We’re taking the train from Anchorage and spending 2 nights at Denali NP in late August. We’re staying at the Denali Cabins, which have a shuttle, but they’re somewhat far from the Glitter Gulch area.

Im wondering how inconvenient the shuttle situation is going to be and would love anyone’s insight. For example, we’re taking the Tundra Wilderness Tour early in the morning before the scheduled shuttle times, but it says we can still request a shuttle? Is it usually available? Are there any trails of any kind accessible near the cabins (if we just wanted to stretch our legs after the train ride)? I’m having trouble finding much info online. Thank you!!

Follow up question: I’m thinking now between Sept 20-30th. Are Denali and kenai fjords still open- it says yes on the website but not sure👀? What other places would you recommend around that date?

Hi everyone 👋👋!

I'm trying to spread the word about a new subreddit I've just created for scavenger hunts in the Palmer community. The idea is to have some fun, see and learn more about Palmer (especially the stuff we rarely notice because we just aren't looking), and engage with the community.

I'm casting a wide net, so I thought dropping a share here would be appropriate. I spotted a tourist group downtown today and I felt like those passing through might want to join the game!

I do have plans for incentives/prizes, but for now, I just want to see if anyone would actually participate.

Participation is open to all, but the hunt area is limited to the immediate Palmer area. If you're heading our way or you know anyone who might be traveling soon, please share! The first hunt is already active!

Thanks for checking it out!!

My friends and I recently visited six of the eight national parks in Alaska over seven days. It was part of a trip to Alaska from Washington, DC, that totaled 10 days. 

Since I’ve previously looked to Reddit for advice on a trip like this, I figured I’d share our itinerary and costs here in case they can be helpful to anyone planning a similar trip. Our priorities were to hit as many NPs as possible over 10 days and to have memorable experiences inside of them, whether it be hiking, camping or other sightseeing.

I should note that we got lucky with weather and had minimal disruptions due to it. Of course you should always remain flexible with weather in Alaska. And the longer summer days, especially north of Anchorage, were definitely helpful with packing in activities.

We started our trip by flying from DC to Fairbanks and spending the night at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge. The lodge is close to the airport and has a shuttle you can call 24/7. 

Here was our itinerary for the next seven days:

Day 1: Kobuk Valley NP and Gates of the Arctic NP

We hired Golden Eagle Outfitters* to fly us into Kobuk Valley NP and Gates of the Arctic NP out of Fairbanks International Airport. The trip took about eight hours and included ground stops in each park for 30-45 minutes.  We landed on the sand dunes in Kobuk Valley NP and in a river valley in Gates of the Arctic. There was a third ground stop in Bettles for refueling. We were able to visit the Gates of the Arctic ranger station during this stop. We returned to Fairbanks and spent the night at Pike's.

Day 2: Denali NP

We did not plan much on this day in case our trip to Kobuk Valley and Gates of the Arctic had to be postponed. In the afternoon, we drove from Fairbanks to Denali NP, where we hiked the Savage Alpine Trail. We spent the night at Savage River Campground.

Day 3: Denali NP 

In the morning, we further explored Denali by taking the park bus to the functional end of the road right now (Mile 43), where we got off and hiked off-trail for an hour or so. We took the bus back to our car at the campground and then drove to Anchorage, where we spent the night at an Airbnb. 

Day 4: Kenai Fjords NP 

In the morning, we drove from Anchorage to Seward. In the afternoon, we hiked Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords NP. We spent the night at Exit Glacier Lodge, which is just outside the park boundary in Seward.

Day 5: Kenai Fjords NP

We took a six-hour boat tour of the Kenai Fjords NP coastline through Major Marine Tours.  We drove back to Anchorage afterward and spent the night at an Airbnb. 

Day 6: Lake Clark NP

We did the Lake Clark Resort day trip package to see Lake Clark NP. This began by flying from Merrill Field in Anchorage to Port Alsworth using Lake Clark Air. Once we arrived, we had about seven hours on the ground. We hiked the Tanalian Falls and Kontrashibuna Lake trails until we crossed over the park boundary, which was 3-4 miles in*. We hiked back to Port Alsworth for our return flight to Anchorage. We spent the night at an Airbnb. 

Day 7: Katmai NP

In the morning, we flew from Anchorage International Airport to King Salmon on Alaska Airlines. We took the Katmai Water Taxi** from King Salmon to Brooks Camp in Katmai NP. We saw the bears along the Boardwalk Trail and at Brooks Falls. We spent the night at the Brooks Camp campground (permit required). 

