🤔 ALASKA - When to Go ... and When to LEAVE! 😳
Вставка
- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- Our Amazon Store: amzn.to/2sMkJiF
Tips gratefully accepted on PATREON: tinyurl.com/y4...
and PayPal tinyurl.com/y3...
HARVEST HOSTS www.harvest-ho...
NEW! Official LOLOHO Newsletter mailchi.mp/lol...
GET YOUR RV GEAR HERE! amazon.com/shop...
Loloho on PATREON: / longlonghoneymoon
OFFICIAL LOLOHO T-SHIRTS ARE HERE!!!! amzn.to/2qjgBkP
ScanGauge II rear view mirror mount amzn.to/2gsT9y8
CAT 6 Cable (for ScanGauge II) Extension amzn.to/2gtBGpo
OUR NEW STEREO amzn.to/2i1N3Zl
Archoil AR6200 amzn.to/2yevISv
Archoil AR9100 amzn.to/2zccfQX
Weber Q1000 amzn.to/2CENtcB
Weber Q1200 amzn.to/2sMkSTf
Good Sam Campground Directory amzn.to/2jiFm1k
Our INFLATABLE BOAT amzn.to/2dK4LMv
Our MAIN CAMERA amzn.to/2pyPR1s
Our SECOND CAMERA amzn.to/2pGXwce
Our FULL FRAME CAMERA amzn.to/2pzevit
Our APS-C CAMERA amzn.to/2pH7kDk
Our POCKET CAMERA amzn.to/2qGIWkm
Our ACTION CAMERA amzn.to/2pGU6WZ
Our DRONE amzn.to/2qGSUCk
Walmart Locator: amzn.to/2HoUtgy
Loloho e-books amzn.to/1oh2jie
Loloho on Facebook / longlonghoneymoon
The "BONE TOOL" amzn.to/2biUdiO
Antisway bar amzn.to/1zi9bgp
Counter Assault Bear Spray amzn.to/1FoY2fk
Oxygenics shower head amzn.to/1Et4Ydr
Inverter generator amzn.to/1Et52dg
LED spotlight amzn.to/1vA6qIW
Sean's Tilley hat amzn.to/1vA6sAB
Merrell Jungle Moc shoes goo.gl/WxSYgg
Walkie talkies amzn.to/1vA6wjN
Sanyo ENELOOP Rechargeable Batteries amzn.to/22eZnzU
Boeshield T-9 lubricant amzn.to/17zGLFa
Weber portable grill amzn.to/2t2EfCo
Air-Dryr amzn.to/1Et5fwX
OBDII code reader amzn.to/1vA6Dfn
Water “jerry can” amzn.to/1FuuSLU
30 Amp Surge Protector amzn.to/1oDlqDd
Garmin "RV Navigator" GPS amzn.to/22Yzh6r
The "El Cheapo" Garmin (#1 Bestseller!) amzn.to/1Rpmiqy
A Better GPS Mount: Garmin Portable Friction Mount amzn.to/1VRTfxH
Too cheap for a GPS? ;-) amzn.to/1ZIYUGp
MAXTRAX Emergency Vehicle Traction amzn.to/208EM0y
Champion 75537i amzn.to/2vzxbmv
Briggs & Stratton P3000 amzn.to/2huZsnG
Kill-a-Watt EZ Electricity Meter amzn.to/2vokKt4
Trailer Aid tire changing ramp amzn.to/17zGXUU
Pink flamingos amzn.to/1LF6Q2U
AFFILIATE LINK DISCLOSURE: Friends, making a quality Loloho video is kind of like making sausage - only slightly more violent. It's a ridiculous amount of work that typically involves high dollar camera drops, blue-screen-of-death computer crashes, and at least one angry shotgun wielding old man shouting, “Hey! Get the hell outta here!” Once the final video is posted, rewards here on UA-cam are few and far between (unless you are a masochist who enjoys being verbally abused by anonymous trolls). One saving grace is our affiliate links. JUST CLICKING THESE LINKS HELPS TO SUPPORT OUR LITTLE SHOW. Think of this clicking as like tipping - except that it doesn't cost you anything extra! If you eventually make a purchase via one of our affiliate links, we will receive a few pennies (and Sean typically invests these pennies in duct tape and video gear). Again, it doesn't cost you anything to click these links, and it's a great help to us. As always, safe travels, happy camping, and THANK YOU!
GET YOUR RV GEAR HERE! amazon.com/shop/LongLongHoneymoon
Loloho on PATREON: www.patreon.com/longlonghoney...
OFFICIAL LOLOHO T-SHIRTS ARE HERE!!!! amzn.to/2qjgBkP
ScanGauge II rear view mirror mount amzn.to/2gsT9y8
CAT 6 Cable (for ScanGauge II) Extension amzn.to/2gtBGpo
OUR NEW STEREO amzn.to/2i1N3Zl
Archoil AR6200 amzn.to/2yevISv
Archoil AR9100 amzn.to/2zccfQX
Weber Q1000 amzn.to/2CENtcB
Weber Q1200 amzn.to/2sMkSTf
Good Sam Campground Directory amzn.to/2jiFm1k
Our INFLATABLE BOAT amzn.to/2dK4LMv
Our MAIN CAMERA amzn.to/2pyPR1s
Our SECOND CAMERA amzn.to/2pGXwce
Our FULL FRAME CAMERA amzn.to/2pzevit
Our APS-C CAMERA amzn.to/2pH7kDk
Our POCKET CAMERA amzn.to/2qGIWkm
Our ACTION CAMERA amzn.to/2pGU6WZ
Our DRONE amzn.to/2qGSUCk
Walmart Locator: amzn.to/2HoUtgy
Loloho e-books amzn.to/1oh2jie
Loloho on Facebook Facebook.com/LongLongHoneymoon
The "BONE TOOL" amzn.to/2biUdiO
Antisway bar amzn.to/1zi9bgp
Counter Assault Bear Spray amzn.to/1FoY2fk
Oxygenics shower head amzn.to/1Et4Ydr
Inverter generator amzn.to/1Et52dg
LED spotlight amzn.to/1vA6qIW
Sean's Tilley hat amzn.to/1vA6sAB
Merrell Jungle Moc shoes goo.gl/WxSYgg
Walkie talkies amzn.to/1vA6wjN
Sanyo ENELOOP Rechargeable Batteries amzn.to/22eZnzU
Boeshield T-9 lubricant amzn.to/17zGLFa
Weber portable grill amzn.to/2t2EfCo
Air-Dryr amzn.to/1Et5fwX
OBDII code reader amzn.to/1vA6Dfn
Water “jerry can” amzn.to/1FuuSLU
30 Amp Surge Protector amzn.to/1oDlqDd
Garmin "RV Navigator" GPS amzn.to/22Yzh6r
The "El Cheapo" Garmin (#1 Bestseller!) amzn.to/1Rpmiqy
A Better GPS Mount: Garmin Portable Friction Mount amzn.to/1VRTfxH
Too cheap for a GPS? ;-) amzn.to/1ZIYUGp
MAXTRAX Emergency Vehicle Traction amzn.to/208EM0y
Champion 75537i amzn.to/2vzxbmv
Briggs & Stratton P3000 amzn.to/2huZsnG
Kill-a-Watt EZ Electricity Meter amzn.to/2vokKt4
Trailer Aid tire changing ramp amzn.to/17zGXUU
Pink flamingos amzn.to/1LF6Q2U
AFFILIATE LINK DISCLOSURE: Friends, making a quality Loloho video is kind of like making sausage - only slightly more violent. It's a ridiculous amount of work that typically involves high dollar camera drops, blue-screen-of-death computer crashes, and at least one angry shotgun wielding old man shouting, “Hey! Get the hell outta here!” Once the final video is posted, rewards here on UA-cam are few and far between (unless you are a masochist who enjoys being verbally abused by anonymous trolls). One saving grace is our affiliate links. JUST CLICKING THESE LINKS HELPS TO SUPPORT OUR LITTLE SHOW. Think of this clicking as like tipping - except that it doesn't cost you anything extra! If you eventually make a purchase via one of our affiliate links, we will receive a few pennies (and Sean typically invests these pennies in duct tape and video gear). Again, it doesn't cost you anything to click these links, and it's a great help to us. As always, safe travels, happy camping, and THANK YOU!
