Travel

Wawannabe

(5,657 posts) Mon Jun 11, 2018, 12:42 AM Jun 2018

Planning a vacay to AK

Will be my first time traveling there.
Totally open about where.
I will be going in August so starting to decide the destination(s).

I am a rockhound so gold panning is a must. Aurora borealis viewing is a must. Also, I would like a train ride.

Hoping there are DUers that will respond with their fav places so I can check out those destinations/suggestions before finalizing plans.

Let me know where to go!!
Thanks in advance.

5 replies

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Planning a vacay to AK (Original Post) Wawannabe Jun 2018 OP

Wow! You are so lucky. Laffy Kat Jun 2018 #1

Thanks Laffy Kat Wawannabe Jun 2018 #2

It was weird, the residents there don't even point the eagles out. Laffy Kat Jun 2018 #3

Alaska in August? PoindexterOglethorpe Jun 2018 #4

That's right, Poindexter, winter is the time to see the northern lights. Nitram Jun 2018 #5

Laffy Kat

(16,377 posts)

1. Wow! You are so lucky.

Reply to Wawannabe (Original post)

Mon Jun 11, 2018, 12:57 AM

Jun 2018

What's the weather like in August? I was in Anchorage around end of May on business way back in the mid-80s but I didn't get to see much. A few of us drove to Portage and I remember seeing a lot of eagles.

You may enjoy reading "Going to Extremes" by Joe McGinniss. It's a fun, quick read about different towns in AK and the eccentric characters who live there. You must report back!

Wawannabe

(5,657 posts)

2. Thanks Laffy Kat

Reply to Laffy Kat (Reply #1)

Mon Jun 11, 2018, 01:10 AM

Jun 2018

For the book recommendation. I will check it out. I would enjoy eagle watching. More eagles in WA than where I came from, but still don’t see many. Great idea!

Laffy Kat

(16,377 posts)

3. It was weird, the residents there don't even point the eagles out.

Reply to Wawannabe (Reply #2)

Mon Jun 11, 2018, 01:30 AM

Jun 2018

I remember eagle soaring low, right over the hood of the car, and the person driving was like, "meh." They see so many, I guess.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(25,853 posts)

4. Alaska in August?

Reply to Wawannabe (Original post)

Mon Jun 11, 2018, 02:05 AM

Jun 2018

Depending on where you are in that state, you won't have very many hours of darkness to see the aurora borealis. Plus, I'm thinking it's simply not that visible in summer. Plan a return visit six months from now.

Nitram

(22,794 posts)

5. That's right, Poindexter, winter is the time to see the northern lights.

Reply to PoindexterOglethorpe (Reply #4)

Mon Jun 11, 2018, 09:55 AM

Jun 2018

We took the train from Fairbanks down to Anchorage, stopping off to stay near Denali National Park along the way. The park was a blast! We didn't see the mountain, though, because it was overcast. But we saw tons of wildlife from the school bus that drives you through to safely view the grizzlies. Took the ferry down the Inland Passage to Seattle on the way back. Saw whales and lots of great scenery on the ferry.

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