genestringer

If you are traveling on the Alcan Highway i recommend you purchase the latest copy of The Milepost. It's worth the price. :D

akfishguide Loc: PA

As someone who only lived in Alaska 30 years, I always recommended a book called 'The Milepost' to anyone planing to drive around Alaska. It is called the Bible of the North Country. It is full of travel tips and tenth of a mile by tenth of a mile travel on all of Alaska's roads. Anchorage is a big city, like many others, but Mt. Susitna across the inlet from Anchorage (known as the Sleeping Lady) is awesome in the right light. Looking to the north from Anchorage, Mt. Denali (McKinley) can be seen 180 miles away. The highway to Fbks actually comes closer on the south side of the mountain, than the highway in the Park does. If you travel North from Anchorage, stop in Palmer and see the Musk Ox farm. Something you don't see every day. There are also Musk Ox on a farm in Fbks. Heading South from Anchorage, stop at Aleysa (ski slope) and take a ride to the top for some great photo ops. Continue on to Homer and Seward, both of which are amazing places to enjoy. One thing to remember is that 1/5th of the total land mass of the US is located in the State of Alaska. Heading North and driving the old Denali Hwy from Paxon to Cantwell can give you many photo opportunities. Possibilities for Caribou and Moose and small critters like Porcupine, Fox, Pika, Marmot, and if you are lucky maybe black bear or grizzly. Also the roadside streams may have spawning salmon in them at that time of year (and if you enjoy fishing, Grayling, Rainbow, and Arctic Char can be found in about all the steams up that way). In Fbks, and heading down toward Valdez, you will have the Trans-Ak pipeline. Alaska is such an amazing place, just about everywhere you go has awesome photo ops. Trips to the Kenai Fjords out of Seward, or maybe the Sternwheelers in Fbks. are things not to be missed. There is Chena Hot Springs about 50 miles out of Fairbanks that is a something to relax from your travels and enjoy. The time of year for your trip is awesome as the Birch trees will be gold and the wild berries will be ripe. Oh yes, there are also birds, birds, birds. From Bald Eagles, to Puffins, Teal, Ducks, and Geese, as well as maybe Ptarmigan or Ruffed Grouse. Start with The Milepost (available online or at Amazon) and prepare to be amazed at every turn of the road. Have a great adventure.

SherriePR

We went on the Inside Passage cruise a few years back in mid June. This was taken in Ketchikan. It does matter when you go. When I went in late August 2003, there were no animals to be seen. It sounds like you've gotten some great advise, I'm a little jealous of your trip!

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

If you have not done so already, using the search function at the top of UHH page, and look up BlackS2. After looking at Mikes wonder photography, you can then search for 'Alaska', for the offerings of rest of us mere mortals...
The last few miles into Valdez are some of the best in Alaska for scenery.

Wenonah Loc: Winona, MN

Gee... no one has mentioned Skinny Dick's Inn.

stableduck Loc: Chugiak, Alaska

LOL! I haven't thought about that place in years

Wenonah Loc: Winona, MN

I had to buy a hat.

akfishguide Loc: PA

I used to deliver booze out of Fairbanks down to Skinny Dicks Halfway Inn every month. Worked for a liquor distributor in Fairbanks for about 8 years, and have not thought about that place, or the memories of driving down to Mr. McKinley (at the time) and stops along the way making deliveries. Great time of my life.

Wenonah Loc: Winona, MN

Thank you for the correction "Halfway".

kprea2 Loc: Elkhart,IN

Remember thats the time its also Misquito season bring or buy lots of repellant. Check out Kodiack island,if you like the mountains, head up to Fairbanks. There also a railroad tour from Anchorage to Fairbanks.
Are you flying up or taking a boat?

TGanner Loc: Haines, Alaska

Be advised about Hallo Bay Bear Camp before you sign up. We spent several days there last year, and this is my review: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g31009-d1159589-Reviews-Hallo_Bay_Lodge_Bear_VIewing-Homer_Alaska.html

TGanner Loc: Haines, Alaska

Hard to beat Haines, down in Southeast Alaska, for eagles and bears, particularly in August when the pinks are running in the Chilkoot River. Scenery is splendid while you are waiting for the wildlife to appear. A sampling of what you might find is shared in my recent album on SmugMug:

https://timenspace.smugmug.com/Collections/Alaska/Alaska-2015/

mrt6800 Loc: California

I really appreciate all of this input. I will research all of the leads through these comments and use them to help plan out trip. To alleviate some of your concern, I have spent a great portion of my life photographing wildlife up close and personal. As everyone should, I take all precautions to ensure my wife's safety... ;-)

Just another positive note to the great input from people on this forum... much appreciated...

Kalskag2

So much to see in Alaska....

For close up shots of bears, go to Katmai National Park Park. But go at the time when the bears are feeding on fish at Brooks falls, which if I remember correctly is around mid-July. At one time we saw 18 bears at one time feeding on salmon at the falls. A zoom that goes to 200 mm is all that you need. Also take the bus trip out to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes an amazing landscape.

For landscapes, drive the Dalton highway from Fairbanks north. The road is not nearly as bad as some would have you believe. Go through the Atigun Pass up to the Galbraith Lake campground.

Denali is amazing, especially if you get lucky and the mountain is out.

The trip out of Seward to the Kenai Fjords National Park is great-scenery and wildlife.

To get really close to eagles--lots and lots of eagles--try the beach at Anchor Point north of Homer. The eagles come to feed on fish carcasses left behind by fishermen.

Pixelpixie88 Loc: Northern Minnesota

I will be in Haines during the first week of August. The motel desk clerk advised us about the Chilkoot River and the bears. I have a Tamron 150-600mm lens. What lens did you use for your photos? I so enjoyed looking at your album and hope I'm lucky enough to see a little of what you have shown! They are fantastic photos!
Do you see people out of their vehicles watching the bears?