Deborah

Was thinking of doing Kodiak on my next trip up to Alaska. Would like to hear from the experts about whether this is worthwhile. I have been to many places in Alaska already (i.e, interior, inside passage, Southeast), so was going to try something different this year. How are the roads over there? I hear they are unpaved, but what is the condition. Also, I hear weather can be erratic. Wouldn't want to get stuck there. All responses are appreciated. Budget Queen?

dwooddon

I loved my short trip to Kodiak Island. It is super-scenic and, despite what you may have heard, many if not most of the roads are paved. I had made a number of trips to various parts of AK and Kodiak has become my second favorite place after the Kenai Peninsula.

My return to Anchorage and my flight home was delayed by almost 24 hours but not because of weather. On take off for my scheduled departure, we hit a flock of birds and had to return to the Kodiak Airport for an emergency landing. No one was hurt but the plane was damaged to the point if could not be flown and they had to reschedule all the passengers on flights leaving the next day.

If you'd like to see a few of my Kodiak photos, they are on

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/209893/index.html.

Deborah

What about the roads? What kind of condition are they? Maybe I should just go back to Anchorage 1 day earlier than I planned so I won't miss my flight.

Gardyloo

It sorta sounds like you think you can drive to Kodiak. No... it's an island with no road connections except by ferry. And weather can be fluky and planes can be delayed, so if you're on a tight timeline probably best to skip it.

OTOH Kodiak is a blast and a real taste of non-touristy Alaska. Pretty good fishing too, but watch out for carnivores.

Deborah

No, I don't think that at all. I am flying on Era and flying back. If you read my post, I said maybe I should fly back to Anchorage one day earlier. I am asking about the conditions of the roads on Kodiak.

Deborah

Sorry, I guess I didn't say fly back to Anchorage, just go back earlier. Can anyone tell me if getting a rental car is advisable. I hear the roads are not that good.

Deborah

Sorry Dwooddon, my brain is malfunctioning today. You say the roads are paved. If that is the case, then I think I will be ok. I will keep the car and thanks for the photos! Where did you stay while you were there? It seems like the Best Western is about the nicest place over there.

dwooddon

I'd recommend a rental car. I drove a large part of the island and found nothing I wasn't willing to drive on in a 2wd sedan. I can't remember offhand where I stayed the first night, however, the airline put me up in an Inn right beside the airport for my delay night. It was the pits. dirty, nothing to do there, I'd turned in my rental car, and the closest place to eat was a $15 taxi ride, each direction. I'll try and find my trip report and bring it to the top for you.

Deborah

Thanks! Maybe the place you stayed was the Bushkin River Inn which is near the airport and is now a Comfort Inn. I only found one review on them that said "disappointed". Think I will stick with the Best Western for now. Any help is always appreciated. I think I will stick with my plan to go. Hopefully, the weather will be nice and I won't get fogged in etc.

dwooddon

It was the Bushkin River Inn.

My three reports for that trip are now in the top few threads Mini-trip report for Seward, Mini trip report for Talkeetna, and Alaska-Yukon trip report.

Deborah

Got em! Thanks. I will check them out ASAP.

Deborah

I decided to change my return flight from Kodiak to Anchorage. I felt like I was cutting it close on the return after reading about the possible delays. So far, I have been lucky with weather on all my trips to Alaska, but this could be the trip I run into trouble! I appreciate all of the help. Now I just have to figure out what tours might be available at that time. I usually go up in May and sometimes things are not in full swing.