Visiting Alaska, June 09. Need input, please!

[Barkingowl]

Originally Posted by susitna-flower

Rental companies don't like you to take this trip, and if you do it, make sure you take a good spare tire!

How would a 4WD Ford Exploder fare on that road?

[fsval]

How much is a flight to to Barrow? I should google this.

[JimmyInGreatLakes]

Originally Posted by southeasttexas

Family of 5, kids 17, 12,10. We are now planning for two weeks in Alaska, second half of June 09. Plan is to fly to Anchorage, rent car, drive up 3 to Fairbanks, fly to Barrow and back, drive back to Anchorage on 2,4,1.

We will visit Denali. Is attempting a climb (just for dad) advisable? Is driving on 8 recommended? How far in advance should I book reservations? Any and all advice, recommendations and commentary is appreciated!

Interesting you are aiming for this trip. We have a bunch of frequent flyer miles and plan a big trip (from Michigan) next June as well. The dates are flexible (in June) but Alaska is also on our radar depending on flight availability. We love the mountains and I hear Alaska has them

I'm wondering some of the same things you are wondering: Specific destinations. Is June a good month for weather? Where to fly in to. Etc.

[Wrennie]

Just gonna pipe in here:
June is an excellent month to river raft in Denali. There are legs that you can do in half a day, or you can go all day if you choose. I'll bet the kids would love that, and it might satisfy you're husbands yen for adventure. I'd give you a name of a good company---but I think we're not supposed to advertise on here?--think Nenana River. Also, there are other hotels besides the Princess ones where you can stay that are more Alaskan. Run by Alaskans, without the buses. I hope I'm not offending anyone by saying that. The area there right in the heart of things is pretty tourist-y. But there are some cabins up above the clam bake that are quieter, without the buses. Then there are some hotels/motels in the Healy area---that one run by those two ladies---very motel-y, but clean, quiet, and inexpensive---and another one that's a little north of there---comfortable---and again: clean and quiet, without the buses.
I love love love your pictures, Floyd. THe little girl looks just like my granddaughter

[ErikaKazan]

Denali is a big and serious girl. I believe at least 2 people have been killed int he last few weeks climbing her.

In my humble opinion if you come all the way to Alaska and do not come down to the Kenai Peninsula it would be a waste. There is so much to do and see. You did not mention fishing but the world record King was caught right here, Soldotna. Homer is a must see and the Sea Life in Seward is wonderful esp for kids. You can raft parts of the Kenai River. The things to do are endless. We just took some family on a Kenai Fjords tour. Having grown up here with a dad that was an old Navy man we always had a boat and I grew up seeing the same things. That said the out of towners were in awe, as was my 10 year old daughter who had never been out like that.

Having worked in the travel industry off and on for years I can tell you that reservation for summer, esp July, start filling up the year before. As a rule July would be 75% sold out by Aug the year before. June gives you a bit more wiggle room but I would have your reservations booked by Aug to get the dates you want.

Good Luck! If you have any Kenai Peninsula questions please ask, I will do my best to answer.

Erika

[southeasttexas]

Well, its time for me to start making reservations. I have rethought most of the driving plans, as it might be more efficient - time and money wise - to fly around the state. So, I am planning:

4 days in Anchorage & Kenai, then,
1 - 2 days Denali (will flighttour, rather than try to climb, and wife & kids can go along, too)
2 days in Fairbanks, then 3-4 in Barrow.

That pretty much fills the two weeks I have to work with. I will start making the reservations very soon.

[sdbarnum]

Two years ago my friend and I flew to Fairbanks, via Seattle and Anchorage. We stayed in Fairbanks for a few days, since my daughter was born there 35 years earlier, and I wanted to be there on her birthday. (Even though she lives here in MI) We then took the train to Anchorage, via Talkeetna, which was amazing. We rented a motorhome and drove down to Homer and back, camping along the way. We then flew to Juneau, went on a glacier-viewing cruise, then on to Sitka, where we stayed at a fishing lodge, catching Halibut, Lingcod, Rockfish, and Snapper. AMAZING!!!