Posted by Colin Smith on March 28, 2010 at 10:35 PM
In September I am going on a Joesph Van Os tour to Denali National Park. I am flying in to Anchorage three days before the tour begins, renting a car and heading south to Homer and the Kenai Pennisula. I am bringing my Canon 500 F4 IS L, 100-400L and the rest of my lenses and a 50D and a 7D body. If anyone has visitied this area in September and can give me some advice on maximizing my time for wildlife I would sure appreciate it. Thanks.
Colin
Posted by David Taylor on March 29, 2010 at 12:31 AM
Hey Colin - saw your post in the general forums, thanks for reposting it here in our forum. I agree with what Jim & Kenn said, Seward is likely your best bet for that time of year. Don't get me wrong, I love Homer - heading down in a few weeks actually. Unfortunately, most of the day cruise options out of Seward (in particular the "Captains Choice" with Kenai Fjords Tours) usually shut down at the end of August. You may be able to find a smaller operation. Hopefully Ron might be able to chime in here and make a recommendation. I have not used this business before, but you may want to check here: http://www.alaskasaltwaterlodge.com
Exit Glacier is a must, and if you are in decent shape you may wish to hike the Harding Icefield Trail. Another nice trail that leads above and along the coast is the Coastal Trail to Tonsina Point/Creek and beyond if you like. Other hikes that may offer good landscapes would be Lost Lake & Primrose Trails. Your best bet for wildlife is likely going to be from the water. There should be some whales left over, but many will have gone south and towards Hawaii I would have to imagine. There should be the resident orca though, and Steller sea lions, bald eagles, sea otters. I imagine the puffins will have gone though.
Hope this gets you started, you're in for a great trip. A bit of a warning though, sometimes September can get very wet, so bring rain gear for you and your gear.
Posted by Colin Smith on March 30, 2010 at 9:12 AM
Thanks for the help David. I booked a room at the Saltwater Lodge and talked to the owner for quite a while. I also booked a small group boat tour for photography. I think this will be the perfect add-on to a week in wonderful Denali.
Colin
Posted by Ron Niebrugge on March 31, 2010 at 11:43 AM
I was just going to write a reply, looks like I'm a day too late. I'm on a long trip and have trouble keeping up with forums when traveling. Have a great trip.
Discussion
3 repliesColin
http://www.alaskasaltwaterlodge.com
Exit Glacier is a must, and if you are in decent shape you may wish to hike the Harding Icefield Trail. Another nice trail that leads above and along the coast is the Coastal Trail to Tonsina Point/Creek and beyond if you like. Other hikes that may offer good landscapes would be Lost Lake & Primrose Trails. Your best bet for wildlife is likely going to be from the water. There should be some whales left over, but many will have gone south and towards Hawaii I would have to imagine. There should be the resident orca though, and Steller sea lions, bald eagles, sea otters. I imagine the puffins will have gone though.
Hope this gets you started, you're in for a great trip. A bit of a warning though, sometimes September can get very wet, so bring rain gear for you and your gear.
Colin