I went to Alaska in 1977 and left Alaska in 2014 that was long enough...
Good job. Being a resident since 79 I have always thought the best camping the middle of August to middle of September. I have only driven the AlCan twice both times northbound. I did it in April of 79 and then again in July of13.
We left Georgia back in 1999 on June 18. We headed north to Canada and drove across the Yellowhead Trail. It took us 9 days to get to the Alaska Highway. We really loved going through the Yukon territory. Our total time in Alaska was about 2 weeks and we loved every minute of it. Now that we are retired we would love to spend more time there. The weather was perfectly comfortable and there was very little rain. So far the best vacation we ever had.
My first trip to Alaska, was in April of 1980 in an RV, and I am still here 36 years later. Two years ago at the end of April, I drove from Wasilla, Ak down to Portland and back to pick up an RV. There was snow, but the roads were free from snow and ice. My suggestion, after 36 years in Alaska, is try to arrive in mid May. Mid April thru June is usually our best weather. Every year by the end of the first week in August, the weather changes. Never fails. The winds pick up, the rain begins and the tourist began leaving. For the most part, the salmon season is winding down, except for the silver salmon. If you arrive in May, you can experience the transition from winter to summer and it happens fast. Yes, it can be difficult to find camping sites. But they are available. Most people travel when the kids are out of school. Roads are limited and in reality, you can pretty well cover everything in three weeks to a month. For the most part, the roads are decent between Fairbanks on down to Homer. Coming into Alaska though Tok, the roads have frost heaves and don't really get good until you get south of Glenallen toward Anchorage. When leaving at the end of your trip, I would try and get out no later than mid September, because you do go through some high mountiqns in Canada. The Alaska highway can be rough in some areas and of course, that is when they are doing construction. There was a stretch from Destruction Bay to the Alaska border that was terrible when I drove it in 2012. About 100 miles at just barely moving speeds. Hopefully, that is fixed by now, but the winters are destructive to the roads. Thanks for the video and I hope this is helpful information for those that want to make the journey. Dave
Yes, it really is horrible, don't even think about it. Thank you for that reality. It really is horrible.
I hope you are are a good neighbor, I usually don't like transplants. I hope you raised your kids well. I'm an Alaskan Native and I never considered myself a prejudice person before, but now it's like i have to beware of whites, blacks, samoans, mexicans, the list goes on. I'm afraid, I'm Athabaskan, a member of one of one of the most fierce tribes in North America, now I can't walk safely on what was our land, our sod, our home.
. I resent this, truly I do.
eff you
just moved here to wasilla this year and loving it as well.
You're heartier than me. We went to Fairbanks from Portland in 1981 & only lasted 2 years. Too isolated for me!
Husband retired on July 6, 2012 and we left for Alaska on July 7, 2012 from Florida !! Must have been there around same time you all were. Such a beautiful state ! Enjoyed Mount Rushmore on way up and then Yellowstone and Graceland on way back....as everyone says.....trip of a lifetime !!!
Lifelong Alaskan here. I would say the best to travel here is based on what you are trying to see:
Dec-Jan - best time to see Northern Lights. Chena hot springs is awesome but not exclusive and stay away from the cities.
Feb - Iron dog snow machine race (snowmobiling)
Mar - Iditarod
Feb-May - epic skiing/snowmobiling/snowmachining. Alyeska, Turnigan pass, Hatcher pass, Valdez.
Memorial Day to Labor Day is generally the official camping season. Ocean fishing generally happens during this time out of Homer or Seward.
Golf season is generally best from mid June to mid September. Reasonable fees ($40-50) very casual and the courses are pretty impressive for the restricted weather but don't expect Pebble beach.
June - Summer Solstice. 20 Hrs of daylight or more. Midnight sun double header baseball game that starts at 10PM in Fairbanks.
Mid June to mid August - World class salmon fishing on the Kenai river. Silver salmon derby in Seward, AK (early August).
July - September - Denali National Park. Bear feeding in Katmai National Park/Brooks falls. 4th of July on Big Lake, or Seward. Nothing like lighting fireworks off at midnight when it is still light outside.
August - State Fair
September - on - Hunting season - Moose, caribou, sheep, bear, etc.
I have never been to Southeast, AK but I am sure they have their own set of adventures. This is pretty much sticking to the hotspots in Southcentral to interior Alaska. My recommendation is that if you camp in the winter months (October-March) to be prepared. As the video mentioned, weather can get bad fast even in the summer. It is not impossible to have cold weather or hurricane force winds in the summer months even and the winters can get quite gnarly. Winter tires and 4 wheel drive is a must in the winter. You will most likely be dry camping in the winter due to sub zero temps. Bring generators. Most campsites during camping season don't have amenities. I've never seen one with pluming. It is not difficult to find places to boondock and I would be ready to do that at anytime. Reserve camp spots early. Unfortunately, while these months are the best for what you may be looking to do, they also are well known so you will be either combat fishing on the russian river (shoulder to shoulder) or on a full bus in Denail, because these are generally the best times to go. I think if you hit the beginning or tail end of these seasons you probably have the best chance of missing the crowds if that is what your goal is, but you risk missing what you are there for. Hope this helps!
I grew up in Alaska. The best season to visit the state is from May 15, after spring breakup and until about the 15th of September. Any earlier or later than these dates you are pushing your luck as far as icy roads are concerned.
Having lived in Alaska for 27 years and driven the Alcan and Cassiar several times, we recommend driving up in May when the wildlife are calving and more visible, then leaving right after the State Fair the first week of September. On average, Alaska's rainy season begins in mid-July and snow in early October. Taking the Alaska Ferry either from Haines to Prince Rupert or Bellingham is a must to round out a perfect trip. Shorter trips within this time frame are enjoyable, but don't attempt the trip in under a month.
