost 2). We like to get out and gawk at nature, and we eschew the touristy (shops, chintzy towns, etc.). I had dreamed of a cruise for so long, but it sounds like driving the interior of Alaska and then bopping out to the coast on ferries would suit us better. I'm thinking we'd spend a full 2 weeks. Does that sound on track? And would RVing like that be pleasant or insane?? I haven't been RVing since I was a little kid, hehe. I found places to rent RV's, so it seems to be something people do there. Any advice?

[hornblower]

Just remember BC is BIG.

 

When I was a border guard (in itchy wool polyester - that's why they're so grumpy you know!) we had tons of people drive up thinking they'd be in Alaska by nightfall.

 

It's just 'up there', right? they'd point hopefully. We'll just keep driving north, ma'am! Hmmm. Not quite. But I'm sure you're not one of these geography challenged folks :)

 

 

Another option to cruising is ferries. There are US ferries which go from Bellingham to Skagway. http://www.karo-ent.com/marine.htm

 

There is a BC ferry which goes to Prince Rupert but it's a long drive from there - as far as I can make out, you have to go all around through the Yukon. But it would be great driving up north - lots of wildlife, few people.

 

I don't know the route of the US ferries but the BC one goes through the famed Inside Passage.

 

It's not like a cruise ship, but the prices are loads better too :-) http://www.bcferries.com/schedules/inside/

 

Also check out http://www.skagway.com/gettinghere.html

 

I've never been up but my geologist dh has & my dad used to captain one of the cruise ships. (yes, my dad is like Captain Stubing! :D) & my mom has been up. It's tourism, mosquitoes, huge flies, hunting, fishing, big animals, gold panning - lots of empty road, often not paved. When you get above the tree line, it's pretty sparse & the landscape gets tedious to some very quickly. There are some neat historic routes to check out, some mining tours, a railway outing that I've heard good things about.

 

Oh & remember no hand guns allowed in BC. Some long guns allowed but must be permitted & declared. If you come up in an RV, customs can & often will search through the entire thing for guns. Yes, even your nightstand ....

[PeterPan]

Oh, should have been clearer. We'd fly to Alaska and rent a vehicle/RV or we'd fly to Seattle/Vancouver and cruise up to Alaska. Not gonna drive 3000 miles through Canada, not with a 1 yo, lol...

[AK_Mom4]

We've had relatives come up here a few times and do the RV thing. They fly into Anchorage and rent an RV. Then drive north and do the Fairbanks/Mt McKinley thing and loop around out by Delta and Tok and then back to Anchorage. You definitely see wilderness that way.

 

Or go south and do the Seward/Kenai Peninsula thing. Lots of fishing but more people. Or....do both!

 

My MIL took a cruise up here and said it was amazing and fun, but cold on the boat most days.

 

There's no shortage of wilderness to see and cool things to do.

[KJB]

First, you need this book:

 

http://milepost.com/

 

There are tons of RVs and lots of people travel in Alaska via an RV/Trailer, and if you were moving there or going for an extended period of time I'd say this is absolutely the way to go.

 

However, you should know that the "main drag" between Anchorage and Fairbanks (with Denali Park/Mt McKinley in between) is fairly devoid of business and places to stop. It is also around a 7 hour drive. You gas up before you start and you can stop maybe two or three places along the way to refuel. It's a beautiful drive.

 

For a lot less effort, you can also take the train which runs between Fairbanks as far south as the coast. I really recommend this as a much easier and less dangerous way to travel for your first visit.

 

If I were you, and $ weren't a huge factor, I would fly into Fairbanks and spend two or three days there doing the Fairbanks thing (Pioneer Park, Gold Mining, Riverboat cruise, etc.), and then take the train through Denali. You can either stop and stay about half way in Denali (look up the Princess Lodge) or keep on the train all the way to Anchorage.

