Yet another "I'm going to Alaska" thread.

[nesincg]

Wife and I are planning a trip this summer up to Alaska for our 15th anniversary. Neither us have really been there. I've only been there on a short overnight.

We are planning 10 - 14 days. I'd like to avoid crowds, tour buses, or heavy tourist crap.

Some things I want to do:

1. a few nights in ANC just because I have a million Hilton points to blow.
2. The train to Fairbanks
3. Some small airplane flying one or two days. Though I don't need to be at the controls, that would be fun. Floatplane tours are good too.
4. Denali (maybe just from the air)

Looking for:
ideas for small town B&Bs.
Day trips from ANC
how to get back from Fairbanks.
How to get around

And, though it goes against my tourist crowd rule, anyone ever done a cruise up from Vancouver?

Reply to thread, PM, or just email cnesin@yahoo.com

Thanks a ton,
Chris

[SJ]

ideas for small town B&Bs.
Day trips from ANC
how to get back from Fairbanks.
How to get around

I thought you said you wanted to avoid tourist crap?

sj (the tourist)

[Anne]

Train to Seward, then a tour around Resurrection Bay with a stop on Fox Island for a salmon bake, train back to ANC at dusk (package deal, whole day)

Sunshine B&B on the road into Talkeetna - very nice place to stay, friendly folks. Then go to the airport in Talkeetna for a flight around Denali (not sure if Hudson Air is still there, but there are others)

Musk ox farm near Palmer (if your wife is into knitting, this is a must, plus there's a co-op store in Anchorage that sells the quiviat yarn and various knitted items, but beware - expensive, but worth it)

Alaska Float Ratings for floats & mountain flying (I think they open the end of May)

In Fairbanks, the Alaska Fairgrounds (not sure if that's the right name), and the museum at Univ. of Alaska Fairbanks

If you like to read about the north, go to Title Wave books in Anchorage. Quilted Raven downtown if your wife is into quilting (around the corner from the Glacier Brewhouse (great food & beer); if she likes knitting, Far North Yarn is just south of downtown.

If you rent a car and started driving, you'll find lots of things to see & do, and it will truly be your own trip, maybe discovering something interesting that the rest of us haven't seen. I found a Gold Rush park where you can tour the camp, see the machinery, and pan for gold. Neat experience, even if it was a bit touristy (how many gold mines have you been to??).

Happy Anniversary, & have fun!

Anne.

[skukum12]

If you like history, the earthquake museum is right around the corner from the Hilton. Go to Lake Hood/Lake Spenard and watch the floatplane action. Then hit the Aviation Museum at Lake Hood. For a really nice flight which is close, head up to the Knik Glacier and surrounding area, you won't be disappointed, it is close and there are MANY places to land safely without tons of experience (there are tour flights, but maybe someone here will hook you up)

If you get way off the road system, try Nome or one of the hot springs around the state

Joe

[Speedo]

Chris, you've already received some good recommendations. You might also consider driving down to Homer or Seward (you'll probably see goats and maybe moose on the way to Seward); a drive out to Eklutna Lake for a good hike; great pictures at Thunderbird Falls (the lake and falls are a short drive out of Anchorage); a walk around Lake Hood and the tie downs at Merrill Field and Birchwood will show you some neat mods; you can drop in on Mike Skup and be amazed at his craftsmanship; the Native Heritage museum (Muldoon exit) is a good stop. If you're here at the right time you can go fishing. If you get to Fairbanks try to check out the Everts boneyard (several C-46s in pieces). My boys liked the flight around Denali: one got to land at base camp, which was very interesting. If you have Jumpseat privileges (or a fat wallet) you can come out to Bethel to see a big Eskimo village, and I'll take the two of you out to a great Bethel restaurant (= a low grade restaurant Outside ). Go to Kotz and say hi to Donnie and check out Cloudy's former haunts. Go to Unalakleet and meet Ariel, Jim, and Ferno. Chena Hot Springs comes highly recommended.