If u lived in AK that long u should know its the zalaska hiway " not" Alcan
Motorbike in 2014. We left Mn on June 12. Rode to fairbanks and hit Deadhorse June 22. Worked our way down to seward for July 4, then rode to Glenallen and back to Dawson city Yukon. Down to Hyder then worked our way home by July 20. The bugs were worse in Minnesota than I ever saw in Alaska, very good weather and we never had a problem finding a site to camp. 11.000 miles RT. We are going in 2018 by truck camper leaving early June and will be back in the states by mid sept. Love that place, its like nowhere else. Cheers
So many feel the calling to put their adventures on UA-cam without the knowledge of proper editing, but you guys are darn professional with that stuff. A pleasure to watch and listen to. Thank you.
Thanks. The editing is a lot of work. It’s nice when someone notices.
We left Arizona and headed to Alaska the last week in April 2016. By time we hit the Alaska border it was middle May. The weather was perfect and traffic was sparse. There was very little rain except near Denali National Park. The scene was amazing. Each day got better and better. We took our 34 foot Bounder. It was really our first big trip. Next time we will pull a car or small truck. We did stay in Wal-Mart or pulled off the road at night in rest areas along the Alaska Highway. I would do it all over again.
As long as you go back home, then please come again.
pjgumby Your attitude is why I have not returned to Alaska. Never encountered so many rude ass, high almighty idiots in my life,especially in Jueno
You have to realize the culture shock that's been imported to our communities since the pipeline of the 70's. We weren't used to your values, your ways of living, your ways of being. Your type brought a crime wave, we got scared and sad that Alaska will never be the same again. I'm just thankful that my grandparents aren't alive to see the sewer it's become. Sorry if I offended you, but I'm more offended that theses assholes never went back home. Our crime is out of control all because of that stupid pipe! I apologize if most Alaskans didn't take kindly to you. We're more than just a tad jaded. Can you honestly blame us? It used to be a nice place, not any more. I cry sometimes.
Do you mean Juneau? Sorry but outsiders are a caution.
Thanks! By the way it's Juneau.
My Wife and I are new to RV'n and cant thank you two enough for all the tips we have learned from the videos!
Thanks Tyler! So glad to have been helpful. Happy camping!
I was raised in Fairbanks but live in Anchorage now. I love camping. I’d say the big thing you missed was the Riverboat Discovery in Fairbanks. It’s been ran by the Brinkley’s for many years. It’s a gorgeous paddle wheel that tours the Chema River. I’m glad you saw a lot & did a lot. I’ve lived here over 50 years & there are still parts I need to see.
I moved to Anchorage AK in July 2017 from Jacksonville Florida for a Travel Surgical Technologists position. 2 year min and It's going on 6 years. Absolutely LOVE Alaska
We want to go back!
Very nice video. We lived in Anchorage, Alaska for over 20 years and appreciated the 2012 look at things we came to love and respect about the wonderful State. We owned an RV when we lived there and used it camping even in the winter. There was one dump station we could use in Anchorage year round (a Standard Oil gas station). The Alcan is a good road. We drove it out, spending about the same time on the road you did on our way to our new home in Maine. You probably found out that it is not the end of the world if you have to overnight on your own or in a Walmart parking lot up there, and the trip from Tok through the Yukon Territories is very friendly even if tourist facilities might be closed down for the winter months.
I think you called it correctly. 1st of August through the end of September, but one could consider the 1st of June through August if you love fish and eating wild salmon and halibut. Your truck trailer was very well configured for the trip, one can get creative with sanitation needs for the trailer by obtaining a macerator for the black tank so you would have more flexibility in dropping your tanks when needed.
Every trip to Alaska should include a Milestone magazine in the front seat with you. To os a God Send. They used to be published current every year. Install a front window/rear window camera system in the vehicle for those moments bears, moose, goats and other critters decide to join you on your journey and you would not be able to get a camera going fast enough.
Be sure to have coffee at Kaladi Brothers in Anchorage. They started in a shed, roasting and selling their beans and on site coffee back in the early nineties I think. The Native Museum in Anchorage is a must, and check the Anchorage Performing Arts Center schedule while there to see if there is something going on you would enjoy seeing/hearing.
Be watchful for impatient drivers on Turnagain Arm when on your way to Whittier/Seward/Homer. Many head on accidents when we were there. Hiking the hillsides above Anchorage and the mountains between Anchorage is high risk for bears. Some folks foolishly use the upper hiking trails for mountain biking and long distance running where they can’t identify seasonal birthing of moose and bears.
There is nothing like the Alcan Highway for those that like a road adventure. Just make sure you are equipped properly, you have good tires and tools readily available to change them if need be. AAA is few and far between.
I've cruised Alaska and I've driven to AK, drove every major road with travel trailer.
Both are awesome, but my preference is driving - you just get so much more.
When we drove, we took a day long mini-cruise out of Seward to get to the glaciers.
We went just 2 months before you guys did in 2012.
Was the best trip ever. Been to almost every NP in the US, but Alaska is the best, imo.
Nearly 40k subscribers.......... IMHO you should be up at 200k: your show is great for family viewing. I look forward to seeing what the two of you have done. We have a nice 20' TT, with all the comforts and we have learned so much from your videos.......... we bought the Yamaha generator you recommended! Thanks for posting and sharing..... Ken and Nancy
We made our trip to interior Alaska in 2012, also. We left Indiana the second week of May and wandered cross-country visiting some national parks and entered Canada north of Great Falls, MT. The worst weather we encountered was while we were traveling the Icefield Parkway through the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park. The rain and wind were so bad, we saw almost nothing of the area. We reached the Alaskan border about the end of June and spent July 4 in Chicken. We did have light rain and chilly weather while we were north of the Arctic Circle--but it was quite bearable. The rest of the trip was great. We left Wrangell-St. Elias NP the first of September and drove out and down to Skagway, then back through BC and Alberta to Glacier National Park--and many other national parks thereafter. We experienced almost no mosquitoes and quite easily extended our reservations at Denali into a week stay inside the park. We did an excursion every day while there. Then all the southern places you did as well. A super great trip! Keep up the great videos. We certainly enjoy them. This one brought back lots of fond memories.
Our daughter is moving to Seattle and we are planning a trip to see her in May and then heading north for midnight baseball so I really appreciate the info from your trip and the timing. Good stuff from our favorite people in the RV world.
In June 1992, I drove from central Texas through Sweetgrass, Montana, to Fairbanks in a Suburban. Lived there for 14 months before driving back to Texas taking the Vancouver, WA, route. Departed ONLY because employment required it. During 2001, I flew into Anchorage and spent 10 days in a rental car on the Kenai Peninsula, focusing on Homer. Stayed in hostels looking for employment. It didn't pan out but still on my bucket list. During 2020, I traveled through 17 states in a 5th wheel. Considering my research and travels I will say your videos for RV travelers are the most informative I've found on the internet. Thank you for sharing and to your viewers I say, buying a copy of the Milepost 4-6 months out is a must. It is so detailed it tells you where the roadside trash cans are located. Thanks again. Safe travels my friends.
The first half of June was the best for us. The wildlife is out and the weather is good. 80s in central British Columbia.
My dad, brother, and I will be flying into Anchorage August 21, 2018. After a couple days in Homer to rest up, we will be renting a motorhome and touring some of the southcentral and interior regions for a week. It's not a long time, definitely not long enough, but I'm glad to know the weather will be decent while we are there.
