Which Month in Alaska
Aug 17th, 2006, 05:58 PM
#23
Join Date: Nov 2004
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We're still figuring out Alaska - after one brief trip, no surprise there. And some of these replies are sooooo very informative, precise and helpful, I plan to save as a resource.
I just thought I'd add our experience, however: an Inland Passage cruise, last two weeks of July that was socked in in just about every port we visited (Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell - weather in Skagway was lovely and Prince Rupert - not too bad). On the other hand, hearing that folks a few years ago experienced 80-90s in these areas, I was happy to forego heat along with scenery. It just let us know that AK is a place to go back to again and again.
No bugs while we were there; some excellent whale-watching (thanks to Capt. Larry posts on various threads here). Don't feel like we 'saw' Alaska at all, actually - but had a wonderful time nonetheless!
I just thought I'd add our experience, however: an Inland Passage cruise, last two weeks of July that was socked in in just about every port we visited (Sitka, Juneau, Wrangell - weather in Skagway was lovely and Prince Rupert - not too bad). On the other hand, hearing that folks a few years ago experienced 80-90s in these areas, I was happy to forego heat along with scenery. It just let us know that AK is a place to go back to again and again.
No bugs while we were there; some excellent whale-watching (thanks to Capt. Larry posts on various threads here). Don't feel like we 'saw' Alaska at all, actually - but had a wonderful time nonetheless!
Aug 18th, 2006, 09:44 AM
#24
Join Date: Apr 2003
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I just remembered someone mentioned going to Denali in September. Keep in mind that area "buttons up" for the winter early September & there are no tours into the park.
In September the National Park Service promotes a road lottery whereby 400 cars a day are allowed into the park provided the road in not slick with snow or ice. This year the winners of the individual day can go in on 14, 15, 16, or 17 Sept weather permitting. Most everything else is closed down during & after this period.
In September the National Park Service promotes a road lottery whereby 400 cars a day are allowed into the park provided the road in not slick with snow or ice. This year the winners of the individual day can go in on 14, 15, 16, or 17 Sept weather permitting. Most everything else is closed down during & after this period.
Aug 23rd, 2006, 05:30 PM
#25
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I had to chuckle at fodderfodder's warning. It's so true. We went up to work one summer in Denali Park and stayed nine years. My son went up to go backpacking and kayaking last summer; he called and said he's never coming back (he was only half kidding). It's that kind of place.
I loved almost every month for it's own unique reasons, except for breakup (April) which was gray and muddy. But for most visitors who want to see scenery and wildlife, summer is the best. June has generally good weather and lower crowds, but more mosquitoes. Late August to early September is also less crowded, and beautiful with the tundra dressed in red. Much later than that and many things will be closed. The icebergs are there all the time if you go to the right place.
I loved almost every month for it's own unique reasons, except for breakup (April) which was gray and muddy. But for most visitors who want to see scenery and wildlife, summer is the best. June has generally good weather and lower crowds, but more mosquitoes. Late August to early September is also less crowded, and beautiful with the tundra dressed in red. Much later than that and many things will be closed. The icebergs are there all the time if you go to the right place.
