Visiting Alaska

“Hello, My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Alaska. We want to do some hiking in Denali and some see kayaking during our trip. What are some places you would recommend? I am Amateur hiker. I hike with crampons and do mountaineering. My girlfriend is somewhat a beginner. Cheers!”

“Denali is great for beginners like you.”

“TT is the place to start. (TT must be doing something right!)

coleman - Please complete your "Information Page." Thank you.”

“In 2004, I took a trip to Alaska w/ several other TTers.

We hiked four days on the Resurrection Pass Trail on the Kenai Peninsula, from Hope to Cooper's Landing. It was absolutely beautiful! And, IMO, it would be just fine for beginners because the trail is well marked.

We didn't hit Denali National Park. We did, however, camp and hike at Denali State Park. We were told it would be less crowded and, because you're just a little farther away from Mt McKinley, it would have better views. It was sound advice and I don't believe any of us regret not going to the NP.

We did a kayak trip in the Resurrection Bay. The guide service, Sunny Cove, was on Lowell Point (we camped there, at Miller's Landing) in Seward.

Between our stays in Seward and Denali State Park, we hit Talkeetna and chartered an eight seater into the Alaskan Range for an up close and personal view of Mt McKinley (locals prefer to call it Denali Mtn). Well worth the money!

While in Anchorage, we stayed at the Spenard Hostel and enjoyed visiting w/ the other travelers.

Have a blast! It was the best trip I've ever taken... so far. :-)
last edited: 1/16/06 10:09:30 PM”

“HI There!
:-)
If you've never travelled there, You will have a great time!
My hubby (Thinkbubelz) and I went in 2004 as well! We hiked Denali and Eklutna State Park and did a day hike up to (but not all the way too) the Harding Ice Field....

Lots of great memories!!

Took a day cruise in Seward and hit the Homer Spit (lots of touristy little shops)...

We mostly car-camped, except when in Denali (We did both car-camping AND backpacking--it was our first backpacking and well worth the trip!)

We spent 14 days in Alaska and only stayed in a hotel 2 nights (1 night when it rained and the 2nd on our wedding anniversary). Most of the car-camping places are inexpensive, although you need to beware that some recommend hard-top campers only, due to the bears... Lots of National forest has free campsites (there is one at the base of Exit Glacier).

We got a great deal on a car-rental through Alamo (was about $350 for 2 weeks--look online for coupons)....

Do a search on Alaska, and I'm sure you will find lots of threads from TTers!! :-)

We never got to Wonder Lake area (near the base of Mt McKinley--it's basically a 13 hour bus ride from the front of Denali NP), but we did take a bus into the front of the park and backpacked the Polychrome Hills... Beautiful and you can see for miles around... We only did a 2-night backcountry trip, but hope to do more the next time we go!

By the way, if you do go to Denali NP, ask some of the staff about the Golden Spike (the after-hours bar for employees)... if you get lucky, they will ask you to join them!”

“Was there in 193. Going back this year.

Ach
Denali 3 days
Talkeetna to raft i day
Girdwood 1 day
Seward 2 days. Small boat cruise (16 peopel) in the Kenai fjords national park

Homer 11 days Including 3 across Katcheamk bay in a Yurt sea kayaking.”

“I have read that the Kesugi Ridge Trail is one of the best in Denali. A easy 2000 ft assent and awesome views of Denali Mt. I Also read that the Exit Glacier is pretty sweet. We have collected enough Flyer miles to travel anywhere in America. So we decided to hit Alaska. We are trying to avoid paying 3 grand on a guided trip. Thanks for all the info. Coleman”

“There are some awesome places--off trail--
in the Gates of the Arctic National Park.
I am going there in June 2006.
Anyone interested in joining me as a travel
partner? Am a shoe-string budget traveller.
For further information--please email me at:
tmrstein@yahoo.com
last edited: 4/21/06 10:14:16 AM”