Alaska Trip itinerary review, suggestions

November 6, 2023 2:28 PM

I'm planning a trip to Alaska next year with my 2 siblings (so, 3 fairly fit but older adults) and I'm hoping for confirmation that our itinerary seems good and experienced suggestions on a possible whale watching add-on.

We're planning the following, probably in July 2024: Fly into to Fairbanks, stay one night somewhere close-ish, then drive the Denali Highway to Denali (not the most direct route but supposed to be gorgeous though rough) to Denali NP. Stay there a few days (Denali Cabins) then fly into the backcountry (cuz the road is closed not far in) to Denali Backcountry Lodge, and stay a few more days. Then fly back to Denali cabins and drive to Anchorage with goal of seeing the grizzly bears feeding at Brooks Camp. This is where it gets tricky because the usual lodging there is totally booked for 2024. Possibly we'll stay at Antlers Inn (we're checking availability) or alternately, just fly in from Anchorage (not ideal as we'd like to stay at least 2 days). Any suggestions for bear-eating-salmon viewing near Katmai appreciated. Afterwards we'd like to possibly see whales - specifically orcas. Probably flying or driving from Anchorage to Seward for a boat tour or something? Any suggestions for this or any other suggestions on any part of the planned trip is greatly appreciated. Budget friendly is preferred and rough is fine but no camping. Also, we would prefer to go at a less busy time (Sept) but understand bears eating salmon is earlier, which is a high priority. Orcas, moose and birds right after bears, in priority. Thanks.

posted by j810c to Travel & Transportation around Alaska (3 answers total)

We went to Lake Clark National Park, which is just north of Katmai, around Labor Day and experienced many many bears eating salmon. Also a mama bear lying down and nursing her three cubs maybe 12 feet away from us. There is a lodge there, grandfathered in when the national park became a national park, that does an amazing job giving you a full-on bear experience. Not sure about cost, though, because it was part of a custom-designed package for us which included several other activities as well. Overall, the trip was not cheap but oh so worth it.

Denali is probably far north enough to have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Bring your camera, and not just a cellphone camera. You'll be glad you did.

There are wonderful day cruises out of Seward that go through Kenai Fjords National Park and show you orcas, puffins, sea otters, and so much more. IIRC, there are a number of companies and they're probably all very good. There is always a high probability of seeing a moose on the Kenai Peninsula, which is where Seward is. And it's not a long drive from Anchorage, past Turnagain Arm which is a definite don't-miss. Low tide is my favorite, but high tide usually has whales. Watch for Dall's sheep on the cliffs, if you can take your eyes off Turnagain Arm for a few moments.

If you like, memail me for the name and contact info of the person we worked with to set up our trip.
posted by DrGail at 5:20 PM on November 6, 2023

I’d drive the Denali highway the other way. Drive straight down to the park, then drive to Paxson on the way out and then down to Anchorage. The road from Delta to Fairbanks isn’t all that. (I live here)
posted by kerf at 6:55 PM on November 6, 2023

Response by poster: Thanks for responses! kerf - can you explain why you'd drive Denali hwy the other way? I trust your experience, but it would be inconvenient how we have the trip planned now. Will do it if there's a compelling reason, thanks!
posted by j810c at 3:45 PM on November 7, 2023