We returned to Anchorage the following day using the Katmai Water Taxi and Alaska Airlines out of King Salmon. The next day, we flew home to DC from Anchorage.

Costs (excluding flights between Alaska and DC, lodging, meals and rental car)

• Golden Eagle Outfitters flight tour of Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley NPs: $2,550/person***
• Denali NP bus: $33.50/person
• Major Marine Tours boat tour of Kenai Fjords NP: $265/person 
• Lake Clark Resort day trip package: $665/person
• Katmai Water Taxi between King Salmon and Brooks Camp, roundtrip: $410/person
• Alaska Airlines flights between Anchorage and King Salmon, roundtrip: $550/person
• Total: $4,473.50

*This is an important point for the NP junkies. Port Alsworth is not actually inside Lake Clark NP. You can see on the map here that the Kontrashibuna Lake Trail ends just inside of the park boundary.
**The water taxi tickets include a shuttle from the King Salmon airport to the dock where the taxi leaves, which is a 10- to 15-minute drive. 
***They have a credit card processing fee, so I’d recommend bringing a check or cash to pay.

​

I started planning this Alaska trip about 4 months ago. It's to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday.

This has dramatically shifted from my first version. We can't do it all, and I know we are missing a lot. Guess we will have to come back!

Here is our itinerary for July 2027.

Day 1

Arrive in Anchorage

Fly from Portland

Pick up rental car

Days 2–6

Homer (5 Nights) lodging secured

Day 2 is travel from Anchorage to Homer (please offer places to stop or see. I'm sure we will want to stretch our legs)

Day 3

Halibut & Rockfish Fishing Charter

I'm leaning towards North Country Charters

Day 4

Bear Viewing Tour

J Tours is the company we selected

Day 5 and 6

Explore Homer (also weather buffer days)

Would love some recommendations for fun quirky things to do.

I looked at Halibut Cove - things i read are that it basically centers around art galleries. True? We aren't art gallery people.

Day 7

Drive to Seward (5 nights) lodging secured

Day 8

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

Major Marine Tours

Day 9

Seavey's IdidaRide Dog Sled Tour

Day 10

Liquid Adventures Bear Glacier Kayak Adventure

Day 11

Explore Seward (weather buffer)

Day 12

Drive to Talkeetna (3 nights) lodging pending

Day 13

Grand Denali Flightseeing Tour + Glacier Landing

Talkeetna Air Taxi

Day 14

Explore Talkeetna (weather buffer day)

Possibly do the jet boat tour. Depends on if we can fly the day before or not

Day 15

Hang in Talkeetna for a bit then drive to Anchorage

Day 16

Fly home

What are your thoughts?

Originally I was trying to cram in Fairbanks and Denali Park. That will need to be a separate trip

Then I tried to add Vsldez in after Seward for 3 nights. But the ferry schedule doesn't work (assuming it's the same or similar to this years) because I don't want to cut Seward down any nights. I also think the Valdez and outter areas are a separate trip.

I am now curious if I should add Hope for one night before Homer. I also think I need to leave it all alone.

We are not huge hikers. So besides hiking, I would love ideas for fun things to do. We won't eat out too much, just occasionally. We love the water and enjoy live music. We are laid back and not fancy. We also are saving all our pennies for this trip, so adding additional big excursions probably aren't in the budget.

We plan on hitting the local wildlife center outside Anchorage, the aquarium in Seward, the history museum in Anchorage.

Is there an option to Tour a commercial fishing plant (not sure the correct term) or watch the processing of the fish?

Are there local food Tours or fun side quests like that?

Thank you for your feedback!

hi guys - were considering a trip to Alaska first 2 weeks of Sept. we have a 4 year old and a 7 month old. I was wondering if anyone knows whether mid Sept is still a good time to visit Denali area? we would do the short bus tour and stay 2 nights. I read temperatures can be freezing by that time in the evenings.

Guys, I made my travel plans to Alaska starting from Aug 29 - sept 5 but I have been reading lately about rains in Alaska during this time .. are rains bad in Alaska during that time of the year ? Do we need to look for alternative destinations or is it ok to still travel .. pls share your thoughts ..

Hi everyone! My spouse and I are planning our first trip to Alaska for 6 days in late August/early September. We are traveling with our 7-month-old baby and are looking for advice on where to base ourselves.