I sent Diana a book on day hikes around Anchorage. Contact her if you want the title.

I'll check with friends for other ideas.

[Torch]

One of the great things to do in Fairbanks. Buy Torch a beer at Pikes.

[njneer]

Day trips from Anchorage include Hatcher's Pass (historic gold mine between Palmer and Willow), Eagle River Visitor's Center (unbelieveable mountain vistas, great wilderness hiking for short walks or longer full day hikes, and a great place to meet bears), Knik Glacier (convince one or two of us locals to fly you there for great views of glaciers, hiking and wildlife viewing, overnight camping available there too), Drive down Turnagain Arm to Portage and back, side trip to Crow Creek Mine in Girdwood, extend the trip to Hope and back, trip to Talkeetna.

Near Fairbanks, Alaska Land (historic buildings and a sternwheeler), drive to Chatanika and climb on the old gold dredge (be careful, do not walk on the old roofs), Chena Hot Springs.

Most importantly, get the Mile Post (www.milepost.com). Best bet for latest info on transportation services, B&Bs, and points of interest.

Driving is easy compared to St. Louis. Girdwood and Portage - take the only road south out of Anchorage (120 mi RT). Hope, same road, firt time it forks turn right follow to the end (+/-200 mi RT). Homer - same road, firt fork hang left, second fork hang right (+/-250 mi to Homer). Seward - same road, left at first fork, left at second fork, drive to the end (150 mi to Seward). Fairbanks - leave the driving to the engineer, enjoy the views. If you drive Anchorage to Fairbanks, take the only road north out of Anchorage, first fork, hang left. Follow the road to the end (350 mi).

[jprax]

You can put your car on the ferry at Whittier (by Portage, south of Anchorage) to Valdez through Prince William Sound and the drive back to Anchorage. Spectacular drive and you get on the water too. The fast ferry only takes a couple hours. The 60 miles out of Valdez can't be beat for a drive, the other 240 to Anchorage isn't bad either. If you really want off the beaten trail look at Kennecott and McCarthy and Wrangel St Elias park. The park service will soon screw that up so I would visit now. Personally I would go there over Denali. Just some thoughts. Beware though most new visitors are not used to the distance. You don't want to drive all the time. Another thing you could do is drive to Fairbanks from Valdez on the Richardson Highway and then back to Anchorage on the Parks. 6 hours between Anchorage and Fairbanks and Valdez and Fairbanks, five Anchorage and Valdez but you want to have some extra picture taking time too.

[kevind]

If you make it around Kenai and want to fly let me know.

[Phillip Elgin]

chris,
i think a drive to seward is one of the most scenic drives you could do. stop at the alyeska resort, http://www.alyeskaresort.com/ and take the tram to the top for lunch, unbelivable views. gonna be hard to competely avoid tourist stuff that time of year, (everybody want to see the same stuff) also spend a couple days in talkeetna, neat small town and you could rent a small room at the 60* north for 35 bucks a night!

[sierra bravo]

Taking the train to Fairbanks? From there, rent a car to drive south through Summit Lake and Paxson. Go straight at Glenallen and head through Copper Center into Valdez. Take the ferry from there to Whittier and drive back into Anchorage. That would be the best car trip you can get in Alaska. Great towns and the best scenery you'll ever see. As for your time in Anchorage? There are more fun things to do than you'll have days to do them. That remains true no matter how long you visit. One of my favorite things to do here in Anchorage is walking or biking the coastal trail in the evening, particularly from Woranzof to Kincaid Park. Make time for that. You'll never forget it. A picnic on the rocks along Turnagain Arm is another favorite thing. Especially when the Belugas are in. Its pretty cool to sit there and listen to them breathe. Simple stuff, easily accessible. Anchorage is a nice little city right in the heart of wonderland. If you want city stuff, its here. If you want wonderland, its all around. The problem with visiting Alaska is that people try to compress too much into too little time. The key to enjoying what Alaska is comes with decompressing. Have fun.