 

Then, in Anchorage, you can spend a few days and see the city, and then press on via train to the best parts of Alaska (imo!) You can either take the train, which I think goes to Whittier, or rent a car (this is what I would do) and drive to Seward. You can stay in Seward and take glacier cruises, wildlife crusies, and go fishing. There is also the Sea Life Center which is excellent.

 

If you have time, you might consider driving over to Homer for more fishing and to see bald eagles on the beach.

 

Then, you could return your car to Anchorage and fly home from there.

 

Anyway, this is what I would do if I were traveling there for two weeks and I'd never visited before. Remember Alaska is huge and not very developed in many places. Summer is high tourist season and it can be hard to get RV spots and hotel rooms. Whatever you decide, make reservations quickly.

 

So my plan would be (if I were you): fly to Fairbanks and rent a car for two days, train to Denali where I'd stop overnight, train to Anchorage, rent a car and drive to Seward, Seward for a few days and maybe a trip to Homer, return car to Anchorage and fly home from there

 

However you do it, enjoy! Hope you have a wonderful time!

Edited July 28, 2010 by KJB

[lmrich]

We flew into Anchorage and rented an RV. AWESOME!! AK is big, but every part of it is beautiful and so different from here. The kids LOVED the RV and didn't mind the long drives because they could sit at the table and play cards or color. When they had to go to the bathroom, we could just pull over. I could make great meals in the RV and have fantastic snacks. You will get a copy of the greatest road guide ever that gives you tons of details about every paved mile in Alaska that will help you know where to stop. Best ever quick stop was at a county park for lunch. The wildflowers were so fragrant and the kids could just run around while I made a lunch with all the doors open. Wonderful!!

 

We made this trip three years ago, and we stilll love the memories.

Edited July 28, 2010 by lmrich
wanted to add when we went

[PeterPan]

KJB, my dh loves your itinerary! It was your comments about the Parks Hwy that gave me pause. What actually makes it dangerous?

 

Lmrich, your rv'ing experience sounds wonderful! I think the carseat laws still apply to rv's, meaning my toddler would still be strapped in. I wonder if you have to use carseats on trains? Anyways, were there particular favorite spots you went?

[Starr]

Also look into the Alaska Marine Highway and taking the ferry from Washington State through Southeast Alaska or a cruise one way and fly the other.

[KJB]

KJB, my dh loves your itinerary! It was your comments about the Parks Hwy that gave me pause. What actually makes it dangerous?

 

Lmrich, your rv'ing experience sounds wonderful! I think the carseat laws still apply to rv's, meaning my toddler would still be strapped in. I wonder if you have to use carseats on trains? Anyways, were there particular favorite spots you went?

 

Well, realizing that a feeling of danger is relative, here are my "dangerous" considerations for all of Alaska and the Parks Highway specifically:

 

1. No cell phone coverage on most of the Parks Highway and few businesses or places to stop if you have trouble.

 

2. When you're there, notice all the gas cans strapped to the back of pickups and think of me. :D Running out of gas can be a real problem depending upon where you travel because you aren't guaranteed a place to refuel. People plan ahead by bringing gas with them.

 

3. Parks Highway is a truck route. There are lots of fast trucks traveling between the two cities. It's a fairly windy (long i) route coming out of Fairbanks and it narrows in a few places as well. It is a breathtaking ride in some places, but then so's the train ride without the worry that comes with driving.

 

4. Wild animals. Really. When we lived in AK (and we're planning to go back to live part of the year, by the way!), we had a trailer. More than once, someone at a campground we were at had a bear come knocking or sniffing around. You have to be aware that when you stop and cook if it smells good you're not the only one enjoying the aroma!

 

An aside story, when I lived there I took my dd's Brownie troop to the Anchorage Zoo. We weren't there 10 minutes when we were shuffled off to the side of the zoo because a *wild* bear had come to visit the zoo. The whole Brownie troop watched as the bear scampered by. They finally darted him and removed him from the zoo!

