Help with Alaska Itinerary - Late June 2011
Mar 25th, 2011, 07:41 PM
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Help with Alaska Itinerary - Late June 2011
I am planning a trip to Alaska starting late June and ending in early July. I will be flying to Anchorage and renting a car. Here are my preliminary thoughts:
Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage around 9 pm. Overnight: Anchorage.
Day 2: Pick up rental car in morning at downtown location (to save over $100 vs. renting at airport). Anchorage city sights (e.g., museums, coastal trail, Earthquake Park). Overnight: Anchorage.
Day 3: Chugach State Park. Overnight: Anchorage.
Day 4: Drive to Denali NP, possibly stopping at Independence Mine. Do short hikes around NP visitor center. Overnight: Healy.
Day 5: Shuttle bus to Eileson Visitor Center. Overnight: Healy
Day 6: Drive to Fairbanks. Overnight: Fairbanks.
Day 7: See sights within Fairbanks. Overnight: Fairbanks.
Day 8: Day trip to Chena Hot Springs and Ice Museum. Begin to head south along Richardson Highway. Overnight: Delta Junction.
Day 9: Continue south to Valdez. Overnight: Valdez.
Day 10: Ferry to Whittier. Drive to Seward. Hike Exit Glacier. Overnight: Seward.
Day 11: 1/2 day cruise in Kenai Fjords NP. Possibly visit Alaska SeaLife Center. Overnight: Seward.
Day 12: Drive to Homer. Overnight: Homer.
Day 13: Visit Homer. Overnight: Homer.
Day 14: Leave for Anchorage. Take afternoon cruise on Portage Glacier. Fly out of ANC around 10 pm.
Some questions:
1. I wonder if I am spending too much time in Anchorage? If I cut out a day there, where should I add a day? The reason I was thinking of three nights in Anchorage was (1) plane arrives very late the first day and (2) I need to pick up the rental car the morning after I arrive, so if I spent two nights I would have less than one day of actual sightseeing time.
2. Anybody been to Chena Hot Springs? Is it worth the drive? In addition to the hot springs, the Ice Museum sounds interesting, but I understand there is one in Fairbanks, too. If I cut out a day here, where should I add a day.
3. I'd normally say that my itinerary was dependent on the weather; however, I get the impression that I better make advance plans at this time of year or I might end up sleeping in the car or sleeping somewhere that is extremely expensive (vs. just expensive). And most accommodations have 14 day cancellation policies, so once I get to Alaska, I'd be committed to follow through with my itineary. Is my assumption about accommodations correct, or could I just make reservations in a few places and wing it the rest of the time?
4. I don't mind packing and unpacking every other day. On some trips I move from place to place almost every day and that doesn't bother me.
By the way, I am an amateur photographer and am looking forward to seeing lots of scenery and wildlife, although I also like to see what the two largest cities have to offer.
Thanks in advance for suggestions.
Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage around 9 pm. Overnight: Anchorage.
Day 2: Pick up rental car in morning at downtown location (to save over $100 vs. renting at airport). Anchorage city sights (e.g., museums, coastal trail, Earthquake Park). Overnight: Anchorage.
Day 3: Chugach State Park. Overnight: Anchorage.
Day 4: Drive to Denali NP, possibly stopping at Independence Mine. Do short hikes around NP visitor center. Overnight: Healy.
Day 5: Shuttle bus to Eileson Visitor Center. Overnight: Healy
Day 6: Drive to Fairbanks. Overnight: Fairbanks.
Day 7: See sights within Fairbanks. Overnight: Fairbanks.
Day 8: Day trip to Chena Hot Springs and Ice Museum. Begin to head south along Richardson Highway. Overnight: Delta Junction.
Day 9: Continue south to Valdez. Overnight: Valdez.
Day 10: Ferry to Whittier. Drive to Seward. Hike Exit Glacier. Overnight: Seward.
