Alaska Bound

[SamC.]

Good morning All. The Mrs. and I have caught the "Alaska Bound" bug for vacation in spring/summer of 2025. We have 12 days in-country to work with. The general plan (as of now) is to fly into Anchorage, rent a 4WD Sprinter van w/ bed, kitchen, toilet and head north. No plans yet as to where to go, what to see/what to do. Still researching that part of the equation. That said, for those of you who live in Alaska or have traveled in & about the state, I would welcome your thoughts/knowledge.

Semper gumby,

Sam

[Dantilla]

Might consider beginning in Bellingham, Washington and taking Alaska State Ferry up the inner passage.
The ferry has cabins available (and an area on the aft deck where some set up tents) and food service.

We got off in Skagway, and headed up through Yukon and on to Fairbanks when our daughter was attending UAF and needed her car.

Fantastic trip

[GH85Carrera]

If you are in Anchorage, take the scenic train to Fairbanks. Lots to do just looking at the countryside. Then take it back to Anchorage, at night. If you go in July, it is never really dark, just twilight and lots to see.

[3rd_gear_Ted]

Bring tin foil for the windows while sleeping in the van.

[wildthing]

I've not been to Alaska but my wife and I are looking to hit the national parks... driving might be our option with 3 kids but the train suggestion above sounds nice too.

[panelbilly]

We’re in Eagle River for the week right now. Day time doesn’t last long but the views are wonderful. Think about how you’re going to protect yourself from bears and moose. If you come up for the 4th of July you can see the cars driving off a cliff. Google it and you’ll understand.

[unclebilly]

Something you might consider… you can take a cruise ship to Anchorage and then rent a car and then fly home or take another cruise ship back home. You won’t book this through Expedia but these options do exist.

I saw some vans truck with quads in a compound in Skagway that were obviously shipped up awaiting their owners to arrive via cruise ship. This is something I’m kept in the back of my mind since.

[varmint]

Seward, they rent jet skis and take you out to the glacier. Sometimes you see orcas.
Expensive.

The wildlife center south of anchorage. See the big critters up close.

Cooper landing to soldotna, fishing and drinking.

Homer, just drinking.

Hope for lunch and camping.


Two weeks isn’t really enough time.



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[Skip Newsom]

Denali
Find a spot to leave your rig and catch the park bus to Eielson visitor center. It takes most of a day and they do stop at several spots to stretch your legs.
If you are lucky you might even see Denali itself as it likes to hide in the clouds. The potential for wildlife viewing is well worth the time spent in my opinion.
I've got to go back!







That Moose won't mess with my wife again!


Big critter proof door at the little cabin we stayed in








Denali hiding