 

If you go out of the trailer at night, you have to be aware of the possibility of an unexpected animal. Lots of moose are around, too. And if you're planning to camp around Denali, or let's face it the whole state, it's something to consider in terms of safety.

 

I have taken the train all from Fairbanks to Anchorage and I've owned a trailer and traveled the whole state. We've driven the Alcan four times. We even drove the "haul road" from Fairbanks north to the Arctic following the pipeline which was spectacular.

 

If you're real comfortable with the ins and outs of RVing it might be the way to go for you because it is lots of fun. Taking the train lets you all relax and enjoy with no driver responsibility and no worries about refueling or where you're going to stop. Plus, little boys love the train more than car seat travel, ime. You can get up and walk around, you can visit the different cars and meet the conductor, it can be quite fun....

 

Just so you know (and since this already a novella), getting off the train or stopping in Denali you might want to think about what you'd like to do. There really isn't much there unless you are planning a camping or hiking trip or a river raft ride. A lot of the activity is "big boy" activity (as in grown up sporting stuff). There are some touristy shops around the Princess Lodge, and the mountains and river are beautiful, and you can hike a bit and maybe see sled dogs, but it is just a big wild park. You'll also have to consider how you'll get to your hotel if you stay the night. There are a few restaurants there, too, but not many.

 

Whichever way, you'll have a great time. You are more of a tourist if you do the train, but the car gives you flexibility traveling to Seward and Homer. The locals own RVS and trailers. It's an excellent time of the year to visit. Wish I were coming with you!

[Whereneverever]

Wow, I'm suddenly getting an itch to go to Alaska. :bigear:

[KJB]

Here are some things to do in the Fairbanks area that I shared here with someone else recently:

 

Pioneer Park (in Fairbanks)

http://www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/pioneerpark/

 

Ride the Riverboat Discovery

http://www.riverboatdiscovery.com/

 

El Dorado Gold Mine

http://eldoradogoldmine.com/

 

Chena Hot Springs (You might be able to horseback ride here, too, if you're interested)

http://www.chenahotsprings.com/

 

Take the train to Denali or all the way to Anchorage

(Denali Park and Mt. McKinley are a must see on a trip to Alaska, Anchorage has more of a big city feel than Fairbanks)

http://www.alaskatours.com/Alaska_Ra...dule_fares.htm

 

The Santa Claus House in North Pole

http://www.santaclaushouse.com/

 

My favorite bookstore in Fairbanks

http://www.gullivers-books.com/

 

Gullivers is close to The University of Alaska at Fairbanks which has a pretty neat museum. The museum isn't as tourist trappy as some of the other locations you can be shuffled towards as a tourist. A lot of Alaska history is here and an interesting art collection.

http://www.uaf.edu/museum/

 

The Milepost is the book for Alaska travel. You might be able to find it at B&N and just flip through it to get an idea of other off the beaten path things to do while in Alaska. It is an excellent resource.

http://milepost.com/

[PeterPan]

Is it common/practical/affordable to get a satellite phone? We didn't know if we could get one, much like you get a pay cell phone... On the gas, I'll have to ask the RV people how much a tank holds. Obviously that would be a concern! I'm planning to get the Milepost book tomorrow.

 

Dh likes the idea of the train for the very reasons you mention, but I've been reading about some of the beauties of things on the Seward and Glen Hwys. Any opinions on them? I also read the Denali Hwy is a beautiful drive. I wondered if it might be a nice circuit to go from Anchorage on the Glen, up 4, and west on the Denali to the NP. From there we could drive north to Fairbanks. It was just an idea I was toying around with. But right now I've been reading so much my brain is flooded with ideas, lol.

 

Have you ever done Glacier Bay? I was reading about it and wondered if it was worth the expense. Any opinions on GB vs. the Kenai Fjords?

