Hi:
I am leaving in Alaska in 2 days and have been disappointed with the weather forecast of rain almost everyday starting the day we are arriving. we were arriving in Fairbanks and than heading to Denali. Now we are thinking of cancelling that plan and heading straight to valdez, whittier, Seward, Homer, Anchorage and finally to Denali--hoping weather might get better. Can anyone shed some light on what to do when it is raining--I mean besides walking under an umbrella. What are the things we can do or skip if indeed the weather is as bad as it is predicted. Has anyone been in this situation before.? Please help as this is driving me nuts. Thanks

Sans, why won't you relax. Since when the weather forecast is 100%predictable? Do not cancel Denali, even when it rains you will be able to enjoy your trip but it is your responsibility. I can tell you one thing that we observed, it rains more often in Valdez and Seward than in Denali and Fairbanks. Try to find activities you will be able to enjoy in the wet weather. you could spend a week or more in Anchorage and do mamy interesting things. Bring your rain gear, find laundromat and have a great time in Alaska. meet locals. Residents of Alaska are the most friendly people we ever met. Go to museums. It won't rain 24 hours a day. Of course, it rained sometime when we were in Alaska but we hiked, we spent more time in museum, restaurants, then we took short or long walks, we looked for bald eagles, sea otters, salmon.

Don't worry too much. Forecasts this far in advance aren't too reliable. The 10-day forecasts before we left also called for rain, but we still ended up with a week straight of nothing but sunshine. I wouldn't change plans if I were you. Here's a few things to keep in mind.

First of all, Mt. McKinley (Denali) creates it's own weather systems so even if you rearranged your trip to Denali for a clear day, there could still be clouds over the mountain.

Second, rain in Alaska tends more toward sprinkles or on-again-off-again light drizzle as opposed to a soaking downpour. We did lots of things outside even in light showers. Just be sure you have good waterproof rain jackets with hoods to bring along.

Third, rainy days can actually be better in Denali NP. Our bus driver told us that the animals prefer cool, overcast weather. When it's warm and sunny they go into hiding. That's one reason why the early morining shuttles usually see more wildlife.

If you're in Anchorage when it rains, go to the Alaska Native Heritage Center or the Earthquake Experience Theatre. In Homer, there's the Pratt Museum and in Seward, there's the Sealife Center. I've heard Valdez's Earthquake museum is also nice, although we didn't have time to go ourselves.

We didn't change our plans much on rainy days. For instance, in Seward we hiked through light rain to the Harding Icefield. We got a little wet, but it honestly wasn't that bad and still a neat experience. I'd do it again. The clouds over the mountains make for an entirely different kind of scenery, but no less beautiful, IMO.

Have a great time--I have no doubt that you will! Rain or no rain, I wish our vacation was just beginning rather than just over!

Phewwwwww--Guys you rock. You really made my day--I wish I could tell you how much encouraged I am feeling now. I am still concerned abt Denali as we will be camping there for 2 nights--I am not sure if my walmart quality tent will be good enough for that weather. Also, please don't stop with your good advices--keep them coming. Thanks a lot

Don't cancel your trip, we went for 2 weeks on June 2 and checked weather for next 9 days. Forecast was rain and cloudy all 9 days, we had light rain 1 day and mostly rain 1 other day. Alaska weather people are as bad as the ones we have in Ky.

We had great weather for our recent trip but heard that the air quality in Fairbanks was terrible because of the forest fires. Look on the bright side, Fairbanks needed the rain. My husband prefers the cheap ponchos you can buy anyplace. Wear waterproof shoes. Bring along some good books. Peter Jenkins' "Looking for Alaska" is great. Take a nap so you can stay up late and take in one of Hobo Jim's shows. He's in Soldotna several times each week and you'll be passing thru on your way to Homer. The Title Wave in Anchorage has a couple of aisles full of books about Alaska. The Kenai Visitors Center has a wonderful exhibit. The Portage Glacier Visitors Center outside Whittier is also very interesting. Use the Milepost. Read the daily papers for the calendar of events. If you are staying in some B&Bs, you will enjoy chatting with the hosts and other guests.
Rain is one of those times when you might have a great experience that wouldn't have happened on a sunny day. We strolled a beach on an icky day, talked to net fishermen and were given a salmon.

In Valdez go to a small but great museum located in the airport. Go to fish hatchery. Scenary in cloudy rainy weather could be mysterious and fascinating. We spent part of rainy day in the library in Valdez and we met a couple visiting this area from Anchorage. We are still exchaning e-mails with them. Enojoy Alaska regardless of the weather. Bring wool sweater, hat, gloves. Even when wet still keep you warm.