My wife and I are considering an Alaska trip in June. Our possible destinations would be Denali area for good wildlife watching particularly parents with young. We are worried about bugs, poor road conditions, weather. We will fly into and out of Anchorage. Can anyone help?

What road conditions???? If the Park Road in Denali Park- it will only be as far open as they clear it. There is no concern about "road conditions" on the Parks Highway getting there. I have driven in the winter with no problems, normal paved road like you are used to anywhere else.

I wouldn't go past Eielson. Wonder Lake is significant for bugs in late June, earlier less but only Eielson is open to June 8 so you can't get there anyway. If you really want to hedge your bets stay a couple days. Most wildlife is not close up- binoculars are necessary with 10 power my min.

We were in Palmer for Father's Day 2004. Family members who camped said the mosquitos were ferocious later in the evening but we didn't notice any at the B&B. A heat wave started that weekend with the weather reporter gleefully announcing it was hotter in Fairbanks than Miami or Honolulu. We stayed in a cabin outside Trapper Creek on June 21 and didn't notice any bugs. Got a nice picture of Mt McKinley at 1AM however. The only road I recall being closed was thru Hatchers Pass which doesn't open until July 4th or later.

I wouldn't spend considerable time in Denali. It's nice to see, but I'd definatly move on. I would not miss Homer or Seward, Exit Glacier, a day cruise out of Seward, and other places.
Either through a library or purchasing one on your own, I'd definatly obtain a copy of the Milepost-a huge travel book on Alaska. Several Fodorites brought this book to our attention and we're really glad we listened. It's twenty-some-odd dollars to purchase, but it's one of the best investments you can make for this trip.

for clairfication- don't purchase THE MILEPOST until after 3-05 when the new edition comes out, use a library copy until then.

I wouldn't be so worried about bugs. See this page for why I say that: http://www.alaska.org/alaskachannel/...erview_R10.jsp

Don't worry about road conditions. The roads in Alaska are perfectly clear by June. In fact, June is an optimal month to visit. See this page for more insight as to when the best time to visit is: http://www.alaska.org/alaskachannel/...erview_R05.jsp

alaska.org is a new site, but it may be useful to you in your planning.