 

Sounds like you're saying we don't have to go to katmai to see bears, lol. ;)

[AppleGreen]

and probably much more helpful than I will be. We went to Alaska for our honeymoon 11(!!) years ago. We did the cruise thing (through Princess), but also did the train and pretty much every available mode of transportation in a two week period of time, seriously. We did the train from Anchorage to Fairbanks and it was amazingly beautiful, really stunning. We stopped in Denali overnight, which was very cool. We then flew back and sailed down the coast for 7 days. I think our trip was 12 days in all.

 

So here are my thoughts:

1. The train was probably one of the best parts. It was so beautiful and relaxing to let someone else be in charge. The scenery really is breathtaking and the train is such a lovely and relaxing way to see it.

 

2. The cruise was nice, but we only stopped 3 times on the 7 day trip. Again, the scenery was beautiful, but it was a lot of 'on ship'. We stopped in Juneau, Sitka (I think) and Ketchikan. They are all touristy places, but were fun to poke around in. Ketchikan is apparently one of the rainiest cities in the US, but was breathtakingly beautiful that day. The Glacier (I think Glacier Bay NP) was so cool to see!

 

3. There is a lot of waiting and following someone else's itinerary, as you know, on the cruise. We saw a number of very bored tweens etc. as we waited to transfer and on the ship. Maybe it was just an age thing, but they looked miserable and dh I both commented on it! :D The cruise really was a lot of older people.

 

I look forward to going back some day. It really is beautiful, untouched wild. It is amazing to put in the context of history and what our country must have looked like before it was widely settled.

 

Have so much fun planning your trip!

[KJB]

Don't know about sat phones, but that's certainly a good idea if you choose the RV route. Keep in mind, Alaska isn't as consumer friendly as a lot of places. If you have trouble and you're in the middle of nowhere, you'll most likely stay in the middle of nowhere for awhile.

 

The Milepost will answer all your questions and suggest routes. It is the Alaska bible.

 

Really quick, lol, here's a little more info:

 

North Pole is right next to Fairbanks. Throw a rock and you're there. No biggie to travel between the two.

 

I think Denali Highway is gravel, isn't it? I'd be cautious with an RV on anything besides a paved road. DH and I once took a rented RV on a beautiful sunny day on a road in Utah labeled "impassable when wet". As it turned out, the road was also impassable with big RV. Several people wanting to head the other direction on what was essentially a one lane road were kind enough to get the shovels out of their four wheel drive pick up trucks to dig out our RV which has stuck in a V shaped trench that was the road. We lived the movie RV before it was ever made. lol All that to say, RVs are made for pavement. YMMV, literally. :lol:

 

IMO, one of the most beautiful drives is leaving Anchorage heading south down to Seward on the Seward Highway. Traffic can be slow, though, if people are coming home or leaving to go fishing. You can rent a car and do this drive as you travel south from Anchorage if you just take the train as far as Anchorage.

 

In Seward, you can take hour to full day long cruises all over Resurrection Bay which will show you glaciers, whales, etc. You can take the Sterling Highway and go to Homer that way too.

 

The best part of the state, imho, is the southern part. That is where the coastline is and there is so much to see and do. The middle of the state is beautiful but very raw. Don't underestimate how wild and undeveloped it is.

 

And lastly, the bears are everywhere but you might not see them. They are a regular nuisance in Anchorage in some areas. I'll bet my hat you'll see moose for sure. They are everywhere.

Edited July 28, 2010 by KJB

[hornblower]

Sounds like you're saying we don't have to go to katmai to see bears, lol. ;)

 

Hon, if it's bears you want, you don't need to go anywhere near Alaska.

 

 

this is in a Vancouver suburb

 

http://www.portcoquitlam.ca/__shared/printpages/page58.htm

 

:D

 

We now return you to trip planning :)

[Kari C in SC]

KJB, my dh loves your itinerary! It was your comments about the Parks Hwy that gave me pause. What actually makes it dangerous?

 

Lmrich, your rv'ing experience sounds wonderful! I think the carseat laws still apply to rv's, meaning my toddler would still be strapped in. I wonder if you have to use carseats on trains? Anyways, were there particular favorite spots you went?

