Kate579

I am planning a 2 week trip for Aug 24-Sept 8 - flying into Anchorage. This is our second trip, we did an interior tour last year (Denali, McCarthy, Matanuska) so this year I am looking at the coastal areas. We are pretty active and like to hike and camp.

Aug 25-31 We will be doing a the glacier bay cruiseline kayaking tour from Juneau to Glacier Bay.

I definately want to do the Alaska State Fair in Palmer and the brown bears, but I'm not sure what else we want to do for the second week. I have been looking at Katmai or a bear viewing flight from Homer.

Should we stay a day or two in Juneau? How long if we go to Katmai? any itinerary suggestions for the second week?

Thanks!
Katie

BudgetQueen

I would definately stay a couple days in Juneau, request their visitor guide www.traveljuneau.com plenty to see and do. I would also plan a couple nights if the brown bears are a priority- you just will see more the longer you are there.

Kate579

Thanks BudgetQueen!
Okay, this is the current plan:
Aug 24 - fly to Anchorage, arrive 10pm
Aug 25 - early flight to Juneau, look around, board ship ~4pm?
Aug 25-31 Glacier Bay Cruise
Aug 31 - ~8am? leave ship, tour Juneau
Sept 1 - tour Juneau (need to research this part more)
Fly back to Anchorage late Thursday or early Friday
Sept 2-3 Palmer for the State Fair, Hatcher Pass, Independance Mine
Sept 4 - fly to Katmai
Sept 5-6 Katmai (camping)
Sept 7 return to Anchorage
Sept 8 - Anchorage, fly home at 8pm

Sound okay??

Palmer - is there a good place to camp or should we stay at a B&B or hotel here? Is it hard to get to the fair?

Anyone who has gone to Katmai before - how did you fly there? I saw Katmailand has flights from Anchorage to Brooks Lodge, is that only for lodge guests? Everything I have looked at says air-taxis are available from King Salmon, but I haven't seen any contact info - do I need a reservation or do I just fly in and catch a ride?

Thanks!
Katie

dfrostnh

The fairgrounds are easy to find. One of the closest b&bs to the fairgrounds is Alaska Garden Gate B&B. Karen is a great cook and provides a hearty breakfast. We chose a room with a mini kitchen, sitting area and private entrance. She has a huge living room so you can opt to socialize with other guests or stay in your room. I would recommend making reservations ASAP because of the fair.

BudgetQueen

There is a whole listing of bear watching tours, www.anchorage.net

Pat2003

Once you make reservation at the Brooks Lodge they will help you with flights from Anchorage or Homer

Kate579

Thanks for the suggestions. We are planning to stay at the Brooks campground instead of the lodge.

-Katie