Alaska-First Trip Itinerary help pls.
Jan 29th, 2005, 04:28 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Alaska-First Trip Itinerary help pls.
My husband & I, fairly adventurous late-twentysomethings that enjoy good food, nice rooms and great hiking, are planning our first trip to AK for Aug 2005. Here's an itinerary I put together with some of the more popular guide books and the web:
Day 1: fly into Anchorage
Day 2: zoo&cultural center or to Talkeetna for flightseeing - overnight anchorage
Day 3: whatever we didn't get to do on day 2 - overnight anchorage
Day 4: Full-day raft trip w/Alaska Wildland to Kenai Backcountry Lodge - overnight @ lodge
Day 5: guided hike from lodge
Day 6: return to Cooper landing, drive to Seward, Dinner cruise of Kenai Fjords w/Major Marine - overnight Seward
Day 7: full-day kayak w/Sunny Cove - overnight Seward
Day 8: drive to Anchorage to fly out
What do you all think? I really wanted to see Halibut Cove, but can't quite figure out how to fit it in. We wanted to have 2 days in Anchorage in the hope that the weather was nice enough one day to go flightseeing over Denali. While in Anchorage we'd also like to fit in a bikee ride on the Costal Trail...
Finally, we'd like to stay somewhere in Anchorage that is nice, quiet, good breakfast and $150 or under per night? Suggestions? We found a place called aawesomeworld.com, but have not seen any feedback anywhere - have you heard of it?
Thank you, thank you, thank you for any suggestions!!
Day 1: fly into Anchorage
Day 2: zoo&cultural center or to Talkeetna for flightseeing - overnight anchorage
Day 3: whatever we didn't get to do on day 2 - overnight anchorage
Day 4: Full-day raft trip w/Alaska Wildland to Kenai Backcountry Lodge - overnight @ lodge
Day 5: guided hike from lodge
Day 6: return to Cooper landing, drive to Seward, Dinner cruise of Kenai Fjords w/Major Marine - overnight Seward
Day 7: full-day kayak w/Sunny Cove - overnight Seward
Day 8: drive to Anchorage to fly out
What do you all think? I really wanted to see Halibut Cove, but can't quite figure out how to fit it in. We wanted to have 2 days in Anchorage in the hope that the weather was nice enough one day to go flightseeing over Denali. While in Anchorage we'd also like to fit in a bikee ride on the Costal Trail...
Finally, we'd like to stay somewhere in Anchorage that is nice, quiet, good breakfast and $150 or under per night? Suggestions? We found a place called aawesomeworld.com, but have not seen any feedback anywhere - have you heard of it?
Thank you, thank you, thank you for any suggestions!!
Jan 29th, 2005, 08:45 AM
#3
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Looks like a great trip.
On whatever Anchorage day you're not in Talkeetna flightseeing, I'd put in a trip down the Seward Highway, watching for Dall sheep, stopping at Girdwood for the Alyeska tram. There used to be a hike package from the top of the tram to one of the glaciers. Eat at the Double Musky -- worth the wait.
For a short hike in Anchorage, the Eagle River Nature Center is excellent, but it's a ways out of town. Nice drive, tho. Flattop Mountain in the Glen Alps area is an Anchorage classic, but it's a legit workout.
You'll have plenty of late light for an evening Coastal Trail bike ride on days 2 or 3.
Day 6 or 7 -- Eat at Ray's. Day 8 stop by Exit Glacier.
It would be tough to squeeze in Halibut Cove on this trip. It looks like you've found a nice pace.
I don't have a lot of experience paying for lodging in AK, but my guess is some folks with B&B recs might be your best bet.
On whatever Anchorage day you're not in Talkeetna flightseeing, I'd put in a trip down the Seward Highway, watching for Dall sheep, stopping at Girdwood for the Alyeska tram. There used to be a hike package from the top of the tram to one of the glaciers. Eat at the Double Musky -- worth the wait.
For a short hike in Anchorage, the Eagle River Nature Center is excellent, but it's a ways out of town. Nice drive, tho. Flattop Mountain in the Glen Alps area is an Anchorage classic, but it's a legit workout.
