Alaska suggestions

[Dr4Film]

Originally Posted by chiefdave

Anyway you go, drive wisely and bring extra air filters etc.. Recommend the milepost and add more days to your trip. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We spent 5 months and plan to return in 2011 to see the rest of the state…. Have a safe trip.

Chiefdave,

I am leaving for Alaska around the 1st of May this year. You mention about air filters, etc. Could you be more specific regarding what air filters and other stuff that you would recommend carrying, please.

I plant to have the coach completely serviced with filters, oil changes, grease all the lube joints, etc. both the engine and the generator.

Thanks !!

Dr4Film ----- Richard.

[larry koenn]

Dirk,

We go to Alaska each year, mainly for the fishing. On the Kenai Peninsula King Salmon start around mid June, Red Salmon around July 15th and Silver Salmon around August 15th. We generally fish the Kenai River for Reds the third and forth weeks in July. Last year the fish were big and in large numbers. Lots of rain late in July made the fishing a bit ruff though.

Soldotna’s city park, Swiftwater Campground, close to the Fred Meyer store in Soldotna is a great place to stay, lots of easy access to the Kenai River. Also try the Swanson River at the end of the north road out of Kenai. A stay at Captain Cook Park at the end of the road is also not to be missed. Both Reds and Silvers run the Swanson River. On big low tides up to a mile of the beach off Captain Cook can be exposed for excellent rock exploring. You might even find your own concretion. www.cookinletconcretions.com
Both Swiftwater and Captain Cook are dry camping.

King Salmon fishing on the Kenai is becoming very hit and miss. You almost have to use a guide service and chances of getting a king are still slim. Last year the king run was so poor most of the streams were closed to kings.

Halibut, I go out of Deep Creek at Ninilchik. Boats are put in the water with tractors and you are within a half hour or so of fishing. It’s still a hit or miss situation but still generally good. Halibut fishing is still pretty good out of Seward but generally a longer run to the fish. All the Deep Creek boats hold six people so it’s a bit more personal than the 20 or so people boats out of Seward and Homer. Some six pack boats are available out of Homer though.

Silver Salmon also seem to be in trouble, Two years ago we went to Whittier where they are generally in great supply. All hatchery fish. It was very difficult to catch a limit, so last year we went to Valdez and ran into the same thing. Most Alaska fishermen believe the ocean fishing boats are now able to track these fish and are catching most of them.

Have a great trip.

[Xpoint]

Is Mike & Terri' book updated every year or is the information getting old? Going up to Alaska in June.

[CoastieSCPO]

DSbike:
Yes, the book is beneficial for those taking the inside passage with the AK ferry. We did it last year from Haines, getting off at Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan and finally ending up at Prince Rupert, BC. In fact, I believe that it is more informative than the Milepost and the Trailer Life's big book insofar as Alaska is concerned.

Xpoint:
I do not believe that Mike and Terri's book is published every year. My copy was published in 2008 and was accurate for 2009. Their website is Rolling Homes Press.

Bob

[D&J]

All of the above plus Jasper & Banff NP in Canada if you have time it would be well worth it. Be sure to take your time and enjoy the sights.

Denny

[Superslif]

If I can repeat...See Denali....We have visited my sister-n-law 4 -5 times in North Pole Alaska, but had never been to Denali. What a mistake...You have to go. Spent 3 days there in Aug. of 08'. (Pictures)The national park campground next to the visitor center was OK looking. They do have sites saved for larger rigs (30'+). The key to actually seeing Denali is reserving the earliest shuttle bus possible. It takes about 3-4 hours to get to the 2nd visitor center (Eielson Visitor Center). I believe the (green) shuttle buses start at 6am. By noon most days the clouds come in. You can drive you cars in as far as the Savage River trail head. The parking lot is small with limited spaces. So plan ahead....If you have an ?'s about the Fairbanks or North Pole area let me know....

While in Fairbank take a trip on the Riverboat Discovery. It departs near the Fairbanks airport and travels down the river to a Alaskian Village. Very informative trip, but pricey.