 

The Parks Hwy is where my ds was killed by a semi. I have been told by many that this is a very dangerous road. This is one reason I have been so afraid of going to Alaska. I want to SEE it, but I am afraid to drive it.

[MaMa2005]

We did a cruise and the train. One of the best trips ever!

[PeterPan]

Kari, I read your posts about your ds this morning (I don't frequent the general board, so I missed it earlier), and I was so heartbroken I was about bawling! I can't even imagine. In any case, yes, that did shake me up and it, coupled with the other comments, were what got me to rethinking our proposed itinerary. I just don't have a need to get into the middle of that. So again, I'm just really sorry for your loss.

[Kari C in SC]

Kari, I read your posts about your ds this morning (I don't frequent the general board, so I missed it earlier), and I was so heartbroken I was about bawling! I can't even imagine. In any case, yes, that did shake me up and it, coupled with the other comments, were what got me to rethinking our proposed itinerary. I just don't have a need to get into the middle of that. So again, I'm just really sorry for your loss.

 

Thank you. After I posted, I thought that I probably was putting a damper on your trip and should not have posted. I hope I didn't do that. I had been researching a trip to Alaska because the Army has offered to get us there. Every time I think about the Parks Hwy, I don't want to go. I thought the train sounded like a wonderful idea. Now, I think we have decided to wait until next May. We have up to 2 years to go, but my son's unit will deploy for at least a year in late May 2011. We would like to get there before they deploy. So, go and tell me what you saw. My son was always sending me picture mail on my phone of what he was seeing. It looked so pretty. I just wish I could control the fear I have of going there.

[Mama Geek]

If you go in the summer don't worry about getting stuck in the middle of now where without phone service. There is enough traffic even in the remote areas and people will normally stop if help is needed.

 

Wild life is a concern.

 

There are lots of places to pull an RV off the road and spend the night.

 

Traveling the dirt roads in an RV is possible. We passed by several when we were on the roads. The roads are well kept.

 

I would do Denali Hwy over Denali National Park. Riding for several hours on a bus isn't my idea of fun. You can see Denali without going into the park and the chances of seeing wildlife are better on the Denali Hwy. If the weather is good you might consider a plane ride to see Denali as well.

 

Hatchers Pass from Palmer to Willow is another incredible drive. It is gravel but only takes an hour or 2. This is one of our favorite spots.

 

The drives from Anchorage to Seward or Homer are both incredible as well. There is an aquarium in Seward and Exit Glacier is close to Seward and well worth stopping to see.

 

Homer is a fishing town and there are lots of charters to go Halibut fishing. That was one thing we missed out on but will do if we get the chance to go back.

 

My aunt and uncle came to visit while we worked in Alaska. They said that they got to see so much more of Alaska with us than when they had taken a cruise. They went home feeling like they had actually seen some of Alaska.

 

I have also done the train ride from Anchorage to Denali. Once was enough for me, but that is personal preference.

[PeterPan]

Thanks Mama Geek! So if we do Denali Hwy, which way would we go afterward? It connects Richardson and Parks Hwys. I'm just trying to connect things into a circuit and avoid the most dangerous spots, if that makes sense. And can you take an RV on the Denali Hwy? Ditto on Willow, can you take an RV?

 

I'm going to town today to get some guidebooks, which should help too. :)

[Mama Geek]

I wouldn't worry about safety too much on any of the main roads including the dirt roads and I would take an RV across the Denali Hwy and Hatchers Pass. I've seen people cross both roads in an RV.

 

Two other places of interest that I thought of are Alyeska Ski Resort between Anchorage and Seward. They have a tram ride to the top of the mountain and there are a couple of restaurants at the top of the mountain. I think the ticket for the tram ride includes lunch at the top. Also Lake Eklutna is really pretty and has bike, walking, and 4 wheeling trails. I think they have horse back riding and kayak rentals as well.

