Hi - I am going to Alaska for the first time in early September for 2 weeks. I am traveling alone, and I'd like to do as many outdoor activities as possible (mountain bike, hike, canoe, etc). I'm considering camping to save money. Any tips on where to go, what to do, what to watch out for, etc. are appreciated. Also it would be great if anyone could share info on groups/companies that cater to solo travelers. I'm researching this and not finding too many options.

Thanks!
Aileen

Hi Aileen,

If you don't get what you need from this board, you might also try posting your questions on another travel forum. Someone on here might have just the info you're looking for (sorry, I don't!) , but you might also get a good response from Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree travel forum.

Your trip sounds like a lot of fun. Good luck!

I know my aunt has done this. Actually, I think she drove her jeep all the way up from Oklahoma. I'll have to ask her for any tips. I believe she spent several months up there alone.

First off, where in Alaska are you intending to go? It matters quite a bit in September.

Secondly, WHY SEPTEMBER?

I'd be glad to help in any way that I can. Feel free to email me at [email protected]. Also, try looking up Rainbow Mountain Adventures. They specialize in the independent traveler as well.

I too, if you are considering going camping strongly encourage you to go earlier- it gets downright cold at night and Sept is far from ideal in terms of potential weather. You will be much better off staying in B&B's and having some great contact and advice from natives.

I also traveled solo in Alaska and found it hard to find info for solo travel. I would also recommend the thorn tree on lonelyplanet.com

Other than the greater concerns for safety a women may have, I'm not sure why the emphasis on solo travel information. Unless you're considering a cruise or tour where there may be a single supplementary cost, any information regarding touring Alaska ought to be equally valid for solos or couples.

I've (male) travelled all over south central AK solo on two trips and never had my soloness be of any concern.

I echo a previous posters suggestion that September is a little late, especially for a first trip. The weather has a higher potential for nastiness (cold, rain) but, more important, by then the fireweed and other glorious flowering plants that splash color on the meadows and hills are all a memory.

Alaska in September is wonderful. Alaska in July or August is glorious!

Wow! Thanks for all the information. To answer a few questions, I want to spend my 30th birthday away from the city. My girlfriends wanted to have a spa weekend, but I am more interested in doing something active. I was lucky and recently got a great deal on tickets to Alaska, which leaves me with little time to plan. If possible, I wanted to find companies that offers activities to groups and solo travelers alike. Anyway, I welcome any more suggestions!!

You'll have fun fun in Alaska. You'll be fine alone. Once your out of the big cities (Anchorage, Fairbanks) it get's pretty remote. Visit Denali National Park, that is a MUST. Everything south of Anchorage is the most scenic. Seward is a great friendly town too. Have fun!

I traveled solo in Alaska. It was fine.
I took the Alaska Marine Highway through the Inside Passage. I stayed in Sitka, Juneau and Glacier National Park. I did not camp, but I did stay in the dorms in Glacier National Park. It was a wonderful adventure!

I'm not sure how you are traveling, but I'd like to suggest a visit to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park for hiking and mountain biking. There are rustic cabins you can stay in for $20/night. Very friendly people to the solo traveler. Yo can get a free travel guide to the wrangell-st elias national park by automated email when you send a blank email to [email protected]. Hope this helps!

Unless you're a plywood salesman, Denali is pretty dead in September. However, this will depend on the weather more than anything. Still, you will see people boarding up windows and heading out.

If you'd really like to get out and away, Sherry Miller in Seward operates a landing craft where she can take you out and drop you off at a remote beach and just schedule a pickup day/time. But, September is likely going to be wet and cold along the coast.