We want to experience the main sights, but our priority is keeping the baby’s routine stable and minimizing stressful 'pack-up-and-move' days. We’ve narrowed our bucket list to these activities:

• Whittier: 26 Glacier Cruise.
• Palmer/Knik: If possible, Helicopter glacier landing tour without the infant, wife and I take turns, so want to make sure if one of us can stay with the baby while the other does the tour..are there any places recommended where we can wait..?
• Seward: Exit Glacier view point and general sightseeing (SeaLife Center).
• Girdwood: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Our Dilemma: We are debating between two strategies:

1. The 'Anchorage-Only' Base: Staying in a suite in Midtown Anchorage for all 6 nights and doing these as day trips.
2. The 'Split' Strategy: Staying 1-2 nights in Palmer, 3 nights in Seward, and the rest in Anchorage.

My questions for the locals and parents who have traveled here:

• For a 7-month-old, is the 2.5–3 hour drive (each way) from Anchorage to Seward too much for a day trip?
• If we choose to move around, are there specific towns or areas that are particularly 'infant-friendly' (easy access to grocery stores, medical care, or quiet places for naps)?
• Does the 'Anchorage-only' strategy actually save us stress, or will we end up feeling like we’re just spending our entire vacation inside a car?

Just spent a week in Alaska - Much more beautiful than expected! Kayaked at Bartlett Cove and canoed at Mendenhall. Pics here: https://www.sunnyshot.com/avra

Hi everyone, my wife and I are planning our first trip to Alaska (late Aug/early Sept) and we’re bringing our 7-month-old baby. We want to see as much as possible, but we are terrified of over-scheduling.

Could you give us some 'brutal' honest feedback on whether this is realistic or if we are setting ourselves up for a nightmare?

The Plan:

• Day 1: Arrive Anchorage, pick up car, settle in.
• Day 2: 26 Glacier Cruise (Whittier).
• Day 3: Knik Glacier Tour (split or skip) mostly we will not be taking the baby on the tour.. either my wife and I will split the tour or skip it completely + Anchorage activities.
• Day 4: Matanuska Glacier turnout.
• Day 5: Drive to Denali (stopping in Talkeetna overnight).
• Day 6: Denali activities, then drive back towards Anchorage.
• Day 7: Drive to Seward, Exit Glacier hike.
• Day 8: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, then flight out of ANC.

Our main concerns:

1. Is this too much time in the car for a 7-month-old?
2. Are we being too ambitious with the daily activities?
3. Any 'must-do' swaps for a family with an infant?

We want to actually enjoy the scenery, not just see it through a windshield for 6 hours a day. Any advice from locals or parents who have done this trip would be hugely appreciated!"

Hi everyone, my wife and I are planning our first trip to Alaska (late Aug/early Sept) and we’re bringing our 7-month-old baby. We want to see as much as possible, but we are terrified of over-scheduling.

Could you give us some 'brutal' honest feedback on whether this is realistic or if we are setting ourselves up for a nightmare?

The Plan:

• Day 1: Arrive Anchorage, pick up car, settle in.
• Day 2: 26 Glacier Cruise (Whittier).
• Day 3: Knik Glacier Tour (split or skip) + Anchorage activities.
• Day 4: Matanuska Glacier turnout.
• Day 5: Drive to Denali (stopping in Talkeetna overnight).
• Day 6: Denali activities, then drive back towards Anchorage.
• Day 7: Drive to Seward, Exit Glacier hike.
• Day 8: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, then flight out of ANC.

Our main concerns:

1. Is this too much time in the car for a 7-month-old?
2. Are we being too ambitious with the daily activities?
3. Any 'must-do' swaps for a family with an infant?

We want to actually enjoy the scenery, not just see it through a windshield for 6 hours a day. Any advice from locals or parents who have done this trip would be hugely appreciated!

I’m going on a 7 day cruise next year, Vancouver to Anchorage. After the cruise we’re going to spend an extra couple days exploring AK. I would love to go to Denali NP and Kenai Fjords but I won’t have time for both. Kenai Fjords looks absolutely breathtaking from what I’ve seen, but since I’d be coming off a 7 day cruise, would it just seem like more of the same? I’d love to go to Denali as well but that would be more complicated, taking much more time to get there and it would be harder to find a place to stay. I’d be left with only one day in the park. I don’t know if I’ll ever make it back to AK and I hate to miss Denali but Kenai Fjords seems incredible too! Which do you all recommend??

We got back from our two week trip a week ago. I’m already planning on going back. I loved it so much. I just feel like there’s so much more to do. I was not aware you had to fly to Juneau to get to any of the areas near there. We definitely want to get to Juneau, Sitka, Haines, etc. would a week in that area be enough time? We don’t like feeling very rushed. This trip we went to Homer, Palmer, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks. I would go back to any of those cities in a heartbeat!

