Trip to Alaska
 

Helping my sister and her husband plan a 30th anniversary trip to Alaska. They want to find a nice cabin to stay in, or possibly move from cabin in one area to a cabin in another. They will fly in and stay in a hotel the first night. Then off for adventure. They want to enjoy nature. no shopping. Interested in Denali State Park, possible fishing boat adventure, train ride, zip line. Any suggestions?

Do you mean Denali National Park?

I would buy a guidebook and read a lot. There are endless ways to do Alaska. Most of them are fairly expensive.

Hi miidwestpatty,

You've taken on quite the project - what a nice sister you are! I'm guessing they will fly into Anchorage and if so there are plenty of hotels to choose from there for a one night stay.

I'm not an expert on Alaska by any means but I'm thinking they would maybe enjoy heading towards Seward from Anchorage for one "leg" of their trip and then heading to Denali National Park for the other "leg". Other areas I'm sure are just as beautiful but I have no knowledge of those.

Going towards Seward they will follow the Seward highway and what is referred to as Turnagain Pass. Unbelievable scenery on this drive. This will also take them towards the Kenai Fjord National Park where I believe there are plenty of boat excursions to take to see wildlife both in and out of the water.

Not sure on cabins to stay in this area as we stayed in a hotel in Seward. I'm sure others will have more info on cabins for you.

The trip to Denali National Park for the other "leg" of this trip will take them towards Wasilla. I believe there are cabins here called Denali Cabins which are within the park itself. Again, I've not stayed there. We stayed at a B & B in Talkeetna I believe and then took the bus into the park itself.

The only train ride that we did was in Skagway (White Pass)which is a long way from Anchorage (we were on a cruise). Maybe others know of more. Not sure on the zip line either since that is realatively new since we went.

No matter where they decide to venture, we thought Alaska is THE most beautiful place we've ever been and some day would like to return. Have fun helping them plan!

A bit more information will prompt better responses.

1. When?
2. For how long altogether?
3. Budget range - high end, low end etc.
4. Willing to rent a car?
5. Degree of creature comforts required, e.g. electricity, plumbing. Don't laugh.
6. "Adventure" tolerance - light planes, open boats, etc.

the responders so far seem to be unaware that alongside Denali NATIONAL Park there is indeed a Denali STATE Park. there are cabins in the state park which can reserved for 2013. some have great views of Denali. check with Alaska State Parks website regarding reserving cabins there and at other state parks. keep in mind that federal public land agencies also have reservable cabins. i for one recommend avoiding Denali as it is so crammed with tourists who seem unaware there is anything else worth seeing. instead of running around the road system, look into Lake Clark National Park (or other fly-in options) where wildlife and excellent freshwater fishing are all in one place. if they have their heart set on saltwater fishing, charters to Whittier or Seward and be arranged in Anchorage - many include transportation to the charter vessel.

That's why I asked. Most people wouldn't know that and I wanted to make sure what the exact question was about.