[njneer]

The problem with visiting Alaska is that people try to compress too much into too little time. The key to enjoying what Alaska is comes with decompressing. Have fun.

Sierra Bravo is right. There is way too much to do in that small part of Alaska that you defined than you have time for in two weeks. Pick a couple of items that suit your interests and spend some quality time at those. Several of my freinds have come to Alaska on tour packages, and they all have the same complaint. The tour companies herd the tourists to way too many sites. Each said they wished they could have visited fewer sites but spent more time at those sites to really enjoy them.

I have lived in Alaska for 28 years now, and as a structural njneer, my job takes me all over the state. I have yet to "see it all."

[flyinalaska]

Depending on when you're here I'll take you flying around Knik and if your wife wants to go I'll find another friend with a cub for her so you can both see the same things. I love showing people Alaska. Just send me a PM or email and if I'm around then we will figure something out. flyinalaska@hotmail.com

[wheat]

If you are able to get a reservation, book the Lake Hood Inn B&B in Anchorage. Its right on the end of Lk Hood and you can watch float planes forever. Its a wonderful place and Bill who own's it is a great guy. You will not be disappointed.

[aktango58]

Homefire b&b in Anderson, just north of Denali, 100 miles south of Fairbanks. Tell Chip and Julie George Sent you!

Buy a Milepost (book on Alaska Roads and things to do). Buy it now, and start reading up on the STUFFS to do.

sort of hard to do the fun stuff without being in the tourist trap stuff unless you get here early or late in the season.

For a great shopping spot in each big city: Stoddards and Tamarack. If you do the Paxton drive, and go through Delta, there is a great Chinese place right after the junction in Delta. Small and easy to miss, but great food.

[scout88305]

[QUOTE=Anne;537848]Train to Seward, then a tour around Resurrection Bay with a stop on Fox Island for a salmon bake, train back to ANC at dusk (package deal, whole day)

+1 on the all day Kenia Fiords trip and all you can eat Salmon bake/ prime rib on fox island. For the money there is no better bang for the buck to see country, calving glaciers and wildlife, and then gorge yourself on good seafood...IMHO
You want the 8 1/2 hour cruise here: http://www.kenaifjords.com/kenai-nationalpark.html#10am

Talon Air out of Soldatna. Day trip fishing with shore lunch and your limit of Reds or Silvers depending on season
Hard to beat the price and I have been with them several times. http://talonair.com/

Talkeetna with K2, TAT, or Sheldon air for a glacier landing.

Rent a car book the highspeed ferry Chenega http://www.akmhs.com/information/vessels.cfm from Whittier to Valdez. Drive up through Thompson pass and into McCarthy. Bed and Breakfasts along the way in Chitnia and McCarthy. Drive back towards Anchorage and hit Talkeetna on the way back in for your flight to Denali. http://chitinahouse.com/
http://www.alaskagold.com/copper/mcarthy/mcarthy.html

Lose the crowds on the Kenia Peninsula and in Anchor town. All this can be done in 5-6 days minimal pace

[DENNY]

I would not do train to fairbanks. Call Don Lee in Talkeetna and do some float flying or TAT for Glacier landing. This is BIG country do not try to see it all at once. PM me and I will give you my phone number
DENNY

[Steve Pierce]

If you are able to get a reservation, book the Lake Hood Inn B&B in Anchorage. Its right on the end of Lk Hood and you can watch float planes forever. Its a wonderful place and Bill who own's it is a great guy. You will not be disappointed.

I agree with wheat. Bill is great and his place is close and really nice with an awesome view to kick back and relax after all the fun.

