We are planning on spending a couple of days in Denali at the end of July. I've just learned that there are lots and lots of fires nearby in Alaska every year during that time. Apparently it can make the whole park just a mass of smoke. Does anyone know if this is true? How likely is it that this will be a major problem?

I know that it is unlikely that the mountain will be out (due to cloud cover). We are o.k. with that. But, this whole smoke thing is making me wonder if we should cancel the plans for denali and do something else.

Alaska has been experiencing drier than normal conditions over the last few years. Maybe you could keep up with current, if there are any, fires through the Anchorage newspaper. http://www.adn.com/

I don't know if I'd change my plans because there is a potential for fires/smoke. Maybe have Plan B for something else to do if this problem arises while you are there. Good luck!

Bayou Gal gave you some good advice. It's not too early to start reading Anchorage Daily New on-line for some interesting stories plus later in July for important information on fire and road situations. Don't cancel your plans unless you have to. Now is a good time to make a note of your lodgings' cancellation policies.

Thanks for the help. I just checked out the Anchorage newspaper website--it will be fun to read up on what's going on up there. In addition to news about fires and traffic, it looks like I can check up on the fishing situation! Thanks!

Is Denali covered with smoke? I just read about fires in Hooper Bay. I checked my atlas and Hooper Bay is not that far from Denali. Are fires and smoke problems for any area in Alaska?

Here, Mama, just for you: http://www.akmining.com/webcams.htm. This is a list of webcams all over Alaska. I watch them year round.

I didn't see anything in the Anchorage paper (link above), only the Hooper Bay fires, and that's NOT near Denali.

Good news, tahnks

I'd burn that atlas ... you're talking hundreds of miles.

repete, you should know better than that. Smoke from fires can travel hundreds of miles. I know this from my personal experience. Believe me, fire is very powerful and smoke is capable of traveling hundreds and hundreds of miles. So, I won't burn my Alaskan atlas

Not this fire. Not this distance.

don't change your plans !

We found a lot of smoke also at the end of august, then it rained a lot and the next morning the air was so clear ... !!! and the mountain OUT !!!!!!