Alaska Vacation Planning Help

by Suzi Kimball
(San Angelo, Texas )

Hi Mike,

My family and I are planning our second trip to Alaska, this upcoming July, 2010. We'll have 15 days total. We'll be flying into Juneau, renting a car, then taking a ferry to Haines Alaska.

From there we will be driving north, on our way to the Anchorage, Mat-Su and Kenai Peninsula area. We were considering travel all the
way north to Dawson City, then taking the Top of The World Highway into Tok.

This seems like quite a bit of driving and I've heard the road is partly graveled. That wouldn't be allowed with the rental car. What are your recommendations and experience, in this regard?

Also, we plan to spend 1 or 2 days in the Mat-Su Valley. Any general recommendation on where to stay and what to see, while we are in that part of Alaska?

Thank you for any advice that you can give us.


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Mike's Response:

Glad to hear that you will be returning to Alaska next summer. As you know, Alaska is quite the place.

I have a couple bits of advice.

I would NOT take the "Top of The World Highway". As far as I know it is still a gravel road. Our family took this route, a few years ago, and I'd never do it again. I felt like we lost a whole day of travel.

Sure it is somewhat scenic, but just about everywhere in Alaska is scenic. Dawson City was sort of interesting, from a historical perspective, but it takes some time to get to.

Crossing the Yukon River, at Dawson City, via the ferry was actually fun.

I've read where people have made a big deal about Chicken Alaska. Chicken is a very small little "town" along the Top of The World Highway, but there is absolutely no reason to drive for hours, just to see that place.

As we crossed over from Alaska to Canada, along this route, the border guard curiously asked us, "so what made you decide to come this way." I pointed to my wife, because it was all her idea. It really was her idea. I argued against the idea....but lost! :)

As for staying in the Mat-Su area, this is a beautiful part of Alaska. I would recommend nearly any of the rental cabins and/or bed and breakfasts in this area.

Be sure to save some time (minimum of 1 or two hours) to visit Hatcher's Pass and The Independence Mine (Hatcher's Pass old gold mine from the early 1900s). You'll need more time if you'd like to hike around a bit.

The terrain has been described as Alps-like. My family and I often go to Hatcher's Pass when we want to get out of the house and go for a short drive. The drive, itself, is beautiful. Think very green terrain and snow-capped peaks.

If you stop in the Eagle River area, I'd recommend a stop at the Eagle River Nature Center.

http://www.ernc.org.

In addition to beautiful scenery, there are a couple of easy hiking trails to take. I hope this information helps. Enjoy your trip to Alaska.

Mike