[ourjourneys]

I haven't had time to read all of the posts and not sure if someone else mentioned it, but I went when I was single backpacking and Loved it! I took the passenger ferry (If money is an issue this is the best - I want to take my family back via the ferry). It takes the same route from Bellingham WA to Juneau and Skagway. Then you can rent a car to venture through Alaska. Personally, I used private shared vehicles and ventured up to a city (can't remember the name) in Canada then across to Fairbanks (taking an excursion to the tundra line), then back down to Anchorage where I flew home. I recommend the ferry or cruise route if you like being on the water and seeing wildlife. I did not take the road through BC but it is a long one.

[PeterPan]

Michelle, sounds like you had an interesting experience!! I've been reading about the ferry to understand its routes better and see if it helps our trip. Thanks!

 

Thanks MamaGeek, you're making me feel a lot better about this! Dh and I are going to talk this evening to work through dates and see if this can work out. I'll probably have more questions, hehe, so if this thread gets more posts, maybe pop in? :)

[Mama Geek]

I will keep an out out, and you can also PM me.

[PeterPan]

Mama Geek, any advice on Glacier Bay? I think we'd have time to do both GB/Sitka/Juneau and the south central area (12-14 days total). Actually what I haven't figured out is the most logical order to do it transportation-wise, lol. Any thoughts?

[Mama Geek]

Sitka/Juneau/GB are inaccessible by road. That leaves either flying or by boat.

 

We did not get to that part of Alaska while we were there. I think if you tried to do Interior Alaska (Anchorage to Fairbanks to Seward and/or Homer... you could potentially even make it to Valdez) you wouldn't be able to also do Sitka/Juneau/GB by ferry in 2 weeks.

 

I would either do one or the other. Things are fairly expensive and add up quickly.

 

If you want to do a boat tour, we did the 6 hour tour in Seward with this company as well as the captains tour. I would suggest with younger kids that the 6 hour tour would be more suitable. There are comfortable chairs and tables on the boats that are inside and the windows allow you to see a lot. We got to see otters, humback whales, birds, sea lions, and glaciers. My niece was with us and at the time was about 3 years old. http://www.kenaifjords.com/kenai-nationalpark.html

 

I am working on trying to come up with the name of the pilot that would we used out of willow for a flight around Denali. There are also flights out of Talkeetna. My husband suggested calling and talking to them and finding out a price per hour instead of a per head tour rate. I think as a family you will have better luck with this.

[PeterPan]

You know it does sound a little insane when you put it that way, lol. I LOVE your idea about asking for a per hour rate!! The Frommer's guide had said to bargain, and that is a great way to do it. I'd definitely be interested in the name of the pilot who did your Denali tour.

 

Ok, basic, easy question, hehe. Would you rent a car (and hence stay in hotels, b&b's, whatever), or would you do an rv?

[Mama Geek]

That is a personal preference. I have done it by car and would like to do it by RV at some time in the future.

 

A lot of the hotels/cabins etc. are pretty um, shall we say rustic in comparison to the lower 48. Anchorage wouldn't be a problem, Seward has a couple of nice places to stay, and we stayed at a nice place in I think it was Healy, AK.

 

We stayed in several other places some of which would be OK to stay in again and some of which would not.

 

One thing I should mention about the Denali Hwy and the drive across Hatcher's Pass. Once it starts snowing any to speak of they close the roads. If there is even a little snow I would not do Hatcher's Pass in an RV. There aren't too many months a year that they are open for anything other than skiing or snow machining.

 

The name of the flying company is Denali Flying Service and the pilot is Barry Stanley. We didn't do a flight to Denali with him, but he did fly us out to a cabin where we went Salmon fishing and he was a really good guide.

[Mama Geek]

Buy a Hobo Jim CD to to listen to while you travel when you get to Alaska.

 

We never saw him live, but we've really enjoyed his music about Alaska. He is pretty famous across the state.

