We are leaving for our first trip to Alaska on Tuesday. After arriving in Anchorage we will rent a car and drive to Valdez for 3 nights. From there we will take a ferry to Whittier and drive to Homer for one week. We want to do lots of hiking, birdwatching, walking, bear watching, and other outdoor activities (except fishing and kayaking). What to pack for this time of the year? Summer clothes, winter clothes?
Anyone in Alaska right now? How is a weather lately in Homer and Valdez? Thank you for your help

for starters, a coat.

A scarf, hat, buttons and a carrot would do good! The weather in Alaska is cold and snowy! Bring your Huskies and then you can go sledding!

Temperatures most likely will be in the 50s or 60s around the water, up to 10+ degrees warmer in the interior (eg enroute to Valdez). Pretty cloudy forecast in most places for the next few days, not untypical for south central AK in June/July. Don't forget the wind off the water can be very chilly. Use layers and keep something water-resistant nearby. Use the Yahoo weather service, http://weather.yahoo.com, for updates and forecasts.

We've been twice--last time about this time of year. Dress in layers, take jeans and above all take the best mosquito repellant you can find with the highest DEET content. Those mosquitoes are HUGE in Alaska, and everywhere! But the scenery is awesome.

I've just returned from a trip to Alaska
covering some of the same ground you
will be and I didn't have enough warm
clothes. Take at least 2 wool sweaters and rain gear. Layer with polypro or silk long or short sleeve shirts. Hiking boots are a must and I would leave my jeans home. Too heavy to pack or wear when wet. Buy some lighweight hiking pants. If you happen to need some extra clothing stop in at the second hand clothing store in Valdez and buy fleece like I did. Also, when in Valdez don't miss the museum. It is very well done and one of the wonderful women who takes your money lived thru the earthquake in 1964. Please consider visiting Denali National Park. Saw 3 grizzlies, caribou, Golden Eagles, falcon, Dall Sheep and the best part was Mt. McKinley was visible for the entire day. We were in heaven!! Have fun!

I got back on Monday the 2nd from a wonderful week in Alaska. Anchorage, Seward (day cruise in the Kenai Fjords, Wildlife tour in Denal, and Portage glacier, Mat-su valley, etc. Weather was great-in the low 70's and sunny most days (no rain, which I understand is unusual). Wore shorts a couple of days, jeans, light pants. On the cruise, was glad I had on warm pants, and a jacket because the wind made it cool. Needed a light jacket at night, and in Denali, had a light jacket over a sweatshirt that I took off at times. Have a wonderful trip. Stop by the Portage Glacier visitors center right after you exit the tunnel. Watch the glacier movie. It will be well worth the time.

I'm in Anchorage where it has been raining and/or cloudy for the past week. Bring a water repellant jacket for sure. I would follow John's suggestions as well. It may have been a sunny June, but so far July has received above normal amounts of rain. I hope you have a nice trip no matter what the weather.

Thank you John, Traveler, Sherri, Char, and Shelly for your great information and suggestions. I am packing today and including warm and waterproof clothing. Thanks again

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Thanks

ttt