You'll have plenty of late light for an evening Coastal Trail bike ride on days 2 or 3.
Day 6 or 7 -- Eat at Ray's. Day 8 stop by Exit Glacier.
It would be tough to squeeze in Halibut Cove on this trip. It looks like you've found a nice pace.
I don't have a lot of experience paying for lodging in AK, but my guess is some folks with B&B recs might be your best bet.
Jan 29th, 2005, 09:16 AM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Repete! Question - woudn't we pass by/thru Girwood on our way back to Anchorage? We have to drive from Anchorage to Cooper's landing on Day 4...
Any recommendations on where to stay in Seward?
We're really looking forward to the trip, but the number of choices and decisions is a tab overwhelming!
Any recommendations on where to stay in Seward?
We're really looking forward to the trip, but the number of choices and decisions is a tab overwhelming!
Jan 29th, 2005, 09:32 AM
#5
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry, I'm out of touch on Seward lodging, but others here will surely help.
As for Girdwood, I usually recommend it because it's a destination that's easy to overlook as folks gear up for Seward or Homer.
You'll see the roadside stuff on Day 4 and you'll pass again on Day 8.
If your flight is an evening or red-eye on Day 8, you could do this then. If not, it's an easy trip on Day 2 or 3. It's 45-minutes to an hour down to Girdwood -- all right along gorgeous Turnagain Arm.
If you do a late dinner at the Musky and drive back with the light angling low, it's among the most beautiful drives in the country. (Of course, weather is an issue.)
If the weather's right the drive-tram-dinner combo could end up as one of your highlights.
The good thing about AK decisions is that most ``wrong'' ones here are better than good ones elsewhere!
As for Girdwood, I usually recommend it because it's a destination that's easy to overlook as folks gear up for Seward or Homer.
You'll see the roadside stuff on Day 4 and you'll pass again on Day 8.
If your flight is an evening or red-eye on Day 8, you could do this then. If not, it's an easy trip on Day 2 or 3. It's 45-minutes to an hour down to Girdwood -- all right along gorgeous Turnagain Arm.
If you do a late dinner at the Musky and drive back with the light angling low, it's among the most beautiful drives in the country. (Of course, weather is an issue.)
If the weather's right the drive-tram-dinner combo could end up as one of your highlights.
The good thing about AK decisions is that most ``wrong'' ones here are better than good ones elsewhere!
Jan 29th, 2005, 10:27 AM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 987
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Although we're a tad older than you, we have the same interests. When I first saw "one week in Alaska," I thought I'd see another impossible itinerary, but I think you've done a very realistic job with your planning.
My sugestions will depend somewhat on the times of your arrival and departure from Anchorage.
Given the great beauty of Alaska, we were very glad to only have about half a day in the city of Anchorage. You mentioned the zoo, and I haven't been there, but would prefer to take my chances of seeing animals in the wild, which we did.
Instead of staying in Anchorage, I'd propose that you stay in the Willow area. Some will say, as they told us, "Egads! There's nothing there!" We found it to be a great base to visit Talkeetna. Hiking at Hatcher Pass or Denali STATE Park is also possible from there. Dinner at Talkeetna Lodge or ? Princess Hotel would be good. This option would work best if you don't arrive too late into Anchorage.
At the end of your trip, if you have a late flight, you could easily see more of Anchorage and/or bike the Coastal Trail. That's what we did on our last day there.
In Seward, we stayed at Stoney Creek B&B which was a nice place about 6 miles north of town. I know some prefer to be right in town, but we found the quietness there preferable. An interesting hike near Seward is to Tonsina Point on the Cain's Head Trail about 3.5 miles, or as someone else suggested Exit Glacier. There are very easy trails around it or a more strenerous one above it.
Let me know if you need more info.
My sugestions will depend somewhat on the times of your arrival and departure from Anchorage.
Given the great beauty of Alaska, we were very glad to only have about half a day in the city of Anchorage. You mentioned the zoo, and I haven't been there, but would prefer to take my chances of seeing animals in the wild, which we did.
