Fairbanks-June or August/Sept
Looks like we are going to head back to Alaska next year but this time go to Fairbanks. Our plan is to go to Denali for three nights as well. Our current discussion is when should we go. If we go i...
Forum Discussion
All FWIW
- I believe the scenery (even if foggy / rainy) in SC - Interior Alaska is best in the early - mid-Fall (i.e. mid-August - Mid September)
- The bugs take a big hit at the end of August
- The tourist stuff tends to shut down no later than mid-September...particularly Glitter Gulch outside of McKinley.
- If it's clear, the Fairbanks area can be spectacular in the fall; even if rainy, it's OK.
- The tourist crowds are mostly gone, making it easier to book space on the attractions / trips that are left open.
- There will be no problem doing "tourist stuff" through the end of August and into at least early September...we have friends headed to stay at Denali for two nights early next week at the Princess (although to be fair, I believe it is the last two nights they are open for the season)
- Hiking, fishing, etc will be much more enjoyable (IMNSHO) without bugs or crowds. If in September, fishing will have to focus on trout, dollies, etc as the Fairbanks runs of salmon will be strongest earlier in the year.
I'd suggest August / September. As to what to do in Fairbanks
- Flight seeing McKinley
- Fountainhead Auto Museum
- UAF Museum of the North
- Santa Claus House in North Pole (people seem to like it...not for me, but tastes vary)
- Take a tour to the Arctic Circle (or the shorter one to the Yukon)
- Visit Chena Hot Springs
- Possibly catch the swan or crane migration through Big Delta
- Observe 2 Street at midnight or so....local flavor; not quite what it was 20 years ago, but interesting anyway. <<< This is mostly tongue-in-cheek as 2nd Avenue "2 street" in the vernacular used to be full of bars and their overindulging patrons.
- I believe the scenery (even if foggy / rainy) in SC - Interior Alaska is best in the early - mid-Fall (i.e. mid-August - Mid September)
- The bugs take a big hit at the end of August
- The tourist stuff tends to shut down no later than mid-September...particularly Glitter Gulch outside of McKinley.
- If it's clear, the Fairbanks area can be spectacular in the fall; even if rainy, it's OK.
- The tourist crowds are mostly gone, making it easier to book space on the attractions / trips that are left open.
- There will be no problem doing "tourist stuff" through the end of August and into at least early September...we have friends headed to stay at Denali for two nights early next week at the Princess (although to be fair, I believe it is the last two nights they are open for the season)
- Hiking, fishing, etc will be much more enjoyable (IMNSHO) without bugs or crowds. If in September, fishing will have to focus on trout, dollies, etc as the Fairbanks runs of salmon will be strongest earlier in the year.
I'd suggest August / September. As to what to do in Fairbanks
- Flight seeing McKinley
- Fountainhead Auto Museum
- UAF Museum of the North
- Santa Claus House in North Pole (people seem to like it...not for me, but tastes vary)
- Take a tour to the Arctic Circle (or the shorter one to the Yukon)
- Visit Chena Hot Springs
- Possibly catch the swan or crane migration through Big Delta
- Observe 2 Street at midnight or so....local flavor; not quite what it was 20 years ago, but interesting anyway. <<< This is mostly tongue-in-cheek as 2nd Avenue "2 street" in the vernacular used to be full of bars and their overindulging patrons.
