My teen son and I are planning a road trip to Kenai area from SF Bay Area in early summer 2006. We have 3 weeks and would like any advice.

The Forest Fair in Girdwood is just before 4th of July. In addition to crafts and good food vendors, there are two music stages. Kenai has a great 4th of July parade. We had good luck getting tickets for a Kenai Fjords cruise calling the day before when we knew the weather was perfect. With three weeks, I would also include a day to explore Anchorage and another for the Palmer/Wasilla area to see Independence Mine etc.

Consider the Cassiar Highway on the way up or down, perhaps ferry up and Cassiar down.

Whoops, I didn't grasp the fact that you are driving from the SF area. Consider a brief stop in Seattle and then taking the Alaska Ferry out of Bellingham. You can get off in Skagway and then it's about 800 miles to Anchorage. Tok is a good place for an overnight. If you choose to take the ferry, plan on getting a reservation as soon as they open up. Check on their website, I believe it is sometime in December. The cost for your vehicle will depend on its size and length. Cabins also go quickly but you can opt to sleep on deck. A Forest Service employee gives several talks each day plus there is always the chance of seeing marine life. (We saw a pair of orcas as we were leaving one port.) As we got closer to Skagway there was an area of the ocean where the color changed because of a glacier river. It was fascinating.
My husband and son drove cross-country from New England and took time to hike in Glacier National Park and Olympic outside of Seattle. I flew to Seattle and joined up with them there. One of the best family trips ever.

Thanks for the tips. I like the idea of the ferry, at least one one.