Instead of staying in Anchorage, I'd propose that you stay in the Willow area. Some will say, as they told us, "Egads! There's nothing there!" We found it to be a great base to visit Talkeetna. Hiking at Hatcher Pass or Denali STATE Park is also possible from there. Dinner at Talkeetna Lodge or ? Princess Hotel would be good. This option would work best if you don't arrive too late into Anchorage.
At the end of your trip, if you have a late flight, you could easily see more of Anchorage and/or bike the Coastal Trail. That's what we did on our last day there.
In Seward, we stayed at Stoney Creek B&B which was a nice place about 6 miles north of town. I know some prefer to be right in town, but we found the quietness there preferable. An interesting hike near Seward is to Tonsina Point on the Cain's Head Trail about 3.5 miles, or as someone else suggested Exit Glacier. There are very easy trails around it or a more strenerous one above it.
Let me know if you need more info.
Jan 29th, 2005, 10:55 AM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Clousie - Thanks! I found the Stoney Creek site - looks good! We decided to schedule in the zoo as we have read rave reviews...Do you have any suggestions on where to stay in the willow area? Also, when you went hiking did you go alone or with a guide. I must admit I'm a bit nervous about encountering a bear or irritated moose.
We're hoping to fly into Anchorage around 4 or 5 pm and fly out around 8 pm...although we have to have the rental car back by 5 pm or we're charged for an extra day.
Any other info on activites or restaurants that you have time to share would be great!
We're hoping to fly into Anchorage around 4 or 5 pm and fly out around 8 pm...although we have to have the rental car back by 5 pm or we're charged for an extra day.
Any other info on activites or restaurants that you have time to share would be great!
Jan 29th, 2005, 02:55 PM
#8
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok, I'll say it: Egads, Willow!
Willow only makes sense as either a spot before or after a full day of Talkeetna flightseeing and Hatcher Pass exploring (with your schedule this should be combined into one day.) Two nights in Willow would be too much. Since Clousie also went to Denali State Park, it made a little more sense.
The problem with Willow-Wasilla is that there's not much there for dining. Wasilla is the Alaska poster child for the dangers of unchecked development and the lack of zoning -- and that stretches up the Parks Hwy toward Willow.
Plus, if good food is important, spending a couple of nights in Anchorage will show you what good cooks can do with fresh Alaska products. Good places include Simon & Seafort's, Marx Bros. Cafe and Glacier Brewhouse -- and the Double Musky down the road.
Plus the hikes near Anchorage are much more scenic because you've got the mountains and inlet nearby.
Also, take in the Whale Fat Follies at the Fly-by Night Club -- not the usual sappy tourist review.
As for the zoo, it's small and cute, but won't take much time.
As for bears and most, of course, you never know but the odds are very small. Eagle River Nature Center has guided hikes.
http://www.ernc.org/
Willow only makes sense as either a spot before or after a full day of Talkeetna flightseeing and Hatcher Pass exploring (with your schedule this should be combined into one day.) Two nights in Willow would be too much. Since Clousie also went to Denali State Park, it made a little more sense.
The problem with Willow-Wasilla is that there's not much there for dining. Wasilla is the Alaska poster child for the dangers of unchecked development and the lack of zoning -- and that stretches up the Parks Hwy toward Willow.
Plus, if good food is important, spending a couple of nights in Anchorage will show you what good cooks can do with fresh Alaska products. Good places include Simon & Seafort's, Marx Bros. Cafe and Glacier Brewhouse -- and the Double Musky down the road.
Plus the hikes near Anchorage are much more scenic because you've got the mountains and inlet nearby.
Also, take in the Whale Fat Follies at the Fly-by Night Club -- not the usual sappy tourist review.
As for the zoo, it's small and cute, but won't take much time.
As for bears and most, of course, you never know but the odds are very small. Eagle River Nature Center has guided hikes.
http://www.ernc.org/
Jan 29th, 2005, 11:53 PM
#9
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
On day 2- I would overnight in Talkeetna- and go on your Mckinley flight from there. Rarely is a whole day canceled so you would increase your flying opportunities- plus a great town. 