Day 11: 1/2 day cruise in Kenai Fjords NP. Possibly visit Alaska SeaLife Center. Overnight: Seward.
Day 12: Drive to Homer. Overnight: Homer.
Day 13: Visit Homer. Overnight: Homer.
Day 14: Leave for Anchorage. Take afternoon cruise on Portage Glacier. Fly out of ANC around 10 pm.
Some questions:
1. I wonder if I am spending too much time in Anchorage? If I cut out a day there, where should I add a day? The reason I was thinking of three nights in Anchorage was (1) plane arrives very late the first day and (2) I need to pick up the rental car the morning after I arrive, so if I spent two nights I would have less than one day of actual sightseeing time.
2. Anybody been to Chena Hot Springs? Is it worth the drive? In addition to the hot springs, the Ice Museum sounds interesting, but I understand there is one in Fairbanks, too. If I cut out a day here, where should I add a day.
3. I'd normally say that my itinerary was dependent on the weather; however, I get the impression that I better make advance plans at this time of year or I might end up sleeping in the car or sleeping somewhere that is extremely expensive (vs. just expensive). And most accommodations have 14 day cancellation policies, so once I get to Alaska, I'd be committed to follow through with my itineary. Is my assumption about accommodations correct, or could I just make reservations in a few places and wing it the rest of the time?
4. I don't mind packing and unpacking every other day. On some trips I move from place to place almost every day and that doesn't bother me.
By the way, I am an amateur photographer and am looking forward to seeing lots of scenery and wildlife, although I also like to see what the two largest cities have to offer.
Thanks in advance for suggestions.
Mar 25th, 2011, 11:37 PM
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OK--bit by bit:
1. Good amount of time in ANC. MUST SEE AK Native Heritage Center*. MUST SEE Anchorage Museum*. Both VERY COOL.
Breakfast: Snow City Cafe downtown. TOurists like Gwennie's in Spenard.
Lunch: Glacier Brewhouse (great seafood, microbrews)
Dinner: Moose's Tooth (best pizza on earth).
Coastal trail is awesome for walking, biking. Earthquake Park really isn't anything except that it's located at the end of the runway. Nice plane watching. SPeaking of which, if you are an aviation enthusiast, the Aviation Museum at Lake Hood (at the airport) is AWESOME. Really AWESOME.
2. Anchorage to Denali is a long drive. You will NOT have time to do Independence Mine in the same day. Plus, to access it from the Parks Hwy…well, it's steep. Save Independence Mine for another time. IT'S AWESOME. If you want a diversion on the way to Denali, stop in Talkeetna for lunch and go flightseeing with K2* or Talkeetna Aero Services* . GO on a jetboat ride with Steve Mahay*. Eat lunch at Talkeetna Roadhouse or Mountain High Pizza Pie (my kids say the pizza is better than Moose's Tooth. Jury is out on that).
3. Fairbanks is awesome. THREE MUST SEE:
a. RIverboat Discovery*. I waited 20 years to do it 'cause I thought it was too "touristy". But we did it and EVERYONE had a great time. Kids loved it. The Binkley family does a great job.
b. El Dorado Gold mine*. This is a working claim. You'll get gold fever. Plan for it. HA
c. FOuntainhead Antique Car Museum*. These are antique cars with an Alaska twist. You'll see a Model T on skis and tracks. INSANE. THere's a Stutz, some old Cadillacs…YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT. Located next to the Wedgewood Resort.
d. OK. This is the FOURTH thing. Go to the Museum of the North* on the University of Alaska campus. It's awesome. Be sure and go to the "Place where we go to listen". Local artists put this together. Each natural force has its own frequency and light. Many people go in to meditate. So--the sun, northern lights, earthquakes, snow, rain, etc….everything has a sound and a color of light. SEE IT!!