[nesincg]

All great suggestions. Please keep them coming

[aktango58]

try for a permit to drive to kantishna. Denali National park deal. Lots of critters on the drive, and not all on a bus

[sierra bravo]

You asked about day trips around Anchorage. Here's a great one. The venue is near Girdwood and Alyeska Resort as well as Portage Glacier and the area's touristy wild animal park. If you get to Girdwood make time to eat breakfast or lunch at The Bake Shop. Its a little hole in the wall soup and sandwich cafe that'll leave a lasting impression.

http://alaska.org/glaciers/glacier-jet-alaska.jsp

Another excursion worth considering is an upper Kenai River float/fishing trip. The upper Kenai is primarily non-motorized and lots of full and half day guided trips are offered by various guiding outfits. That's a dream trip for most visitors. Spectacular, relaxing, and you'll get to fish the Kenai, which will give you bragging rights for life. Floating the upper Kenai can even fit nicely into a romantic anniversary trip. It's a magical place. Wife and I have both been here for 45 years+ and consider the Kenai Princess Lodge one of the go-to romantic getaway spots.

Here's a taste of the upper Kenai. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TWdGRRi9Nw

Some guys will tell you Anchorage isn't Alaska. Usually guys who don't live in Alaska, let alone Anchorage. There are two moose in the yard at the moment and my dog just had a hide-and-seek with a young lynx about a hundred yards up the road. City living isn't all bad.

[Bonanza32GF]

For float flying I suggest Alex Clark in Homer, 907 226 2899 or dragonflyaero@alaska.net. Alex and Inge have a cabin for pilots. Great people and fun flying!

[nesincg]

Tickets booked. Odd dates but the price was right. Arrive Sunday July 29th and leave Thursday August 9th. $450 each round-trip seemed like a bargain.

WOW. 100 bucks a day for a rental car. Somebody needs to start a rental car company up there.

[Bill Rusk]

Holy Buckets, when I went to the Airmans Trade Show I was paying 9 dollars a day with Enterprise Rent A Car. That sounds like a short notice mid week price.

Sounds like a great trip. Have fun!

Bill

[skywagon8a]

All of the above are good suggestions. If you would like to go for a short drive north out of Anchorage for one of the most tremendous views, go to the top of Skyline drive in Eagle River. You can see the entire basin all the way to Mt. Spurr. Late in the day with the lights just coming on, it is a most spectacular scene.

[mvivion]

Holy Buckets, when I went to the Airmans Trade Show I was paying 9 dollars a day with Enterprise Rent A Car. That sounds like a short notice mid week price.

Sounds like a great trip. Have fun!

Bill

Nope, it sounds like an "in season" rate.

MTV

[sierra bravo]

And as Jackie Purcell said on last night's news, as of yesterday the sun won't set before eleven o'clock for two months. Welcome to the land of the midnight sun.

Gotta be on the boat by 4:00 AM on Saturday morning to fish the Anchor Point King Derby. But the Ninilchik opens at midnight Friday night. Sounds like an all nighter!

[Steve Pierce]

Chris, Check rental car rates away from the airport, usually more reasonable.

[cruiser]

Enterprise is a $12 cab ride from the airport, much cheaper. Jim

[Alex Clark]

For float flying I suggest Alex Clark in Homer, 907 226 2899 or dragonflyaero@alaska.net. Alex and Inge have a cabin for pilots. Great people and fun flying!

Yeap and we are back from Europe. Our guest cabin in pretty quite and a lot less expensive than a hotel. And you could get some stick time in the mountains and lakes near here.....

[slowmover]

My wife and I had a great 2-week trip up there in 2008. Here was our itinerary:

Flew into Anchorage, rented a car, messed around Anchorage for a couple days
Drove out to Chitina
Got the folks from Wrangell Mountain Air to pick us up at Chitina and drop us off south of McCarthy for a three-day backpacking trip
Spent a night or two at the Kennicott Lodge near McCarthy
Drove down to Valdez
Got a water taxi out ot a Forest Service Cabin with two sea kayaks, and hung out there for three days
Took the ferry from Valdez to Whittier
Drove down to the Kenai River and fished
Drove back to Anchorage and came home

It was a great trip, and we saw alot of things that I never saw even after living there for 4 years. Worked out that we spent about half the trip sleeping in a bag (camping or in the cabin) and the other half in hotels/lodges.