Never RV'ed to Alaska... But I live here in Wasilla. It's not worth the effort to try and time your trip to the weather. The weather is too random. Late May/Early June tend to be drier, but not every year. So here's the key: hope for the best, plan for the worse and have fun no matter what! It will rain at some point in any trip, so just be ready for it.
Great philosophy! Yes, you never know what you're gonna get... hope for the best and deal with whatever is thrown your way. :)
i have to agree with this iv been here in wasilla for 6 months so far and u are right weather is random.
@Aisha Serrot no, never 😂😂
My husband and I were there late May early June. Still cool, snow capped mountains, BEAUTIFUL! No misquotes, a little windy.
Hi..just your UA-cam about Alaska. I grew up there and just within the past 3 years moved to Utah. I always told people the best window for going up is the first of June to the 2nd week of August. After that week in August it starts get colder quickly, plus by the middle to end of September on the Alcan most mom and pop shops start closing for the winter. My Dad was stationed to Elmendorf in 1972. I still remember the highway was all dirt, mud and rocks...glad you enjoyed my home state...
Wow! This was in 2012 and it still stands true! We arrived in Alaska Aug 27, 2021 and committed to 35 days of traveling throughout this gorgeous state. We are in Homer right now & yea pretty much everything (restaurants, charter fishing, FHU campsites in town and on the spit) have closed for the season here. One of the visitor centers in Homer is still open. Boondocking type campsites on the spit ARE still open (FHU sites are not). We did see a few rigs pull in to camp for the weekend on the spit yesterday. We were in Tok a week or so ago and it got rainy & cold like you all experienced. This week light snow fell here in Homer Wednesday and wind gusted 35mph! We've had incredibly good luck with weather in Alaska but we can tell that's all about to change. Homer is our last stop before heading to Anchorage and back to Texas on Sept 30, 2021. I have to agree with you and Christi.....anyone out there planning an Alaskan vacation, I would suggest planning your exit no later than Sept 15!
From what I have read Valdez is the frost line. It's the point where things won't freeze. That's why exxon has a port there. Cause the port won't freeze.
+ray bon interesting! Thanks for letting us know. We got loads of rain but thankfully no snow. 🌨🌨🌨
Y'all literally had the best honeymoon I ever heard of..tears.
Watching some of your oldies, but goodies……missing baby girl……
First of all, I do love the way you do your videos, you show just enough of the scenery, while narrating, and explaining in detail, all the little things. Alaska is on my bucket list, will be hading tere in 2017, but in a small super c. Thanks for all the hard work, you put into your videos...
What a great presentation. More incentive to go there. I remember when Alaska became the 49th state January ‘59. The big earthquake you mentioned was Good Friday 1964. It was huge. We felt that in the San Diego area. The tsunami was the killer blow in Alaska. It was relatively small in Southern California. I’m hooked. I subscribed.
Hi guys..thanks for the video,I'm from Toronto and always wanted to go to Alaska...great scenery and wild...can't wait
thanks for the post. we have only cruised Alaska.
Traveling with an rv is on our bucket list.
very informative.
We started up into Canada from the Spokane area in May, just myself and 12 yr. old son. Hubby was stuck on a job, and our son was flying out of Anchorage in late June to go to camp with some of his friends. We wanted him to be able to see as much of Alaska as he could before time to leave. We took the Cassiar Hwy, until we hooked up to the Alaska Hwy in Whitehorse, and I got lots of advice after the fact, that this was a big mistake in May. Lots of icy rain, gravel roads, huge logging trucks and not much else on the road. However, the scenery was just incredible! Bears, glaciers, ice covered lakes, moose, etc. in abundance. We took the time to drive over to Hyder for our first glimpse of Alaska. We picked my husband up in Fairbanks, so from where we dropped him at the airport in Billings, after our stay in Spokane hoping he could join us, and up to the airport at Fairbanks, it was about 10 or 11 days of maybe 10 hour a day driving. What an adventure! This trip was in 2000. In 2005 we camped our way up to Bellingham, Washington, and took the ferry to Juneau. We camped there, and ferried to Sitka, camped a few days, and then Ketchican for a few days camping. At that time, the ferry system had a "driver rides free" special if you went before the end of May, so that is what we did. We did have to improvise our camping situation sometimes, because many campgrounds were still closed, but it always seemed to work out. In the trip in 2000 my husband and I were there from May until July, and we didn't have any trouble finding camp spots. We were in a 20' class C, so that probably helped. The weather was fine. Since I am from La., the mosquitoes didn't bother me much, but it really didn't seem like it was an issue. One campsite was in deep woods, and I do remember being "bugged" at that site. If finances allow, I think the ideal trip would be to take the ferry one way, and drive the other way. I am not good at relaxing, and on the ferry, I didn't have much choice! Just kick back and enjoy the scenery and visit with the other travelers, which can be tourists and Alaskans and Canadians. Just one of the best vacations ever.
We lived in Alaska for 25 years (Anchorage). We bought our first motorhome while in Alaska and made 4 trips from Alaska to the Lower 48 and back. We retired to Arizona
in 2002 because our kids had migrated there with our grandkids. So...we make trips back to Alaska to visit friends and enjoy the much cooler weather. Your video is right to
suggest that RVers leave the State by mid September. However, if we had to pick one day out of the year that is the most beautiful day of the year in Alaska, it's September 15.
The fireweed is in full bloom, the spruce trees are green and the Chugach mountains have their first level of "Termination Dust" (snow). The drive from Anchorage to Denali Park
on that date is incredible! But, like Sean says, you should be heading south at that point. We will be heading back next summer (2022) since we had to wait for Canada to reopen.
We are really ready and excited about our return trip. There is NO place like Alaska!
Personally, you picked the best time. We were up there in '16 and hit Fairbanks around the 10th of August. Went down to Homer and Seward and then back to Tok and took the Cassiar Hwy back through BC. Loved that trip and hope to do it again! Weather was great with low 70's in the day and mid 30's at night. No rain and NO MOSQITOES!
We left in June 2013 from NE was at Wasilla for the 4th it was dead everything was closed. Drove with a small pickup pop up camper. Was an awesome trip. Got pretty warm in Fairbanks a lot of mosquitoes in some areas. It’s beautiful and was a dream to do it. We also was in Valdez and rained a lot then too we did get on a boat to see glaciers from there. Jacket weather. Pretty much boon docked the whole trip keeping our expenses low for the excursions. Loved it!
Frankie & Sandi 6563 we pulled a trailer up from NH in July of 2013. I bought a truck in Idaho, drove to NH visiting family along the way and bought a 19’ camp trailer. My wife then joined me and we drove home to Alaska. I’ve lived here since 1979.
Loved your video. We used to live in Alaska and have made the trip numerous times. We find that crossing the Canadian border after Memorial Day and leaving Alaska no later than September 1st seems to be the best window for weather. Yes, the crowds can be large early in the season, but the long days in June and fantastic weather in July make these dates very acceptable. We have encountered snow on the ALCAN in April and September, so we try and work around these dates.
Excellent video, and information. Alaska is one of my main dream trips since I was in grade school. Thank you.
Thanks, it is a great trip. Definitely a bucket list experience. We hope to repeat it someday.