e. Chena Hot Springs is awesome. 70 miles from Fairbanks. See the Ice Museum and check out the whole "alternative energy" deal. They have a tour on the geothermal energy. See the greenhouses where they grow their own produce. Learn how they chill the Ice Hotel using this power. They are completely off the grid. Bernie Karl is a genius. Note: EXPENSIVE. But fun! Don't be confused--this ICE HOTEL is one of a kind--not anything like the one in Fairbanks.
f. ON the way from Delta Junction to Valdez, stop at the Copper River Princess for lunch. Or, the Copper Center Lodge (much more rustic). The Princess sits high up on a bluff and has an AWESOME view. Both properties have wi-fi.
g. In Valdez, you should spend two days so you can go on the STan Stephens Cruise to Columbia Glacier*. Also, next to Stan Stephens' place is Pangaea kayakers. We've gone kayaking in SHoup Glacier. AWESOME!!!
I definitely recommend Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn. Right on the water.
For lunch: Rockfish tacos at The Harbor Cafe. EPIC.
h. Ferry is glorious.
i. Seward is fabulous. I stay at the historic Van Gilder Hotel*. It's a little quirky. Not as spiffy as cookie-cutter Holiday Inn Express. But it was built in 1916. Very cool.
j. TAKE THE FULL-DAY NATIONAL PARK CRUISE. Kenai Fjords Tours and Major Marine* both do a great job. I've sailed with them both.
k. ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER very cool 1-2 hours. Longer with kids. They love it. Very nice setup.
l. Exit Glacier is a fun hike. BREAKFAST: THE TRAIN WRECK. You cannot miss it--three Alaska RR cars make a triangle. The restaurant is in there. AWESOME.
m. Homer is a fun drive. A long drive…but fun. You will want to return and go across with Bay with the Seldovia Bay Ferry*. Also on the way you will drive along the Kenai River. You will want to go on a float trip or fishing on the river. Next time.
In Homer:
Breakfast: Two Sisters Bakery. You can smell it all over town. THIS IS EPIC!
Lunch/DInner: Fat Olive. Mediterranean/pizza. FABULOUS.
Bar: Salty Dawg out on the Homer Spit.
I love staying at Land's End. Just walking along the beach is so nice--we Alaskans don't do that very often. HAHA
n. Forget the Portage Glacier Cruise. When you're driving from Whittier to Seward (after Valdez) just look over your shoulder as you're coming out of the tunnel. You'll see the glacier. By this time, you will have seen more than enough ice.
Alternatively, if you have time, take the tram ride up the mountain at Alyeska Ski Resort*. THis is an awesome ride.
Lunch: Summit Lake Lodge on the way between Homer and Girdwood near the top of Turnagain Pass. Then, have dinner at CHAIR FIVE pizza in GIrdwood.
Then, you'll be all stuffed for your flight back home.
*=starred items are 2-for-1 in the Alaska TourSaver book. FULL DISCLOSURE. I'm the publisher. So--google it for more details.
Final note: Of course, you can't see everything. I've lived here 32 years--still working on it. Have a great trip.
1. Good amount of time in ANC. MUST SEE AK Native Heritage Center*. MUST SEE Anchorage Museum*. Both VERY COOL.
Breakfast: Snow City Cafe downtown. TOurists like Gwennie's in Spenard.
Lunch: Glacier Brewhouse (great seafood, microbrews)
Dinner: Moose's Tooth (best pizza on earth).
Coastal trail is awesome for walking, biking. Earthquake Park really isn't anything except that it's located at the end of the runway. Nice plane watching. SPeaking of which, if you are an aviation enthusiast, the Aviation Museum at Lake Hood (at the airport) is AWESOME. Really AWESOME.
2. Anchorage to Denali is a long drive. You will NOT have time to do Independence Mine in the same day. Plus, to access it from the Parks Hwy…well, it's steep. Save Independence Mine for another time. IT'S AWESOME. If you want a diversion on the way to Denali, stop in Talkeetna for lunch and go flightseeing with K2* or Talkeetna Aero Services* . GO on a jetboat ride with Steve Mahay*. Eat lunch at Talkeetna Roadhouse or Mountain High Pizza Pie (my kids say the pizza is better than Moose's Tooth. Jury is out on that).
