Alaska in early September
 

We will be visiting Alaska from 6/30 - 9/5. Our itin includes Anchorage, Denali and Seward. We are reallly looking forward to the trip, but a little worried as the weather forcast tells us that its raining everyday. If that is the case, is it a good idea to book Kenai Fjords boat tour in advance - will we be able to enjoy the boat ride if the weather is bad? Also do we need to book the Denali NP shuttle in advance - or tickets are available on the spot?

We'll be renting a car in Anchorage and drive down to Denali and Seward. Anything we need to know about what kind of car we should rent? Do we have to rent a suv (as some people told me) or a regular car will do?

Any comments/advice/sharing experience would be helpful.

Thanks.

A regular car will be just fine for the drive since it is all highway driving, but be sure and get something comfortable since it is a long drive!

Yes, late summer is the rainy season...

We rented a Crown Victoria, which was so nice for the amount of traveling we did. An SUV is unnecessary unless your planning to do offroading. The roads are very good. As far as the Kenai Fjords tours, just walk up. That's what we did and it was just fine. You wouldn't want to go if the weather is bad, and usually the boat will be cancelled if the weather is bad. It's a great tour--just make sure to bring coat and gloves, even if it's a nice day, it gets very cold on the water.

We were in Seward a couple of weeks ago and booked 6 hour Kenai Fjords the same day. They had plenty of room. It rained the 4 days we were in Seward, however, we picked the best day for the cruise. Just misty and seas were calm. Sunny at the glacier as it creates its own microclimate!

You don't need a special car. We booked a van vs. SUV since we had 4 adults and needed the room for us and all our gear.

Of our 12 day stay, it rained fairly steadily for 8 days (in Seward & Homer). Most of the time we were able to be outdoors to hike, kayak, etc. as the rain was light. We spent 6 hours bear viewing in the rain, but the tour company provided all the raingear so it wasn't a problem. Also hiked 7 hours in light rain up to the Harding Icefield in Seward and were rewarded with a break in the clouds and a rainbow at the summit, with a view of the icefield that went on for miles!

My best advice is to bring good raingear. Jacket with hood, rainpants, good hiking boots or waterproof shoes, waterproof gloves, hat or headband, lots of socks. We rented or borrowed hip waders and rain ponchos for boat or water excursions.

I'm a big baby about bad weather on vacations, and even though it rained, it was still an incredible trip. We were able to do everything we wanted with the exception of one glacier kayak trip.

It's an amazing place!

I have driven everywhere in Alaska in a cheap economy or compact car- never a problem. I would call the Denali Park toll free number- located via the National park service site, and inquire about the availablity of walk up space- especially if you are not flexable. I go on the Kenai fjords boat tours in all kinds of weather. Be prepared as said above with good rain gear.

Thank you all for your helpful advice. I am really excited about this trip now.