We are thinking of visiting Alaska on our own in the first 2 weeks of September. Is it a good time to go?

Early Sept is great for Denali (tundra is at peak color around Sept 1 most years and the caribou and moose are more active and visible, preparing for the rut), really good for parts of Katmai (Brooks Camp for bear viewing is really good early Sept, that's when we always go). Dunno about the coastal areas.

Many tourist facilities slow down shortly after Labor Day and shut down totally by late-September but for those first two weeks it's sure nice at Katmai and Denali.

Bill

Thank you, Bill.

It will be our first time in Alaska and we prefer not to take a cruise. Do you have any other suggestions for us?

It looks like you are an experienced traveler and I love your answers that cover all aspects.

For interior Alaska the first half of Sept is excellent. If looking at Seward, and "must have" a view of puffins, then head there first as they are usually gone out to see by the second week.

You may also still be able to catch the last portion of some of the Salmon runs in parts of Alaska. The runs are great for wildlife viewing as bear's and eagles congregate along the rivers. The runs are a little different everywhere as far as their timing though.

We spent the last two weeks of September on the Kenai Peninsula and saw plenty of wildlife. We really enjoyed the lower prices on hotels and everything else. Some things did close in mid-September, but for the most part, everything we wanted to do was open. We did not go north to Denali, however, but visited Seward, Cooper Landing, and Homer instead.