That is a Beautiful Cariboo @ 6:40 ! You could " Design a Vehicle " from
" the Curvature " of that " Cariboo's Antlers " !
Great video, thanks. A Texan here. Ford F-250 diesel, 29' Winnebago travel trailer. Made the trip from Texas to Alaska countless times. We always leave the first part of May and typically return during the first two weeks of August. This year, based on your video, we plan to go up in mid July and return in early Sept. Thank you again for posting
Just Love your guys videos, Love the way you guys narrate the videos, I myself do not like when people are always having to make sure they are in the view of the video and talk this is just my opinion, you guys really have an eye for great scenery to show use with all the great info, I know that's a lot of hard work and Thank You for that. We are planning on going up to Alaska next year, leaving the Chicago area around mid June, it will be me and my dog going. We will be pulling a 1969 Yellowstone Camper 19 foot, that I restored a year ago. That's what I do is restore vintage campers now for the past 12 years. I am learning more about Alaska from you guys, I was there once before back in the mid 1980's when I traveled the USA in my conversion van stayed there for 6 months and Loved it, but I was only 20 then. I will email you guys some pictures of my Yellowstone Camper and if ever in the Chicago area let me know or if you have any problems with your truck or camper I would be more then happy to help you, I am a ASE CERTIFIED MASTER MECHANIC and CERTIFIED Autobody and paint, I switched to restoring vintage campers because I just love them and also wanted to save as many as we can, people just love these vintage campers now. So again Thank You Guys so much for these great videos, sorry for the long post, but its the Long Long Honeymoon channel, LOL
Love your video. I lived in Anchorage from 74-84 & loved it. US Army took me there. I must go back & was considering a trip like yours. We live in Mountain Brook (Birmingham) Alabama. I miss it everyday & can't wait to make it happen. My favorite season was mid-June-mid Sept. Thanks for sharing...
I went in August.From northeast Wisconsin, up thru North Dakota over the border. Thru Tok, down the Seward Highway to the Alaska Bay in Seward. Back up to Fairbanks and back home. 11 days, 7800 miles. But I was on a Harley.
Your Alaska videos are absolutely mesmerizing! I have watched them several times. A trip to Alaska is on my bucket list.
The best trip you will ever take.
I’m asked all the time about the best time to travel in Alaska. It’s a super hard question because every year is different, and it depends what part of the state you’ll be in. We have to keep in mind that we can almost fit Texas in our state three times. Yeah, that’s a heck of a lot miles when put in that context.
I live in the Interior, and some of our summers can get pretty hot for what we’re used to. Three or four years ago, it was in the high nineties for close to two weeks and had easily hit a 100F. Now that is hot for us. We are used to eighties, but not nineties for that long too often. We do get ninety degree weather and above, just not for that long.
Sometimes our rainy weather is the first two weeks of June, sometimes not. Our rain was pretty much guaranteed in the third week of August. So they moved the Fairbanks fair to the second week and wouldn’t you know it, the rain followed suit.
Some summers it just rains pretty much the whole time. It’s been that way for us for the last two years. Sure, it might clear up for a week or two, but that was considered lucky. We’re all hoping for a nice, balmy seventy degree summer.
The River by Soldotna is called the Kenai river and that’s where the big King salmon are hiding from the hundreds of fisherman. It sure is beautiful though.
My favorite place to fish is Homer. I caught my first king there too. If you want halibut, go to Homer for easier fishing than Valdez. One can take a forty minute boat ride and start fishing. The secret is the bottom of the water is flat, so it’s not only easier to find the halibut, but far easier since you’re not fishing a football field length down. If you hook a halibut that far down, you have to reel it all the way up. Oh, and checking your bait periodically can be a right pain as well. A four pound weight is often used too. Plus, there are a lot shelves and so forth in Valdez where they sit and harder to catch. As I said, Homer is flat and that’s the beauty of it.
The most important reason why though is you don’t have to take a 2-3 hour boat ride out before you can even fish and then only for a few hours before it’s time to head back with a guide. You spend more time heading out and back then you do any actual fishing.
And we can’t forget the Salty Dog Saloon. It doesn’t just serve beer, it’s a great place for tourists and locals to mingle. The place can definitely hop. A lot of us Alaskans have some really great memories from there along with their famous sweatshirts. I’ve seen hundreds of them all over the state. Seriously, hundreds.
I go to Seward for the silver salmon as well as their fishing derby. They have a derby in Valdez too. I actually won the prize for the biggest salmon to date on July 28th. It was the early part of the derby and was easily beat for the big prize at the end. Still, I won some real nice prizes. So, if any of you are going to fish, buy your derby ticket because you just never know. Can’t win if you don’t have a ticket, no matter how big it is. They’re not that expensive anyways, so it’s well worth it.
Today, May 30th, I flew to Anchorage for a doctor’s appointment. It’s was in the forties and fifties from early am to mid-afternoon. Now, that was the weather in Anchorage. In the Interior it was really hot for me. It was definitely in the mid-seventies or higher, felt higher for sure. So a lot of times we can be warmer than Anchorage and a lot of it is due to their location, which makes sense when you think about it.
We have at least 32 different species of mosquitoes in our state. They start out real big and slow, easy enough to smack between your hands. By the end of the summer, they’re real small and super fast.
If you see one that is a huge and I mean absolutely huge by midsummer, don’t kill it, they’re what we call our mosquito eaters. They can be up to a bit bigger than half inch I’d say, so please don’t kill these guys, they really do kill the mosquitoes.
And don’t worry, 32 isn’t as bad as it sounds, Florida has 72 different species. True story. We just have a lot of them. People have been known to literally lose their minds out in the Bush due to all of the mosquitoes buzzing all around them. In their ears, nose, everywhere. It’s a constant nonstop barrage.
Scientists have told us that they will take up to one pint a blood per week on our Porcupine caribou herd. One pint is a heck of a lot of blood, so I can see how there have been people who have lost their minds.
If you go to Seward or Homer, there is a small, little town by the name of Hope down a road you take right in the middle of where you turn either left or right for either town. If you like homemade pie, this is the place to go. It’s a hidden jewel. It’s only about a fifteen minute drive out of your way and you’ll find mile marker #1 if you’re interested in taking pictures of that kind of stuff.
The place for pie, is a cute, little restaurant on the right hand side just past the laundromat and rv park. They serve all kinds of food there as well, but life wouldn’t be right if you didn’t order a piece of homemade pie. I tell everyone it’s the best pie in the state. Plus, they offer so many choices too, and I’ve yet to find a mediocre one. They’ve all been fabulous.
For the best hamburger in our state is a place called Monderosa just north of Nenana about ten minutes or so. Heading north it would be on your left hand side. I love hamburgers, and these are by far the best I’ve ever had. The restaurant slash bar is made out of these huge white pine logs. It’s a great place to eat and they welcome children during lunch for sure. They just can’t play on the pool table is all. Other than that, it’s a great place to stop with your family of all ages. The last time I was there they had the old Centipede and Packman video games. And please tip your server well. She is more than likely the waitress, bartender, cook and dishwasher all rolled into one and a dang good one as well. I’ve been told that in the summer months they do hire extra help for the busy season. I’m usually there during our hunting seasons.