[nesincg]

April and I will be packing all day tomorrow and hop on a smoker at 7pm. We are excited. We finally got a rental car at a reasonable price for the whole time and will now be nicely mobile. Our tentative plan is to spend 4 days in Anc and then head to the peninsula for hiking, B&Bs, Camping, and who knows.

I like the idea of the ferry to Valdez and then driving back. I only have the airline tickets and the first 4 nights accommodations planned out. People I know think that's crazy but I don't want to cram too much into our trip. We will do what we have time for.

As a side note for future summer visitors, I've never seen a more volatile rental car market. We had checked everywhere on and off airport including unheard of small companies. I checked a few dozen times over the last few months and got vastly different daily results. At one point I got a car for $50 per day and was semi-happy with that. I had a Jeep reserved for $70 if I got spend happy. This morning a Budget rental car was available for $20 per day so I jumped on it.

[flyinalaska]

Arctic Thunder airshow is sat and Sunday if you like airshows. You will probably see the thunderbirds from all around town. If you need anything while you're in anchorage let me know. You have my number. Shannon

[CloudDancer]

One of the great things to do in Fairbanks. Buy Torch a beer at Pikes.

Torch - You give an entirely new meaning to the word "EASY"!

CloudDancer

[Alex Clark]

Of course now the sunny part of Alaskan summer is over (what little there was this year) and now the rainy season has kicked into full gear...

[tamarack]

nescing,
How's the trip going? This weekend, 8/3, the Tanana Valley Fair starts in Fairbanks. Call or stop by the shop for info and other stuff to do if you make it to Fairbanks.

Vickie and Crew
Tamarack Air
(907) 479-6751

[nesincg]

Its going great guys. We are loving it. Looking at the weather and wondering to go North or South. I think we want to do a separate trip to Fairbanks area but you never know. Right now the weather is nice and cooperating.

[sierra bravo]

Drive to Homer. It's a nice ride to a little hippie/fishing town. You'll see the Turnagain Arm, Turnagain Pass, Kenai Lake, Kenai River, Soldotna. The Kasilof River, Clam Gulch, Ninilchik, Anchor Point, a beautiful drive along the bluff above Cook Inlet, and when you crest the hill and start down into Homer? That may be the prettiest place on planet earth on a clear day. The bulk of the ride is spectacular. Ask a local to direct you to Two Sisters Bakery. It's a great cafe/coffee house. Or the Cosmic Cafe is another fun place. Worth the drive but it'll be a long day if you round trip it. I'd still do it. Just start early.

If you want an easy afternoon trip drive to Portage and Girdwood. The Bake Shop at the base of Alyeska is legendary. As is the Double Musky, Jack Sprat, Chair Five, etc. Pepe's in Indian makes darn good paella. Perfect with a pitcher of sangria!

[nesincg]

We've been here a week and have seen some Amazing sights. We've done day trips and hikes and flying up near Anchorage and have started making our way southbound through the Kenai Peninsula to Homer. What an amazing trip so far.

P1030839.jpgA day hike from Anchorage.

P1030760.jpgA day flight from Anchorage. Thank you SF.

DSC00806.jpgWatching the incoming bore tide from Seward hwy.

IMG_8465.jpgRafting 6mile creek next to Hope hwy.

And I don't know who's crazy idea it was to come see Alex Clark in Homer but......

WOW!

I've never flown or landed in such beautiful places. I've flown floats in Florida and Maine but this is just amazing. If you want to get a floatplane rating and can afford to get here, this is the real deal folks. Well worth the money.

P1030951.jpgNice and light PA11 gets off the water fast.

P1030930.jpgPassing the "spit" on the way to play in the mountains.

P1030939.jpg Amazing views

DSC00836.jpg More amazing views and then landing in lakes nearby.

P1030948.jpgOne happy dude. Then April got her turn to go!

Only 4 more days left. Man how time flies.

[Bonanza32GF]

And I don't know who's crazy idea it was to come see Alex Clark in Homer but......

I will take credit for that, glad you are having a good time. Say hello to Alex and Inge for Carol and me.