[PeterPan]

Oh you are too funny, I'll have to look up that music, lol! Thanks for the pilot name. I'll look him up. You'll be pleased to know we bought our tickets today. We're elated. :) And we made reservations for an RV. What you're saying confirms it, absolutely. My dh is way too much of a genteelist and city slicker to do a rough motel. I don't mind, but he can't take it. Thanks for the tip on the snow. I called the RV company (Great Alaskan Holidays), and they say you can't take an rv on Hatcher's Pass all the way but have to turn around. We're going in two days earlier than the RV and will rent a car to do a couple local things before heading out. Should be fun!

 

Well here's one for you. If we drive the Denali Hwy, should we go into the park as well? I've been trying to figure out if the Hwy is that much better than the park (seems illogical to me) or if the park is just very hard to interact with unless you're a die-hard hiker. I just don't get the feeling, even from the Frommer's guidebook, that it's really that great. Everything is negative: lousy ride on a bus, primitive facilities, clouds so no view, rain so no animals. Considering what he saw on tv of it was the reason he wanted to go so much, the whole thing is baffling me.

 

Well I may keep coming up with questions as I work on this itinerary...

[PeterPan]

Hey Mama Geek, did you know Hobo Jim plays every Fri and Sat night in Soldotna? I was tossing around if that might be fun to bop by and seem him if were were that way or if it might not be appropriate with kids. He's at the Riverside House...

[Mama Geek]

I have seen RV's cross Hatchers Pass. I think it would depend on how comfortable you are with the RV, but a car would be a good option.

 

You can seen Denali on a clear day from Parks Hwy. I don't think you get any closer by going into the park. It is kind of silly that you can't get any closer. It is often covered in clouds in the summer. Hopefully that won't be the case for the whole time you are in that area.

 

I am not familiar with the Riverside House in Soldotna. It might or might not be a bar. Hobo Jim used to regularly play at the Wildberry Theater in Anchorage, but I couldn't find a schedule for that. I really don't know how clean his concert is live. I don't object to anything on his CD's.

 

If you guys are interested in Salmon fishing Bill Masker with Sleeping Lady Charters is a good charter captain. It is a fly in overnight thing and is probably one of the most expensive things we did while there. He did take us to the fish and we maxed out on the number of fish both days. I also don't know how expensive it is to pack it on dry ice and ship it back. I know people do it on a regular basis.

 

I have enjoyed remembering a bunch of the fun places and things that we did while living in Alaska.

 

One more thing to consider depending on when you are going is that the Alaska State Fair is in Palmer at the end of August and the beginning of September. They have all the huge cabbages and other veggies there.

 

Any questions are more than welcome and I would love to hear how your trip turns out. I know I have sent you lots of ideas and there is probably no way to do all of them in 2 weeks or on any kind of reasonable budget. :D

[Mama Geek]

The picture of Denali in the previous post was taken from Parks Hwy near the last day of summer 2 years ago.

[PeterPan]

That pic is amazing! Well I'm trying to work up a tentative plan here and add/subtract to get it sane. I had forgotten about the fair! Here's something that is stumping me. My theory is to have us do the loop, Anchorage to Glennallen, take the Denali Hwy, then come down Parks and do the Penninsula. We have enough days to keep this sane and be flexible I think. Have you been to Valdez? With that circuit we could easily diverge and drive there and back, if it's worth it. Next, how much should we intersect with the Denali NP if we are driving the Denali Hwy? Should we do the bus, skip the bus entirely, go in and see the sled dog thing? It just seems weird to drive all that way and say the Hwy is better than the park itself. Honestly, what bugs me the most is taking my toddler. He'd have to have a carseat, and that does NOT sound fun.

[Dobela]

RV? Car and hotels each night? Cruise? It would be the 4 of us (2 adults, 11, almost 2). We like to get out and gawk at nature, and we eschew the touristy (shops, chintzy towns, etc.). I had dreamed of a cruise for so long, but it sounds like driving the interior of Alaska and then bopping out to the coast on ferries would suit us better. I'm thinking we'd spend a full 2 weeks. Does that sound on track? And would RVing like that be pleasant or insane?? I haven't been RVing since I was a little kid, hehe. I found places to rent RV's, so it seems to be something people do there. Any advice?