Another hidden jem is the small, Native museum in Nenana. They have a gift shop with a lot of the locals handmade gifts. They’re well priced and fair, and not only that, absolutely beautiful beadwork. They have all kinds of gifts for everyone. And the last I heard, they were selling homemade cinnamon buns next door (2018).
The museum is a longish log cabin on the river just past where a huge black and white tripod sits. If you’re heading north, it would be on the right side before crossing over the long bridge.
The tripod is for our raffle in the winter/spring. The person closest to the time of breakup wins half the pot, which is worth tens of thousands of dollars. At least. I haven’t won yet.
Breakup is what we call the breakup of the ice on the Nenana river. It’s our first telling of spring to come after a long winter.
Well, I can tell stories all day long about Alaska, going from one subject to the next in no random order as you can see. So, I will leave it for now, and if anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask. If I don’t know the answer, I will do my best to ask someone who will.
Be well and stay smiling,
Ma’iingankwe
Love your stories, thank you 😊
Hi I have been down the Alcan Highway in 1971 with friends then the road was very primitive and dangerous mostly dirt road we had a trailer had two 50 gallon gas tanks in the back of the truck I drove a Willis Jeep what a experience. Again traveled the Alcan Highway 1984 and 1987 first Chevy Blazer with U haul and then traveled down with a 23 ft trailer there were some difficulties along the way but it was a good experience did a lot of fishing. Now considering another trip to Alaska maybe in 2021 with a 02 Winnabago Adventurer 32ft and a toad. Thank you all for the video.
On the Bucket List ! Great info and Video, Thanks
Thank you for all the information, it is very well done! We are five couples from Canada and are in the process of planning a trip to Alaska in the summer 2022. Hopefully Covid will not be an issue. Leaving around the middle of June and returning the first of Aug. Going north as far as Fairbanks, down to Anchorage, and then start back home.
We went to Alaska in 2015. We arrived in late July and did not have issues with bugs. For those planning a trip there, we strongly recommend going to Dawson City Yukon. To us it was the best stop while in Canada. We took the top of the world highway to reconnect with the Alaska highway. We exited the Alaska highway to Dawson City north of Whitehorse. Plenty of videos can be found on you tube about the top of the world highway.
You were stuck there late in the year. What's missing from the video is how you got out of Alaska and back home with your RV. Did you drove back via the top of world highway thru Yukon and BC? That's what's missing from the video unless there is a follow up video I missed. Thanks for the wonderful info you shared.
I remember watching this video a while back. I knew nothing of the cities you talked about then. I decided to turn 70 in Alaska and I rode the ferry from Bellingham Washington to Haines Alaska. I arrived April 24 because if you go before May 1 you save $500 on the ferry. The inside passage was absolutely beautiful. There were no tourists in Haines and I never saw any eagles except for in the museum. I traveled the beautiful highway to Haines Junction to Tok and then Valdez. Valdez had tons of eagles. On to Palmer and that Wasilla Super Walmart. Off to Soldotna and then Homer and now I'm in Seward Alaska. My favorite place is Seward I'm at the Marathon campground facing my camper sideways with that fantastic view. Watching hump back whales feed on the salmon has got to be one of my favorite experiences in my life. Right out in my front yard! My birthday is August 25, 2017. I wanted to turn 70 in Seward Alaska but since it's only June 4 I still can go off and see other things and come back. I think I want to go to Denali next and then back here to Seward for my birthday. Then to the Alaska State fair to see those giant vegetables. I didn't hit much Weather on this trip. It's rained and sometimes two days but most of the time is just been beautiful from April 24 to now. Being able to stay in Alaska for four months I can discover even more. But I think I'm going to skip Fairbanks this trip. I couldn't believe in your video bridal Falls and the river that runs next to the freeway was so full. I'll make sure I get out of here early September because I'm driving all the way through Canada and down to Montana and then on to Tennessee. I was curious if you went back to Haines and got on the ferry leaving Alaska. I really love this video! Especially since I recognize all the cities you talked about and even that Walmart in Wasilla. LOL
Wow, what a cool adventure!! I will be checking out some of your videos.
RVFreeDa
Hump back whales are Bailene whales the filter krill and other small critters out of the water they don't eat fish. You need teeth to eat fish unless it's dead and on the bottom them the crabs can eat it.
just moved here to wasilla this year and was a move well worth it
That's a great idea to spend your 70th birthday there and it's great that you can stay the whole season and see so much. I have less than a year until my 70th but I don't think I want to be there in March anyway. Lol. I've never run across any of your videos but I just looked up your channel and subscribed. I look forward to seeing your videos.
Went to Alaska in a 2017 Mercedes Benz motor home, left June 22 2017 for 6 weeks. I loved the trip, drove to the Artic Circle, my friend, she rode her motorcycle all of the way to the Artic Circle and back.
We went summer 2022. Arrived in Tok June 22. Went to Valdez June 24. Glorious weather. Very cold and windy in Homer on July 25. Loved Valdez so much, went back the first of August. It was off and on rain until we left Aug 3. Rained almost the entire trip across the Alcan back to home. We plan to return to Valdez this summer, around first to mid-August, 2023. Hope weather is as optimal as yours was. We'll be sure to scurry out by mid September. Thanks much for this video!
We flew to Anchorage Sept. 1, got our reserved RV and drove the loop from Homer south to Fairbanks north. Mostly stayed in public parks and roads/pull outs - on the beach in Homer. We stayed two weeks and enjoyed every minute. Left for home at the perfect time. Beautiful warm weather, almost no rain, cool nights, golden colors, no bugs and we caught a chinook salmon. :) Saw whales, eagles, goat, beavers, bears, elk, moose too. One of our favorite trips. Shopped at Walmart in Anchorage for all our supplies! Bus tour through Denali was not great - bus had no heat and they fed us cold, dry sandwiches when we got to the lodge - don't recommend this.
I thank you! I plan a road trip in Alaska in 2020. I had already made some plans in a period covering the first 3 weeks of September; but you guys made me realized that it is not the best option....then I will start in by mid of August until September 5 or 6th. I live in Normandie, France :) Best regards!!
Thanks for finally putting out more of your Alaska trip. It was worth the wait.
We went out in middle June and thought it was great. The only problem was sleeping enough. June 21st about 20 miles south of Denali National Park the sun just circled the sky. I think I got 2 or 3 hours sleep that day.
To see the Salty Dog still on Spit in Homer brought back many memories. July 1974 was the last time I laid eyes on the building.
We went up to the Kenai Peninsula in 2000 for a job. We left Houston, TX and drove straight there, driving two four wheel drive vehicles. It was September 21st and we arrived the 28th in Kenai, AK. Yes, many gas stations were already closed for the season; thankfully we carried extra gas with us. It did start snowing before we reached Tok, AK. We stayed in a hotel that night and by morning there was two feet of snow everywhere. As we continued our drive the snowy conditions decreased and there was no snow in Anchorage or in Kenai when we arrived on the 28th; the snow came to Kenai around mid October that year.
Great video! It's been three decades since I lived in Alaska, both in southeastern near Ketchikan and on the Kenai Peninsula. My experience was that mid-May to mid-June was best for scenic views since the low mountains still had snow on them, creating striking accents. Mid-May is also after the yukky mud of the spring break-up. However, the moose are just starting to grow their new racks so don't have the dramatic look of the summer and early fall.