I too highly recommend Eagle River Nature Center- only about 25 miles from Anchorage. Well marked and "busy" trails- so consider there perhaps. Flat top is another popular and busy area. For clairfication- I don't know what your "dinner cruise" reference is with Allen Marine- but I NEVER recommend the short cruises if this is the 6pm departure? You are missing out on the highlights of sailing Kenai Fjords and barely get out of the bay on these trips. The significant wildlife and scenery is on the all day tours and the only ones I recommend. Be sure to request visitor guides. And very unlikely you will be picking up your car by 5pm- by time you get your bags probably closer to 6pm which will be ideal, some companies also have a 1 hour grace- so inquire. This will work out perfectly as you do need to consider being at Anchorage airport 2 hours before the flight- it is a VERY busy and slow moving airport compounded with plenty of evening flights in and out.
I too highly recommend Eagle River Nature Center- only about 25 miles from Anchorage. Well marked and "busy" trails- so consider there perhaps. Flat top is another popular and busy area. For clairfication- I don't know what your "dinner cruise" reference is with Allen Marine- but I NEVER recommend the short cruises if this is the 6pm departure? You are missing out on the highlights of sailing Kenai Fjords and barely get out of the bay on these trips. The significant wildlife and scenery is on the all day tours and the only ones I recommend. Be sure to request visitor guides. And very unlikely you will be picking up your car by 5pm- by time you get your bags probably closer to 6pm which will be ideal, some companies also have a 1 hour grace- so inquire. This will work out perfectly as you do need to consider being at Anchorage airport 2 hours before the flight- it is a VERY busy and slow moving airport compounded with plenty of evening flights in and out.
Jan 29th, 2005, 11:57 PM
#10
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,469
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
With the reference to consider the Princess McKinley lodge from Talkeetna- it is 50 miles away. It does have nice views if McKinley is viewable but I would not make a special trip here for the resturant. As for cheap lodging- a bargain I have stayed at is the Alaska Walkabout- free bikes and direct access to the Coastal trail. Very nice breakfast too. Also a bargain Teddy Bear B&B, have stayed at both several times. Also the Chickadee B&B. In Seward- I stay at Morning Calm the most, and never recommend Ocean Front B&B- my only bad B&B experience in all of Alaska. 
But give places a try- that's the fun of traveling.
But give places a try- that's the fun of traveling.
Jan 30th, 2005, 08:59 AM
#11
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 987
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
eriberri,
As for a place to stay in Willow, we found a very nice B&B that was really more like an apartment. Check: /www.gigglewood.com We stayed in the Woodland Suite, and the owners were very helpful and accomodating. It's about 5 miles off the main road on a beautiful lake. Personal preference as to whether you like solitude or being next to stores and restaurants.
Yes, I know the Princess McKinley (thanks for the complete name,BudgetQueen) is a distance, but we stopped there on our way back from Denali State Park and just enjoyed the view from the deck over drinks.
As for encountering animals on the trail, the only ones we were close to were moose on the Coastal Trail. We had to walk within 10 feet of a young moose, who had just decided to nibble her way along the trail. We did all of our hiking on our own instead of with a guide, and for us, really find that preferable. Yes, we wondered about meeting bears (as we also were concerned about last summer in Yellowstone) but didn't see any in either place. In Alaska, we stayed at a hiking guide's B&B, and he told us that he rarely encounters bears in the backcountry, and that you're much more likely to see them close to town where they're more likely to find food and other goodies left by people.
As for a place to stay in Willow, we found a very nice B&B that was really more like an apartment. Check: /www.gigglewood.com We stayed in the Woodland Suite, and the owners were very helpful and accomodating. It's about 5 miles off the main road on a beautiful lake. Personal preference as to whether you like solitude or being next to stores and restaurants.
Yes, I know the Princess McKinley (thanks for the complete name,BudgetQueen) is a distance, but we stopped there on our way back from Denali State Park and just enjoyed the view from the deck over drinks.
As for encountering animals on the trail, the only ones we were close to were moose on the Coastal Trail. We had to walk within 10 feet of a young moose, who had just decided to nibble her way along the trail. We did all of our hiking on our own instead of with a guide, and for us, really find that preferable. Yes, we wondered about meeting bears (as we also were concerned about last summer in Yellowstone) but didn't see any in either place. In Alaska, we stayed at a hiking guide's B&B, and he told us that he rarely encounters bears in the backcountry, and that you're much more likely to see them close to town where they're more likely to find food and other goodies left by people.