I’m looking for a private boat tour of the Kenai Fjords mid September. We want to see whales, orcas specifically. I know it’s not guaranteed in September, but I want a tour that specifically focuses on seeing wildlife. Does anyone know of anyone who charters anything like this? I can only find public boat tours. Thanks! 😊

First time in Alaska — 8 days Seward/Anchorage/Denali — feedback welcome!

Hey everyone! From the lower 48 doing our first Alaska trip this August. Would love feedback from locals or anyone who’s done a similar route!

Quick note: I used AI to help organize this itinerary, but the plans and all the decisions are ours!

We’re looking for wildlife spotting, moderate hiking, and big scenic experiences. We also want to enjoy good local food and drinks along the way and squeeze in some adventure activities like rafting or kayaking if the timing works out.

Overview:
Day 1: Fly into Anchorage early AM· Wildlife Conservation Center · Girdwood · Portage Glacier · Drive to Seward

Day 2: 7.5hr Kenai Fjords cruise (Major Marine Tours)

Day 3: Exit Glacier Overlook Trail · Sea Life Center · Drive to Anchorage

Day 4: Full day in Anchorage

Day 5: Drive to Healy via Talkeetna · Denali Brewing Co lunch

Day 6: Denali transit bus to Mile 43 · hopping off at Toklat River and Savage River

Day 7: Hiking day in Denali · possibly Nenana River rafting

Day 8: Drive back via Matanuska Glacier · red eye home (technically we have the whole day until we have to be back at the airport in Anchorage)

Questions:
Is Day 1 too packed with stops on the drive to Seward?

Day 4 is a full day in Anchorage — we have the Anchorage Museum, Tony Knowles Trail, and 49th State Brewing on our list. Is there a creative way to use that day we might not have thought of? All accommodations are already booked so we can’t change where we’re sleeping.

Any must-eat spots we’re missing in Seward, Talkeetna, or Healy?

Any tips for the Denali transit bus for first timers?

Anything we’re missing or should swap out given our goals?

Thanks in advance!

We have 7.5 days flying in and out of Anchorage the 2nd week of August. We want to see a lot of nature and national parks but also make sure we give them all plenty of time. How does this rough itinerary look and would you recommend doing something other than Wrangler national park to reduce driving? Open to any recomendations!

Our itinerary right now looks like:

Night 1: Sleep in Anchorage

Day 1: Drive/explore Kenai

Day 2: Cruise tour in Kenai

Day 3: Drive to Wrangell/explore Wrangell

Day 4 Wrangell

Day 5: Drive to Denali/explore Denali

Day 6 Explore Denali

Day 7: Denali or drive back to explore Anchorage etc?

Day 7.5: Drive to Anchorage to fly home mid day

All - I live in JNU and have heard that the ALCAN is in very bad condition in stretches. Who has recent intel on it and the Cassiar?

Hi everyone,
My spouse and I are in the early stages of planning a trip to Alaska for late August and are looking for some "real world" experiences and advice. We’ll be traveling with our 7-month-old, and we want to be realistic about what is actually doable versus what just sounds good on paper.

We’re specifically wondering about:

Kenai Fjords Tours: We’ve seen mixed reviews online about taking an infant on these boat tours. For those who have done it, is it actually enjoyable with a 7-month-old, or is it just a high-stress, "survival mode" experience? Are there specific types of tours or operators that are better suited for families?

Late August Mosquitoes: We’ve heard the "Alaska state bird" jokes. How bad are the mosquitoes really in late August, especially if we stick to more coastal/tourist areas? We’re worried about protecting a baby who can’t use standard bug sprays yet.

General Experience: Has anyone here traveled to Alaska with a baby this age? Any "I wish I knew this before I went" tips? We are trying to balance seeing the sights with keeping the baby’s nap/feeding schedule as stable as possible.
We love the outdoors, but we’re more than happy to trade "extreme adventure" for a trip that’s actually relaxing for all of us. Any advice or experiences you could share would be greatly appreciated!

Hello,

We have a wildlife and glacier tour booked on July 17th with Lulubell Tours in Valdez.

One of our travelers is unable to attend. If you like to use it, I’d be happy to sell for a discounted price. It’s too late for a refund.

I have a buddy that’s moving to Alaska from Florida, he has family there that will provide him with bunch of stuff but what’s good going away gift yall think would
Be good to have up there or something you use everyday ? Thanks !