Alaska Tour Tips, Anyone?

[rick1414]

Hello. My first visit to Alaska will be in late July/early August on the train trip to Denali (prior to the glacier cruise). I love all kinds of landscape and wildlife photography and am looking forward to seeing things I have never seen here around Chicago.

The tips I am looking for would be something you might have learned on a previous visit that you WISH you would have known first. Something about equipment, clothing, really anything that would help me get ready for the experience.

Any good ideas will be appreciated!

[wulf]

What kind of weather and temperature is expected round that time of the year? There may be people with experience of similar climates, even if they haven't been to Alaska.

Wulf

[silentnight_913]

The weather is pretty moderate during that time. You are looking at about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, give or take 10 degrees. The Denali area will see about 15-19 hours of daylight in August. A few months earlier is when we get the 24 hour daylight period.

Make reservations for rooms and important events in advance if possible. It is very busy for those things here during the summer months.

Good walking shoes are a must. Alaska is not a good place to wear sandals outside. Something to keep your gear dry, like a poncho to go over your camera bag, will be useful. However, it is not all rugged and remote. You'll find that the larger cities, especially Anchorage, can provide anything you might have forgotten.

Though not exactly photography related, you should consider getting a license and going fishing. Salmon/halibut fishing in AK is one of those things everyone should do at least once.

[Teewinot]

Sounds like fun!! My husband and I drove to Alaska last August from Wisconsin and we had a blast. The one thing I recommend is being prepared for RAIN. It rained 22 out of our 26 days. Have solid rain gear to wear and protection for your camera equipment. Specifically related to this, it's good to spend a least a few days in Denali NP so you have a better chance of seeing Mt. McKinley. Only about 20-30% of all visitors see it due to weather. We spent 5 days in the park and finally saw the mountain pop out on our last day...it was stunning.

[jakob kvist]

Sounds like a brilliant idea! I actually was on a trip to alaska last summer, and was on a bus trip into Denali national park. (By the way, I think it is the only option if you want to go all the way..) I went in start of june, and the weather was beatiful. And of course, lots of light hours.
- Saw lots of wildlife, severel Grizzly´s, some with cobs, Caribou and wolf.
And got Mt. Mckinley on the first day in 20 minutes of blue sky.

Sorry my english, I´m from Denmark..!