Mid-August to mid-September, on the other hand, is best for viewing the moose since their racks are fully grown for the year, but the scenic views are less striking since the snow is melted from the low-lying mountains.
Thank you Sean & Kristy for sharing ;-)
I'm thinking of doing a trip from Pennsylvania North to Canada and heading North West with no planned destination. Buying a new RubiconJeep with camping gear and no trailer. Recently divorced and 56 years old , so before I get too old , I'm heading for the forest and at the end , probably find a piece of land an living in a tiny house. The woods are calling !!! Bushcraft time !!
+Bryan Resch Sound like a great adventure! You should definitely do it!
Was there with a rented class c last week of May 2013. Roads were clear. Portage lake was still icy and exit clacier trail was snowed over. Got a site in Denali camp ground and saw bears on bus tour at visitors center by pit toilets. No mosquitos then. Was a good time especially in Seward.
Took a class C to Alaska in 2009. Arrived second week in May. Was told we were two weeks early. We had a blast. No crowds and plenty of parking.
Enjoyed this segment! Retired last month, going to Alaska in a motor home in the summer of 18, and want to spend as much time there as possible. Thank you!
I enjoy immensely the two of you talking about your adventures, especially those in Alaska. You can tell that you are still on your long, long, honeymoon.
I've been to Alaska three times, each time on a motorcycle, and camping every night with the drone of mosquitoes.
The first time I went with my riding/racing buddy, and the last two times I made the trip solo, crossing the Arctic Circle on both the Dalton Highway and the Dempster Highway. On the Dempster, I not only crossed the Arctic Circle, I crossed into the North West Territory and rode to Inuvik, the end of the Dempster Highway.
Awesome, awesome trips and scenery!
You are right about August. We went to Glacier Bay in mid August 12 years ago. The weather was warm. Didn't see a single mosquito. I went swimming in the bay. Went kayaking with humpback and orca. Unforgettable trip.
We're from Alaska, my favorite months here are June and July for really decent weather and great scenic photography. Now that we're retired we spend our summers here and most of the rest of the year in Georgia. 3 years ago when we left in our motorhome we didn't get going until early October. We winterized the motorhome with RV antifreeze and used jugs for fresh water and grey water. Poured antifreeze in the black water tank and used it to a minimum, mostly public toilets. I think we put fresh water back in the tank about at Watson Lake. We boondocked one night when the outside temp fell to 11 degrees F. We found a RV park still open in Whitehorse that had great shower rooms. Great video!
Thanks for sharing your experience! Love hearing from Alaska residents on this topic. Safe travels to you two!
From Cleveland OH June 5-15 start back after Labor Day get home Early oct. lots to see on the way hom, Nat parks etc
I lived in Soldotna! Yes, the river is called the Kenai River, and it has one if the best salmon runs in the state
Last year we were late getting out of Alaska because we bought a new RV and some warranty issues were not looked at by the dealer until October. We left Anchorage October 10th. We boondocked at Fast Eddy's parking lot in Tok, Alaska after asking permission. It got down to 12 degrees F. that night. We ran the gas furnace and electric holding tank heaters all night but I had to get up and charge the batteries after 6 hrs. as electric holding tank heaters use a lot of power. One of the things we noticed going down the Alcan, Southern B.C. and Alberta that late in the season, the dump stations were often available but the water supplies most of the time were shut down and winterized. One RV Park we stayed at in Watson Lake, Yukon only had a water supply spigot available in the heated laundry room. At least we got to fill our fresh water tank. Once we had water there were plenty of boondocking places along the way.
Thanks for sharing your story🙏🙏 I think it would help us a lot👍
Most beautiful and informative ALASKA video I have seen to-date ! Many thanks for sharing this video ! Good Wishes !
I'm trying to deliver an old motorhome to my nephew this summer as soon as I can getvacrorss tje border I have an extra driver to go as soon as passport arrives Wasilla palmer area then to his campgroundcat whiskey pointhe plans it as a retro rental
I traveled to Alaska on June 25th through July 20th and had perfect weather for the whole trip. Maybe three or four days of light rain but a great trip with good fishing.
Wife and I have driven to Alaska twice in a Class C rv, 2014 and 2018. Both trips, we left Iowa, and Indiana around the second week of May. Great time to travel, it is cold, a lot of snow in mountains, but not on the roads. The best part is , No crowds, a lot of RV parks are just opening, no problem finding a place to park. Over all weather is very good, some rain, but not bad. First trip we traveled the entire Alaska Highway, the second tip this past spring, we cut off at Tok and went to Valdez. Loved Valdez area. Ended up at Homer Spit both years and stayed right on the beach in the city run campground, You can walk anywhere you need to go from homer. I would recommend the drive to Alaska to anyone that likes to drive, once in the Yukon Territory, just “slow down” and enjoy the drive, no need to hurry ! It is beautiful country !
In Southcentral Alaska (Valdez, Palmer/Wasilla, Anchorage, Seward, Soldotna/Kenai, Homer & Seldovia, March-June are usually cloudless. Plan on arriving after Memorial Day. July is partly cloudy and slightly rainy. August is mostly cloudy & rainy. September and October are cooler and very wet. First frost is in the first half of September; there's snow on the ground half of the time at the end of October. These observations based on living in Alaska for 69 years, many of them reading Weather Service reports.
Hello from WV. We went to AK in late Aug early Sept. 7 day cruise and 6 day land tour. The later was the most memorable to us. This year we can’t wait for our new RV to come in to take off for the great state of AK!!! Loloho!!
I've been in Alaska for 32 years and when I saw what time you left all I could think was how lucky you were.
If you come back up and want to see some pretty scenery and wildlife. Take the Casiar hwy in Canada. I would take it slower due to the gravel roads.
I think this is the best single video about Alaska that I've ever seen on You Tube! I have lived in Soldotna, Alaska for going on 7 years now, and I can tell you... you visited all the major points of interest in your trip... places my wife and I keep going back to, because they are so beautiful. You were spot on with your recommendations regarding the best time of year to be up here as a tourist. In later part of June and all during July, the fisherman are here in such great numbers, that it would be hard for you to get around pulling a camping trailer. The traffic at that time is horrendous! We are always so glad when all the tourists finally leave (well, the merchants are disappointed when they leave, but everyone else appreciates finally being able to go shop at Fred Meyers without getting run over in the parking lot). Keep making these great videos. They are very informative, and very well done!
WOW, what timing you guys have! I just booked us tickets to fly into Anchorage on Sept 3rd, and we are renting a 24' Class C motorhome and plan to spend about a week seeing what we can see. While we realize it won't be nearly long enough, we have to start somewhere. I always enjoy your videos, but this one was timed perfectly -- I can only hope our Alaska vacation provides us with the early Sept. perfectness you described.
Done the trip 4 times now. 2008, 2011, 2014, 2018 Thinking about one more time, 2022. Each time for us has been about 130 days RT out of MD. Each time has been early season. Each time just a little later than time before. Ist time was too early. Entered Canada about 1st of May. Crossed Yukon at Dawson City 3rd week of May. Each time we have had generally great weather. Each time stayed at Denali Teklaneka Campground 20 miles inside the park. JMO, staying outside the park & bussing all that way is nuts.
