My girlfriend and I are thinking about spending two weeks in Alaska from August 9th to the 25th on a low-to-moderate budget. We would fly in and out of Anchorage and would like to make our way to the southeastern panhandle as well (whether by plane or otherwise). We are both in our mid-20s and would like to do some hiking and sea kayaking. Does anyone have any suggestions as to the best places for us to go to get into the wilderness and not be too constrained by crowds? Please note that although we have done some overnight backpacking and kayaking, we are still somewhat inexperienced. Also, do mosquitoes pose a problem during that time of year??
Does anyone have any ideas as to what provides the best experience in terms of travel within Alaska (i.e. RV vs. motels vs. tent camping vs. flights, etc. - we don't mind roughing it)? Thanks!

-R.F.

Mosquitos in Alaska in the summer are absolutely horrendous. I thought Florida was bad until I went there! But Alaska is fantastic; we spent two weeks there in September 2000.

There are sea kayaking trips out of Whittier, Seward, and Homer, and plenty of hiking in Seward and across the bay from Homer, which you can only get to by ferry. Everything is pretty expensive, though.

Just start checking out websites on Alaska. That's how I did all of our planning.

I'm planning a summer trip to Alaska as well. I've survived black fly season in the Adirondaks so I thought I would be OK. Then I read recently that the mosquito is often called, only half jokingly, the state bird.

Alaskans on the panhandle use the ferry system. You can sleep on deck if you want. Look for the website of the Alaska Marine Highway. We visited in early August last year and didn't notice the mosquitos. We sat on friends' porch before dinner and we were in a wooded area about an hour north of Anchorage. The Anchorage Daily news has a great website with links to tourist info: www.adn.com. The drive south from Anchorage to Seward is spectacular. The only crowds we saw were in downtown Anchorage. Also Skagway when the cruise ships were in port (a daily event). Taking a vehicle on the ferries is expensive and might not be needed. Have a great time.

We traveled last summer to Alaska on a moderate budget. It sounds as if you may be interested in some of the things we did. Not the tourbus/train sort of thing. We spent a night in a secluded lake-side cabin that was spectacular. He had to drive us to the cabin on four-wheelers with a small luggage trailer. The peace and quiet was great! The next morning, the owner took us on an excursion through the national park. He has a "monster-truck, safari jeep" vehicle. We crossed rushing rivers and snow-covered passes. It was exciting and we saw lots of wildlife - bears, caribu, etc. This is a definite must if you're visiting Alaska. Please email if you want more inft.

well , what i can tell you i cant fit on page here, so if want to e-mail me then i will know for sure you will get.
But for sure if flying into Anchorage first visit Alaska Public Lands Information Center at 4th and F st. This is a National Park Service run and interagency visitor center(former employer), also I gave tours as well in Alaska in my 7 years there and can give you many many options. So if i here from you i'll give you more info.
Kent