Denali National Park

I worked just outside the park for 3 summers in the late 90s, and the experience was unforgettable. Wildlife, great people from all over, and of course a vast and awe inspiring landscape. I think the best time to go is late August/early September. Northern lights are visible at night (May-July it doesn’t really get dark), the fall foliage colors are comparable to Maine or Northern Minnesota, and by that time the mosquitoes are gone. It is cold by then though, so pack your long underwear! Of course it’s neat to go for the summer solstice, but the black flies and/or mosquitoes will drive you insane even if you use industrial insect repellent. Definitely a place to go for an extended trip, since the weather can be foggy/rainy/crappy for many days at a time & some folks go for a week and don’t see anything! If you’re camping (the best way to truly see Alaska!) beware of bears and other critters and never keep food in your tent!!

I’ll ditto what others have said – find the Denali Foundation! They are wonderful people who know the area well and care about the future of the park.

Miss T became a bit dehydrated the second day. Its odd how you go from a tropical rain forest outside Anchorage to what has to be one of the arid places on the earth.

I’m glad we did the tour but 2 days isn’t enough for this place. You have to plan on going back.

Upon leaving I immediately missed it.

This is a picture I took near Fish Creek

link due to large image

I recommend going all the way out to Wonder Lake, and spending at least one night there. I didn’t do this, but I wish I had!

Take the Alaska Rail Road into the park from Wasilla or, better yet, Seward. You won’t regret it. The sights are unbelievable and the wildlife sightings are fantastic too. Well worth it!

On our last morning in Unit 34, we walked out to the road to catch the bus back to the park entrance. When we stepped over the hill there was a bear munching on the bushes just on the other side! So we had to wait for him to go away.