Alaska trip Summer 2001?

Old Jan 15th, 2001, 04:12 AM
  #1  
Becky
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Alaska trip Summer 2001?

I am planning a trip to Alaska in the summer of 2001, probably. We were wondering what the best times to visit Alaska are. When are black flies the worst? We have the end of May until the end of August to work with.
Also any good suggestions in visiting Alaska for the first time? We definately want to do some hiking and maybe see some wildlife. When is a good time of year for wildflowers?
What is the best way to get around in Alaska? Should we rent a car or is there a better way to see it?
Thanks all.
 
Old Jan 15th, 2001, 06:41 AM
  #2  
jean
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We visited Alaska for 9 days June 2000, before doing a cruise. I think we arrived June 3. Weather was great, short sleeve to lightweight jackets. We saw the most moose around Soldonta, on Kenai Pen, going toward Homer. We stayed there 4 nights while fishing and saw moose almost every time we were in the car. Denali was great. I would definitely rent a car. We enjoyed going at our own pace and going where we wanted to. Took a lot of 'side road' quick trips, and found beautiful lakes, wildlife, etc. Every area was equally beautiful, but think Kenai was our favorite. We visited Seward and Homer. We saw some wildflowers but not a lot going early June, but still saw snow in some areas, so we liked that. We are thinking of going back this year in late July, early August. You can email me directly if you have any more questions, or I will try to check here also.
 
Old Jan 15th, 2001, 04:57 PM
  #3  
BeeJay
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May I suggest going to a good book store and picking up a copy of Milepost Magazine, probably the greatest touring guide of all times. You will get loads of help and ideas from that, and if you drive, it is a must have on board.
I'm sure you will be directed to all the usual sites, but check out Talkeetna, and take a plane ride up into Mt Mckinley. It is truely awesome.
Have a great time.
 
Old Jan 15th, 2001, 06:06 PM
  #4  
Paul Rabe
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Until the first severe frost (usually in September), the insect problem in Alaska gets worse as the summer progresses. Thus, early is better. In addition, there's more daylight the closer to June 21 you travel. This is a plus if you want to see scenery but is a bit of negative for seeing wildlife, which tends to not come out of hiding till after dusk.

You CAN visit Alaska via bus and rail, but car rental will give you maximum flexibility.

Best place to see wildlife is Denali -- you can go far into wilderness in a short amount of time without a lot of difficulty, an extremely rare combination anywhere in the world.

As noted above, the Kenai Peninsula is another excellent place to see wildlife.
 
Old Jan 16th, 2001, 01:18 AM
  #5  
Scott McMurren
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As a 22-year resident, I can tell you that the black flies are not the major problem. You'll run into mosquitos in the interior (Fairbanks, Denali) during July and August. However, it really depends on where you go. For example, on our visit to Denali Wilderness Lodge, we were spared the misery of mosquitoes because of the elevation (3000 feet). Also, there are no bugs out on the Aleutian chain, although that' sa long way off the normal tourist routes.
Since I live in Anchorage, I'm partial to Southcentral Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula for hiking and wildlife. Plenty of hills around ALyeska Ski Resort for checking out the wildlflowers. Even the hills outside Anchorage are filled with beautiful flowers and there are lots of critters--moose, sheep, an occasional bear, etc.
For some great deals on cruises, train rides and hotel stays, check out the Great Alaskan TourSaver. www.toursaver.com.
It's full of freebies and 2-for-1 tours and attractiosn throughout the stay. Enjoy your visit!
sm
 

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