Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Landscape Photography Locations => Topic started by: Kathy on January 19, 2018, 07:37:30 pm

Title: Alaska Fall Colours & Wildlife
Post by: Kathy on January 19, 2018, 07:37:30 pm
Hello
Any advice would be appreciated. We are in the planning stage of a trip to Alaska in September. We would like to photograph both fall colour & wildlife. So far our research has suggested arriving in Anchorage first weekend in September, 3 nights in Denali, 3 nights HW8 - Denali Highway & Delta Junction area, then Glenallen/Copper Centre, Valdez ferry to Seward, 3 nights Seward - Kenai Fjords, 2 nights Homer - Bears, Girwood/Alyeska, 2 night Palmer/Wasilla/Hatcher Pass/Matanuska Valley. Then back to Anchorage and home.
So some questions.
Is the time allowed about right for the amount we wish to cover? We are trying to build in some rest / flexibility days to allow for weather and opportunity return to an area.
Is our timing good for fall colour?
Are there some must sees we should include?
Any recommendations on lodging and vehicle hire (4x4)?
I have read that getting fuel can be a problem in Denali Highway area, any advice?

Many Thanks in advance.
Kathy
Title: Re: Alaska Fall Colours & Wildlife
Post by: johnfr on March 23, 2018, 07:16:33 pm
My wife & I did an RV trip to AK in 2017. I had a Professional Photographers Permit for Denali for week of Aug. 6-12. During our week in Denali we began to see signs of the tundra foliage starting to change. By the time you arrive first week of Sept. it should be in full swing. Normally visitors to Denali have to take the buses into the park. If you can afford it I would recommend staying at the commercial lodging at west end of Denali Park Road for at least one night. Denali Hwy would be the only road that a 4x4 would possibly be needed.
The drive from Denali to Glenallen and on to Valdez should be spectacular at that time. Fall colors should be at peak or slightly past. Fuel along the Denali Hwy will be a problem. Make sure to fill up before you leave Denali Village at the park entrance. We avoided it because we were in a 40' motor home. Generally a good idea to fill up at any major town. Gas stops in AK are far and few between everywhere.
Check with locals about the Bears. Whether or not they are present is highly dependent on if salmon are running. By middle of Sept. they may be making their way towards their hibernation sites.   

Have a great trip.
John
Photos from Denal (http://abbascreationsphotography.com/Alaska%202017.htm)