3. Fairbanks is awesome. THREE MUST SEE:
a. RIverboat Discovery*. I waited 20 years to do it 'cause I thought it was too "touristy". But we did it and EVERYONE had a great time. Kids loved it. The Binkley family does a great job.
b. El Dorado Gold mine*. This is a working claim. You'll get gold fever. Plan for it. HA
c. FOuntainhead Antique Car Museum*. These are antique cars with an Alaska twist. You'll see a Model T on skis and tracks. INSANE. THere's a Stutz, some old Cadillacs…YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT. Located next to the Wedgewood Resort.
d. OK. This is the FOURTH thing. Go to the Museum of the North* on the University of Alaska campus. It's awesome. Be sure and go to the "Place where we go to listen". Local artists put this together. Each natural force has its own frequency and light. Many people go in to meditate. So--the sun, northern lights, earthquakes, snow, rain, etc….everything has a sound and a color of light. SEE IT!!
e. Chena Hot Springs is awesome. 70 miles from Fairbanks. See the Ice Museum and check out the whole "alternative energy" deal. They have a tour on the geothermal energy. See the greenhouses where they grow their own produce. Learn how they chill the Ice Hotel using this power. They are completely off the grid. Bernie Karl is a genius. Note: EXPENSIVE. But fun! Don't be confused--this ICE HOTEL is one of a kind--not anything like the one in Fairbanks.
f. ON the way from Delta Junction to Valdez, stop at the Copper River Princess for lunch. Or, the Copper Center Lodge (much more rustic). The Princess sits high up on a bluff and has an AWESOME view. Both properties have wi-fi.
g. In Valdez, you should spend two days so you can go on the STan Stephens Cruise to Columbia Glacier*. Also, next to Stan Stephens' place is Pangaea kayakers. We've gone kayaking in SHoup Glacier. AWESOME!!!
I definitely recommend Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn. Right on the water.
For lunch: Rockfish tacos at The Harbor Cafe. EPIC.
h. Ferry is glorious.
i. Seward is fabulous. I stay at the historic Van Gilder Hotel*. It's a little quirky. Not as spiffy as cookie-cutter Holiday Inn Express. But it was built in 1916. Very cool.
j. TAKE THE FULL-DAY NATIONAL PARK CRUISE. Kenai Fjords Tours and Major Marine* both do a great job. I've sailed with them both.
k. ALASKA SEALIFE CENTER very cool 1-2 hours. Longer with kids. They love it. Very nice setup.
l. Exit Glacier is a fun hike. BREAKFAST: THE TRAIN WRECK. You cannot miss it--three Alaska RR cars make a triangle. The restaurant is in there. AWESOME.
m. Homer is a fun drive. A long drive…but fun. You will want to return and go across with Bay with the Seldovia Bay Ferry*. Also on the way you will drive along the Kenai River. You will want to go on a float trip or fishing on the river. Next time.
In Homer:
Breakfast: Two Sisters Bakery. You can smell it all over town. THIS IS EPIC!
Lunch/DInner: Fat Olive. Mediterranean/pizza. FABULOUS.
Bar: Salty Dawg out on the Homer Spit.
I love staying at Land's End. Just walking along the beach is so nice--we Alaskans don't do that very often. HAHA
n. Forget the Portage Glacier Cruise. When you're driving from Whittier to Seward (after Valdez) just look over your shoulder as you're coming out of the tunnel. You'll see the glacier. By this time, you will have seen more than enough ice.
Alternatively, if you have time, take the tram ride up the mountain at Alyeska Ski Resort*. THis is an awesome ride.
Lunch: Summit Lake Lodge on the way between Homer and Girdwood near the top of Turnagain Pass. Then, have dinner at CHAIR FIVE pizza in GIrdwood.