If we do 2022 we are thinking more of a later trip being back in Canada by mid September. Have chains but not in any mood to use them.
Had an opportunity to live in Kodiak back in ‘75. The weather was great the time I was there from May to September ~
My wife & I have trailered to the Yukon & Alaska the last 2 years, and we are already planning our next trip in 2020. The Alaska Highway is absolutely beautiful, dramatic, majestic, and several other adjectives. BTW: Last year, we spent a week in Faro, Yukon. We are including that again in 2020. Worth the drive in for sure.
Best advice and I was born and raised in Fairbanks; go up towards fall. I go up for my brothers BD, third week in Sept. The Silver salmon are still running and they taste the best. The KIngs and the crowds are gone. The mosquitoes are gone. It's fall, it might be rainy. Whew, don't tell everyone else.
I have run the alaskan highway many times, there is the season, Juneish thru Septemberish, but the road is open year round. The facilities are not and no matter the time of year never let your gas tank go below half. Last trip up from Seattle was New Years and the temp in Tok was -20 but all the sky resorts were open especially Girdwood, just south of Anchorage. And the ferry was running to Kodiak. My best tip would be to have a spare tire or to for each vehicle, i blew 2 trailer tires on last trip and the easiest route is the eastern side but the most impressive is the Cassier. And watch out for the buffaloes in BC.
Thank you for such a wonderful trip review with outstanding professional videography. My wife and I lived in Juneau Alaska for 18 years. Many trips to the "interior" were made via motor home and truck camper rentals, tent camping and camping from the back of a truck with a cap (not recommended). I remember a late May trip that was less than photogenic given the leaves at high elevation were not yet out. Most of the landscape was various shades of brown and gray, especially in Denali. However, the bears and other wildlife were easy to see and photograph. Mid-summer trips often involved mosquitoes but they were a minor inconvenience given the privilege of being on vacation in Alaska! Most trips to the interior were taken in early September and the scenery was spectacular. However, similar to your experience, somewhere between September 10th and 20th, cold rains and hard winds usually set in and the golden leaves of the aspen and red/yellows of the dwarf birch all seem to drop over night. Time to leave. Your assessment of visitor amenities was also spot on. Most of the state campgrounds have closed, as have private campgrounds, by mid-September. My wife and I, now retired for several years, are looking forward to a prolonged rv adventure from Florida to Alaska within the next two years. We are also looking forward to more of your very informative vlogs on rv travel. Thanks again.
Thanks Ron for your many thoughtful comments! I especially appreciate your insights as a former Alaska resident. I love your proposed Florida to Alaska trip! We spend a lot of time in Florida ourselves, so I understand the type of adventure you are planning. Safe travels!
Been there me and 6 other friends on Motorcycle left home July 1 2015 gone 16 days 7300 miles loved it going again soon.
We arrived in Alaska from Ontario first week of July.
This has got to be one of my favorites,,,thank you for all the work you put into the channel,I look forward to each new update. Cheers!,,,C-Ya!,,,,Peace!
Hope Kristy didn't pick up any rocks! Thanks for the heads up on the weather Mahalos for this video live from Waianae, HI.
We went last year in June traveled around for 17 days our weather temps were from 50 to 80, it was beautiful to see ,, my wife loved it, at first I wasn't thrilled about going cause I like the palm trees and white sandy beaches in the Caribbean, but after going I have to say I want to go back, pictures can't an don't do it justice you have to see it in person,, great video really enjoyed it......
One thing you mentioned was the cool weather during what you called summer. Which, I realized after watching the video that you didn't' get there till mid or late August. Anyhow just to add to the info the true summer in Alaska is very hot. When I was 9 or 10 years old my family drove to Fairbanks, Alaska from New Orleans, LA. We got there somewhere in June. My father had gotten a trip paid for by the public school system which included a scholarship to the University of Alaska to become a guidance counselor. The year was 1967 or 68. Aside from the fact that it never got dark only like dusk for about an hour, what I remember most was how hot it was. Obviously being a child I thought Alaska would be cold and being from Louisiana it wasn't like I was unfamiliar with hot. So my point is as a boy from Louisiana, the thing that stood out was how hot it was, is significant. Kids got up at all hours of the day and played till all hours of the day/night and didn't seem concerned with the time. My dad covered all the windows in the apartment with aluminum foil and we stuck to a regular schedule. It really pissed me off. Anyhow, we can all imagine now as adults and parents why he did. I've spent the remainder of my life wanting to go back and have never made it. I had given up after nearly 30 years of marriage and 3 children. Well the youngest is 21 and the wife decided to leave and that was when the youngest was 12 and I played single parent till she left for college a couple of years ago. All this is to say that it looks like I may get to go again after all. Well didn't mean to ramble on. Signing off!
I really enjoyed your video...thanks for sharing. My wife and I visited Homer in 2013. While watching your video I recognized the two old boats at the 10:13 mark. I took several photos of them...I love the weathered look. Can't wait to go back. Thanks again.
We've only been once (so far!) and flew into Anchorage and rented a class C. One of the best family vacations we ever had and it's where I was bitten by the RV bug. We were there in mid-August through late August and agree that this was perfect timing. It rained our first night while in the parking lot of the rental facility. Blue skies for the rest of our trip! And most of the crowds had thinned out. At some points, we would drive for miles on beautiful, scenic routes and not see another vehicle of any type. Now, almost 20 years later, I've finally retired and am currently shopping for our camper. Can't wait for the next trip!
I was in Alaska, in rhe Summer, from July 1st to Sept 6th, it was awesome. I flew into Kodiak Island, AK, enjoyed flying to King Salmon, Dillingham, and Sea-planing over Kodiak and Afogneck Islands. Wonderful weather, tons of bugs - White Soxs, Black Flies, Mosquitos, No-See-Ems, etc. Salmon fishing was amazing right off the Main Airport. Salmon Berries, a triple Raspberry were delightful. Great experiences, good people, suberb Seafood - Salmon, Crab, Shrimp, clam digging, etc. Terrific experience on so many levels.
I enjoyed your Video. I use to own a 23' Avion, towed with a Ford F-150, Dual Tanks, Equalizer Hitch; good memories.
In one of your videos about when to go to Alaska, you said at certain times you need chains to drive the Alaska Highway. That is for commercial trucks - personal vehicles are not required to have chains
Good information. Good video. Kind of sounds like you want to be gone by October 1 with all the storms and places shutting down. Take care.
I always wanted to visit Alaska but I know I will never be able to afford it. So I enjoy watching videos about Alaska on UA-cam. So thank you for posting this video.
Our pleasure! Thanks for your kind comment. Who knows, you may make it up there someday!
Hey guys. Love your Ak videos. Favor. Could you give us a list of you itinerary? Where did you go and what all did you see. You know, the highlights like the springs you stopped at. A road map would be great!
Thanks,
I have always wanted to drive to Alaska. However after seeing your difficulties and expenses I'm going to rethink it. Thank you for sharing at least you had each other during the frustration time. Beautiful shits and scenery.