My aunt and uncle just returned from a 2 week trip to Alaska. They mostly used an RV and LOVED it. Of course they are big camping people to begin with. My aunt's eyes just light up when she is telling about the wildlife that would wander thru campgrounds like the momma and baby moose. They took some short ferry trips and even one overnight cruise but the campgrounds were their favorite. They can't wait to go back and do it again.

[PeterPan]

Hey, now you've got to tell me what their itinerary was!!! :)

[Mama Geek]

We went to Valdez when we drove back to the east coast. There were a lot of water falls along the way that you don't see in the rest of the interior. The roads were clear in April, but at the top of the pass we pulled off the side of the road and I ended up standing in snow up to my butt on the side of the road. Also it was pretty neat to see Valdez about 10 years after the oil spill. There was no sign that anything had ever happened.

 

I am not found of riding on school buses for multiple hours. We didn't do it when we were in that area partly because other people told us it really wasn't worth it. Had I been able to drive my own vehicle, I probably would have traveled through the park.

 

As far as the sled dogs go, there is Seavey's sled dog show in Anchorage...I haven't seen it partly because we had the chance to see the Iditarod start twice and the sled dog races at Fur Rondy in Feb. Plus we had our own Siberian Husky up until about 2 months ago when we had to put him down.

 

I would suggest trying to find a carseat on Craigslist or talking to the company that you are renting the RV from.

 

Stop at the overview for Matanuska Glacier between Palmer and Glennallen. This shouldn't take very long. Your kids might also like the Reindeer farm and the musk ox farm that are close to Palmer. The Anchorage zoo is pretty good as well if you are going to be in that area for a couple of days.

 

If you have a good pair of binoculars I would take those with you. A friend of mine has said that they have had a cool wet summer so be prepared with layers.

[ourjourneys]

This sounds like it would work for you to take the passenger ferry because it stops in Sitka, Juneau, and Skagway. I am looking at them map to refresh my memory and it seems that the ferry goes all the way into anchorage so you could stop around glacier bay/Juneau/Sitka and then hop back on the ferry to go on into anchorage. I believe it was Skagway where there is a great house turned into a family style hostel. I did a lot of hiking in that area and there really is so much to do all through that area. There are lots of people doing what you are doing and you can get the best advice by staying somewhere like a Hostel. I am so excited for you! Reading your plans and looking at the map is making me want to go NOW! :auto:

 

Mama Geek, any advice on Glacier Bay? I think we'd have time to do both GB/Sitka/Juneau and the south central area (12-14 days total). Actually what I haven't figured out is the most logical order to do it transportation-wise, lol. Any thoughts?

[Angela in GA]

We are moving to AK in December. My dh is military and will be stationed in Fairbanks. Reading this thread has made me get very excited! We have been stationed there before, from 99-01, and LOVED it! :-)

[Mama Geek]

My understanding is that life is pretty different in Fairbanks. The weather in Anchorage I think is much more mild and is a larger city. We visited Fairbanks for a couple of days.

[Mama Geek]

OhElizabeth - Have you made it to Alaska yet?

[PeterPan]

Can't believe you remembered! Yes, yes, yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow did we do Alaska. We spent two weeks, flew into Anchorage, got an RV, and drove all over the blessed state. There was tons we missed, simply because you couldn't do it all. We had an AMAZING time. My husband hiked Exit Glacier, so that was a fabulous, buff, young thing for him to do. I just got done making a video slideshow of our trip. Narrowed the pics down to 1400. :)

 

Oh, the Hobo Jim music was tons of fun! We got to meet him at the state fair. :)

[Mama Geek]

I am glad you had a great time! We keep hoping that they will really start the natural gas pipeline up there soon, so that my dh can go back to work there and we can spend more time there.