Then, you'll be all stuffed for your flight back home.
*=starred items are 2-for-1 in the Alaska TourSaver book. FULL DISCLOSURE. I'm the publisher. So--google it for more details.
Final note: Of course, you can't see everything. I've lived here 32 years--still working on it. Have a great trip.
Mar 26th, 2011, 02:20 AM
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You are visiting about the same time frame as our last trip. We enjoyed the Forest Fair in Girdwood and 4th of July parade in Kenai. Salmon will start running late June in Russian River so stop to see the fishing when you drive past on way to Kenai/Soldotna/Homer.
Don't miss the Pratt Museum in Homer and the view from Skyline drive.
Really hate to have you miss Independence Mine but zoom makes a good point about distance. Perhaps cut back time in Anchorage and overnight in Talkeetna.
Agree on taking full day cruise out of Seward.
Check out museum gift shops and other gift shops. One Seward shop had notecards with northern lights photography. Each card described how the photo was taken and where. There's also a lot of great artists in AK. Lots of wildflowers blooming that time of year. Great stand of cow parsley near the overlook to Homer where you can get great photo of the spit.
Don't miss the Pratt Museum in Homer and the view from Skyline drive.
Really hate to have you miss Independence Mine but zoom makes a good point about distance. Perhaps cut back time in Anchorage and overnight in Talkeetna.
Agree on taking full day cruise out of Seward.
Check out museum gift shops and other gift shops. One Seward shop had notecards with northern lights photography. Each card described how the photo was taken and where. There's also a lot of great artists in AK. Lots of wildflowers blooming that time of year. Great stand of cow parsley near the overlook to Homer where you can get great photo of the spit.
Mar 26th, 2011, 05:08 AM
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Thanks for the suggestions!
Another question ... on the way to Valdez from Fairbanks, should I plan on spending any time at Wrangell-St Elias NP? I know the highlight is the road into the interior and the Kennecott mine, but I can't take the car on that road (and I'm not sure I'd want to), and it would take more time than I have available. Just wondering how much there is to do around the visitor center on the main highway. Ditto for Worthington Glacier and Keystone Canyon further south ... are these mainly "drive-by" sights, or should I plan on spending time there if possible? Thanks again.
Another question ... on the way to Valdez from Fairbanks, should I plan on spending any time at Wrangell-St Elias NP? I know the highlight is the road into the interior and the Kennecott mine, but I can't take the car on that road (and I'm not sure I'd want to), and it would take more time than I have available. Just wondering how much there is to do around the visitor center on the main highway. Ditto for Worthington Glacier and Keystone Canyon further south ... are these mainly "drive-by" sights, or should I plan on spending time there if possible? Thanks again.
Mar 26th, 2011, 06:36 AM
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I would not be staying at Delta Junction, I would attempt to get to Copper River area, then add a day for Copper/Valdez, you have left no time for any touring and this area is loaded. Kennicott/McCarthy is fantastic, and so are the boat tours out of Valdez, as well as Whittier, which you are also missing? You may want to rethink some of this itinerary, and if you can add days, do so.
Yes, I have been Chena Hot Springs- it's "ok" for me. Better in the winter.
Yes, I have been Chena Hot Springs- it's "ok" for me. Better in the winter.
Mar 29th, 2011, 09:03 AM
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Re: Wrangell St Elias Nat'l Park. It's not exactly a "drive by" destination. The roadside visitor's center will just tempt you for next time. If you don't wanna drive to McCarthy, you can park the car at Chitina airport and fly with Wrangell Mountain Air ($$$).
Worthington Glacier is fun. You can park, hike up to the glacier in ten minutes and witness it in all its glory.
Same w/Keystone Canyon waterfalls. Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls are right on the road.
Worthington Glacier is fun. You can park, hike up to the glacier in ten minutes and witness it in all its glory.
Same w/Keystone Canyon waterfalls. Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls are right on the road.
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