Jan 30th, 2005, 11:35 AM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow - some great input - thanks!
We are definitely going to spend two or three nights in Anchorage - want to try the Double Musky, Glacier Brewhouse and Moose Tooth Pizza. It also sounds like there is some great hiking there...I spoke with the owner of the aaweome world b&b, outside of town, and it sounds too good to miss.
May spend a night in Talkeetna, but as it is fairly close to Anchorage, we might just stay at the same B&B to cut down on the packing and unpacking.
I'll have to look into some of those b&b recommendations, but as budgetqueen said, sometimes picking a place and going with the flow is half the fun!
We are planning on seeing the Whale Fat Follies...
I've heard that comment before - that the full day tour is the best, perhaps we should try to fit that in.
We're thinking of doing a day of sea kyaking w/Sunny Cove out of Seward, has anyone had an experience with them?
We are definitely going to spend two or three nights in Anchorage - want to try the Double Musky, Glacier Brewhouse and Moose Tooth Pizza. It also sounds like there is some great hiking there...I spoke with the owner of the aaweome world b&b, outside of town, and it sounds too good to miss.
May spend a night in Talkeetna, but as it is fairly close to Anchorage, we might just stay at the same B&B to cut down on the packing and unpacking.
I'll have to look into some of those b&b recommendations, but as budgetqueen said, sometimes picking a place and going with the flow is half the fun!
We are planning on seeing the Whale Fat Follies...
I've heard that comment before - that the full day tour is the best, perhaps we should try to fit that in.
We're thinking of doing a day of sea kyaking w/Sunny Cove out of Seward, has anyone had an experience with them?
Jan 31st, 2005, 07:46 AM
#13
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One thing to consider in August in Seward is that the Silver Salmon Derby will be on. It's probably the town's biggest event outside of the huge Fourth of July/Mount Marathon celebration.
Sunny Cove is a very popular spot for anglers chasing these fish. The derby is usually the second or third week of August.
It's a question worth asking the vendor.
BTW, even if you're not into fishing, a guided trip for silver salmon can be great fun at this time of the year -- and you can ship home some wonderful coho fillets that are so much better than the farm-raised, meal-feed, color-added Atlantic salmon so prevalent in the Lower 48. (Sorry for the rant.)
Sunny Cove is a very popular spot for anglers chasing these fish. The derby is usually the second or third week of August.
It's a question worth asking the vendor.
BTW, even if you're not into fishing, a guided trip for silver salmon can be great fun at this time of the year -- and you can ship home some wonderful coho fillets that are so much better than the farm-raised, meal-feed, color-added Atlantic salmon so prevalent in the Lower 48. (Sorry for the rant.)
Jan 31st, 2005, 10:18 PM
#15
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Eriberri,
Wish I could help, but I kept my own boat in Seward when I lived in AK. The good news was the silver runs were so solid even a dummy like me could catch plenty of salmon.
The only dry spell was when I bought a new freezer for all the fish I thought I'd catch ...
Hopefully, someone else can add a tip. I do know that the Fish House, a Seward institution at the small boat harbor, books charters for much of the fleet.
Also, although I can't endorse it, Alaska Saltwater Charters looks intriguing in the way they handle the catch and set up their boat.I like that they troll for salmon, which is a peaceful and scenic way to fish. The problem, unfortunately, is that it's impossible to know anything from a web site alone.
Best of luck.
Wish I could help, but I kept my own boat in Seward when I lived in AK. The good news was the silver runs were so solid even a dummy like me could catch plenty of salmon.
The only dry spell was when I bought a new freezer for all the fish I thought I'd catch ...
Hopefully, someone else can add a tip. I do know that the Fish House, a Seward institution at the small boat harbor, books charters for much of the fleet.
Also, although I can't endorse it, Alaska Saltwater Charters looks intriguing in the way they handle the catch and set up their boat.I like that they troll for salmon, which is a peaceful and scenic way to fish. The problem, unfortunately, is that it's impossible to know anything from a web site alone.
Best of luck.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dcd
United States
16
Oct 23rd, 2006 04:25 PM
