Taking the kids to Alaska for the summer....any suggestions?

**leeinmemphis** · 03-29-2012, 15:43

Hey everyone,

Luck has handed me a pretty good card and I'm going to be carrying my boys to Alaska for the summer. Plan to stay 6-8 weeks and hope to see a large portion of the state. We plan on using the hammocks whenever possible and I've made several purchases on gear to get us ready. I know of a few things that I want to do for certain:

Sign Post Forest
Kennicott Mine
Dusk to Dawson Motorcycle get together on summer solstice(trip timing is going to be centered all around the D2D)
Chewaha hot springs
Drive the haul drive to Prudhoe Bay and see the Bering Sea
Denali National Forest(don't know how many days to allow for the Natl forest)

Things we are open to are:
maybe a day fishing guided day
sea kayaking near the floating glaciers
maybe a white rafting day trip

Is there any other things from people that have been there that you would recommend? My boys are 11 and 12 y/o and we will be car camping probably 90% of the trip. Wife will be there for a couple of weeks then she'll head back home so the majority of the time will be me and the boys.

Any info/suggestions on campgrounds, sites to see, avoidances etc would be greatly appreciated.

**Doody** · 03-29-2012, 15:49

Visit **** Proenneke's cabin at twin lakes.
http://www.nps.gov/lacl/historycultu...ekes-cabin.htm

**Fronkey** · 03-29-2012, 16:33

If you make it to Ketchikan, Juneau or Skagway than let me know. I've been there dozens of times and have literally done every tour they have to offer.

Fronkey

**bgraybackpacker** · 03-29-2012, 18:41

If they are anything like mine don't forget the rope and honey.

**Carver** · 03-29-2012, 20:24

Do you plan on driving or flying to Alaska?

**BER** · 03-29-2012, 21:24

My wife and I just booked our tickets for our second trip to AK for late this summer. Renting an RV as we did the first time around. Great way to see a lot of the state without needing to make too many plans in advance. PM me if you want any details on this route.

**leeinmemphis** · 03-30-2012, 22:44

We are driving. I took a Sprinter cargo van and kind of made a "Redneck RV" out of it. It is set up to where I have a futon bed and couple bunks for the boys. Trying to do this on as tight a budget as possible. I will likely be sleeping in my hammock most nights if there is an adequate place to hang. I am also reluctantly carrying a tent just in case we are forced for some reason to go to ground.

**Carver** · 03-31-2012, 19:21

The highway system in Alaska and the Alcan are very well covered in the "Milepost" which is published every year and encludes accomodations, campgrounds, and points of interest. Alaska highways are marked by signposts every mile and the Alcan by every kilometer so that it is easy to plan ahead. The Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Banff are all in a line on your way north. Banff is extra special so you may want to spend some extra time there. Mosquitoes can be a problem in AK.

**bluejeans** · 04-01-2012, 11:08

Take the kids to a gold mine and pan for gold. Usually find a small piece or two and creates great memories. Have fun and you havent enough time to see what the state has to offer but youll see more then most. When I lived in Anchorage they had great bus tours that travelled the state including the Kobuk jade mines.

**the_gr8t_waldo** · 04-01-2012, 12:11

get a camping permit for wonder lake in denali. this will allow you three to drive the 100 miles back into the very back of the park( other wise you are restricted to riding the busses, like all the other tourists). i drove this about 30years ago and was the highlight of my two years spent in the state. time it so you can drive during early evening to see the max wild life. if it gets too real you can retret into the car for protection.