Alaska planning
 

In July we'll be leaving the airport approx. 6PM, headed toward Glennallen. Would like recommendations for lodging and food about halfway there. Any suggestions?

Heading toward Glennallen the next day, driving into Mc Carthy (Wrangell St. ELias NP) on the gravel road? Can anyone give me an estimate on the time this will take? WOuld it be reasonable to think of driving out the same day, or would it be better to stay overnight there? If so, any suggestions?

Lastly, how long does it take to get from there to Soldotna, on the Kenai Penninsula? Would it be quicker to go to Valdez and take the ferry across? I have heard you then have to ride in your car on some type of transport, in the dark,to get to Seward??Is this accurate? Or is it best to drive back thru Anchorage and down Hwy. 1 ?

Any advice is most welcome, and thank you!!

I would suggest staying your first night in Anchorage. That's a grueling drive to get off the plane, wait for luggage, pick up your rental car, stop somewhere for food, etc. By time all of this is done, you won't arrive there until late. I would get up bright and early the next morning and head to Glenallen then. We stayed at the Copper River Princess Lodge, which is owned and operated by Princess Cruiselines (you don't have to be a passager to stay there). This is a very beautiful place--we were glad we stayed there. The drive from Glenallen to Valdez is beautiful, but just a word of advice--make sure your tank is full BEFORE you head out. There are no gas stations along the way. Valdez was ok, but in my opinion, not as great as the drive getting there. I would go by car back to Seward instead of ferry.
Are you going to Homer at all? If your schedule allows, try to visit Homer, especially the Homer Spit. The day cruises out of Seward are a highlight, and the Sea Life Center, although small, is worth a visit. You may also want to visit Exit Glacier and Portage Glacier, if you get the chance.
Whatever you do, I know you'll enjoy you trip.

You did not say what day of the week this would be. If the day after you arrive is a weekday, I'd go out at least as far as Eagle River or maybe to Palmer before stopping. That would allow you to avoid the getting-to-work traffic mess in Anchorage. Those are almost your only choices other than driving straight through since there is very little lodging between Palmer and Glenallen.

If you are driving a rental vehicle, you should check to see if it is allowed on gravel roads. Many of the car companies have gotten careful and installed GPS systems on their cars so they can determine exactly where you have driven it.

I'm not sure what "ride your car on some type of transport" means. It may be referring to the old method of getting through the Whittier tunnel on railroad flat cars. That tunnel was opened to vehicle traffic a few years ago. You may be subject to some delays using it since it is still used by the railroad and, when open to traffic, it is my impression it is only open in one direction at a time.

I second the suggestion of a visit to Homer. I like Valdez a lot and the scenery getting to it is great but if I had to choose between Valdez and Homer, I'd save Valdez for another time.

Have a great trip.

It does sound like the Whittier tunnel (ferry from Valdez to Whittier) but dwooddon is correct, you can drive thru the tunnel at certain times. You have to pay a toll and line up since it is one way traffic only. There is a website with information about the tunnel and the hours it is open. From Whittier you would continue south to Seward. If you are headed to Soldotna you'll still head south from Whittier but take a turn off for Soldotna. It's about 1 1/2 hours from Soldotna to Homer. Anchorage to Soldotna is about 3 hours. Very very scenic most of the way.
I third the recommendation for Homer if you have time. It's a 3-4 hour drive from Seward but then about a 5 hour drive back to Anchorage. I think each Alaska town has a distinct personality. Homer is beautiful, very artsy but also popular for fishing. You'll see quite a few bald eagles. The Pratt Museum is small but very interesting.
If you take a vehicle on the ferry you probably need to make reservations now. Check the website for the Alaska Marine Highway for an idea about the cost. It depends on the size/length of your vehicle.

I also suggest you forget making a long drive your day of arrival. Stay in Palmer perhaps?? You also are NOT going to be able to drive a rental car to McCarthy, so you need to reconsider this. Look at flying in- spectacular scenic flightseeing. I stay at the Copper Center Roadhouse, but also have stayed at Princess- just way to overloaded with buses and busy in my opinion.

I do highly recommend the ferry Valdez/Whittier and would not redrive the Glenn Highway. The tunnel is open 15 min. each hour, no toll from Whittier. You drive through it, the rail cars which you load your car on have been gone for years. It will take about 2+ hours to get to Soldotna, but that would not be my destination, so so city at best. Either, invest the time and go to Homer with 2 nights my min. recommendation or Seward.

I disagree, the drive to Soldotna is only about half scenic. Very dull between there and Cooper Landing. The scenery is from Soldotna south to Homer.

Thanks to all of you for your great and insightful information! We will not drive into McCarthy, but take the scenic flight. We have decided to go to Homer, since all of you say it is so great! Are considering options you suggested for Whittier-Soldotna too. You have given us a lot to consider. Again - thanks so much!!!!!!!!
Karn

Clarification re: Drive from Anchorage to Soldotna is very very scenic most of the way. The drive is very very scenic from Anchorage along the Turnagain Arm. When you leave the coastline, it's not as scenic as BQ points out. South of Soldotna you can see the volcanos across the water. There's a rest area/scenic view just before you get to Homer that has an incredible view looking out to the Homer Spit. Great photo op. Also take the "skyline drive" that overlooks the town and airport. Different angle from the rest area.