camping and hiking in alaska (home, school, live)

[collint]

I'm an avid outdoorsman that loves to go camping and hiking. I like fishing but haven't gone alot because well my family isn't big on fishing and not many of my friends are. Anyway's i'm currently in school at iowa state and when i'm done will hopefully be moving to oregon or washington to reside permanitly. My cousin and i would like to start a yearly trip where we go camping and hiking at a different location for a few weeks each summer. When we were looking around at places to do this we realized that northern california, oregon, and washington have some really nice places to do this. We've also realized that because of some of the wildlife in those area's, particulary oregon and washington, it would be best to bring 2 of my rifles and my shot gun for protection. While looking we discovered that alaska has some of the most gorgeous wilderness we've ever seen. So what i was wondering is what do you guys think the best places for camping and hiking are.

[Rance]

Since I've only lived in AK I have to go with AK. I've never done any camping or hiking in Oregon or Washington...but I'd imagine there are some beautiful spots there as well.
I really don't see any need for 2 rifles "and" a shotgun for hiking/camping. If in AK the shotgun should be sufficient. More of a close range weapon. You won't want to be shooting a bear at 2 or 3 hundred yards just because you can see it. And chances are you will never hit one if it's close enough to be charging you. And I don't think Wash/Oregon has any other animals that would require you to carry rifles. Leave the rifles at home please. If anything carry a pistol to accompany the shotgun.

[collint]

thanks for the response i thought the 2 rifles would be a lil much but i figured i'd put it out there to see if it would be reasonable. The shotgun i have is a 20 gauge and the handgun i have is 40 sig. there are a few things that washington and oregon have in there wilderness that i've read about that people say to protect themselves for. there namely black bears, cougars, wolves, and coyotes.

[Rance]

I'm pretty sure you won't have to worry about the wolves and coyotes...unless a cougar or blackbear happens to get you. Then they might come after the scraps! I know nothing of cougars...but the blackbears should be fine unless you have a campsite that invites them in such as food or dirty dishes.

[DannyL]

Juneau is a hikers/campers paradise, it's the rain that can bum you out at times.

As far as Oregon, I've been there and spent a little time in the Cascades. Incredible country. Loved it.

[cobolt]

Also be forewarned that Alaska is more lenient (and thank God) about toting a gun than both liberal-run Oregon and WA. Make certain you are very savvy about where to camp and tote guns when you hit the Pac NW. As for the Pac NW..cougars are actually more an issue than bears, but all wildlife should be treated with respect, and you sound like a pretty common sense and grounded person. Have fun!

[cobolt]

Cascades really are incredible Danny...especially the North Cascades....really pretty country.

[DannyL]

Originally Posted by cobolt

Cascades really are incredible Danny...especially the North Cascades....really pretty country.

that's where I was, on the MacKenzie (sp) River.

[collint]

also another thing i'm curious about now that i''ve seen more pictures of the rocks. Are there any places to go rock climbing in alaska or is that forbidden cause of the wilderness? As u can tell i'm very curious about alaska. which is y once i'm done with school i'm leavin the midwest muahahaha and i'm done

[DannyL]

can't answer that one, I don't do any "rock climbing" per say, I'm deathly afraid of gravity.