Posted by Dave McGowen on March 2, 2009 at 8:11 AM
I've just found out that I will be traveling to Anchorage this September on business. I can't wait and plan on staying 7-10 days afterwards on my own, beginning on September 19th. I plan on renting a car and either camping or staying in hostels and doing some day hiking as well as photography.
I'm mostly interested in wildlife and scenic photography, not sure if I'll have the 600mm with me as I'm not sure how to get it on the plane, but will have the Nikon 200-400, 70-200, and 12-24.
I'm thinking of going to Denali and Kenai Fjords national parks. Any advice on other areas or how to best spend my time would be greatly appreciated. This may be the trip of a lifetime, so I'd like to make the most of it. Thanks, Dave
survey33@yahoo.com
Dave - Unfortunately you will have issues with your timing being so late in September. Many of the hotels (especially in Denali) are only open until mid-September at the latest. In fact the 19th might actually be one of the days for the Denali Road Lottery. Since you know you will be up here at the time you might want to consider entering. Entry runs from June 1-30 this year and information can be found closer to that time on the NPS website.
Summers are short up here and you will have the potential of snow hit the north in that timeframe. I have been on Kenai Fjords cruises in mid to late September and have had wonderful success. But again you might be running into problems with the tourist season ending and it might in fact be one of their last runs around that date.
Dave, Angie has it right. Many years, the higher (and more interesting) parts of the Denali N.P. road are closed by the third week of September. You'll do better with Kenai N.P. (although migrants will be long gone by then). Leaves will be mostly off the deciduous trees.
Another option is to go to Valdez if Stan Stephens Cruises are running that late. If neither Kenai Fjords or Stephens are running, check the Alaska Marine Highway schedules between Whittier, Cordova, Valdez and Seward. The walk-on rates aren't too bad. Make sure the cruises are running in daylight hours. Another option is to go to Kodiak Island and rent a car. There's a small late silver salmon run on a creek on the road system, west of the town that attracts a decent number of bears and eagles. Hank Pennington can likely give you details.
Oe last caution: September is the beginning of the wet season in southcentral Alaska; expect and be prepared for a lot of rain and possible snow. Hypothermia weather...
Posted by Ron Niebrugge on March 9, 2009 at 11:19 PM
Dave,
You have received some good advice on Denali. It is possible the first 30 miles of road could be open - but you won't be able to see the mountain in this stretch. The Park could be closed altogether depending on snow.
Kenai Fjords should be great then - the fall colors should be approaching peak depending on the elevation. It can be a great time for orcas as they form super pods that time of year.
Discussion
3 repliesI'm mostly interested in wildlife and scenic photography, not sure if I'll have the 600mm with me as I'm not sure how to get it on the plane, but will have the Nikon 200-400, 70-200, and 12-24.
I'm thinking of going to Denali and Kenai Fjords national parks. Any advice on other areas or how to best spend my time would be greatly appreciated. This may be the trip of a lifetime, so I'd like to make the most of it. Thanks, Dave
survey33@yahoo.com
Summers are short up here and you will have the potential of snow hit the north in that timeframe. I have been on Kenai Fjords cruises in mid to late September and have had wonderful success. But again you might be running into problems with the tourist season ending and it might in fact be one of their last runs around that date.
Will be happy to help however I can.
Another option is to go to Valdez if Stan Stephens Cruises are running that late. If neither Kenai Fjords or Stephens are running, check the Alaska Marine Highway schedules between Whittier, Cordova, Valdez and Seward. The walk-on rates aren't too bad. Make sure the cruises are running in daylight hours. Another option is to go to Kodiak Island and rent a car. There's a small late silver salmon run on a creek on the road system, west of the town that attracts a decent number of bears and eagles. Hank Pennington can likely give you details.
Oe last caution: September is the beginning of the wet season in southcentral Alaska; expect and be prepared for a lot of rain and possible snow. Hypothermia weather...
You have received some good advice on Denali. It is possible the first 30 miles of road could be open - but you won't be able to see the mountain in this stretch. The Park could be closed altogether depending on snow.
Kenai Fjords should be great then - the fall colors should be approaching peak depending on the elevation. It can be a great time for orcas as they form super pods that time of year.
This might be helpful: http://www.wildnatureimages.com/FAQ%201.htm
Good luck,
Ron