The Kenai Peninsula gets pretty heavily Anchorage-ized over the 4th of July weekend. Sometimes I worry Homer Spit is going to sink from the weight of the 'Bagos. But I'd say the closer to Homer you are, the happier you are likely to be. You might even consider escaping the hordes at Homer and going across Kachemak Bay to Seldovia.
But you are right to act soon; it's pretty crowded down that way that time of year.
Thanks! I was hoping to be out in the middle of nowhere during the Fourth, but it just isn't turning out that way! LOL! We were able to get the 5 days prior to July 2 booked in Seward....and a week in mid June is booked on Cordova!!!!!!! What a contrast - Cordova to the Kenai Peninsula over the Fourth!
By then we will have covered well over 5,000 miles - not even half way in our trip!
Posted by David Taylor on April 6, 2010 at 1:17 AM
I'd recommend Seldovia too - a charming little community to explore. Jim's right though, the entire peninsula is a madhouse on the 4th. I usually stay away from there that weekend
That's a difficult decision. There is some good hiking around Skilak Lake too. Things are all within a reasonable driving distance on the Kenai Peninsula, so I'd find a decent "base camp" and stay there, making day or overnight trips from there. Some good locations to check out (hiking wise) would be Skilak Lake, Primrose Trail, Tonsina Creek, Lost Lake. There are a lot more, I'd check out some local hiking guides/guide books.
Have a great trip!
You are so helpful! We definitely like to hike and maybe places get away from the crowds! I'd also appreciate any tips regarding where to be when....wildlife, lighting, etc. I'm still tyring to adapt to thinking about soft light at, what, 2 am????
I checked out Sedovia, which is now promoting a big 4th of July parade, BBQ, etc. Sounds like there is no escaping the crowds. Thank goodness we can always stay another day or so once the throngs go away. LOL!
We will be staying at Anchor Point, hopefully a calmer choice than Homer.
Afterwards we will stay a few days near Anchorage, then mosey towards Denail and on to Fairbanks. Our schedule is open so we can take as long as we want and go about anywhere we want.
We will definitely be in the Fairbanks area for several days. Creamer's Field is a possibility and the Steese Hwy to Eagle summit was another suggestion. Of course, I don't know where to stop or the best time of day along the highway.
I have no specific targets. This will be my first time using a 200-400 - the longest lens I've ever had. That said I realize it is still short for birds. However, being on the D300 will give me an effective 300-600 focal length. I also have a 1.4 tele. This is our first trip to Alaska and we have the luxury of spending as much time as we want and go where we want in a Dodge diesel truck with 4x4. Most off roading is not a problem.. My husband does video so we will be looking for good spots for him also.
I'lll post another thread for suggestions for spots between Anchorage and just north of Fairbanks.
Another vote for Seldovia. Their idea of a big 4th of July celebration will be tiny compared to what you will find in Seward or Homer - I'm guessing a couple hundred people would be huge!
I wouldn't worry about campground reservations for Seward, I would camp in the City of Sewards Waterfront campground along the ocean. They don't take reservations, but if you are there before the Holiday Weekend you won't have any problem finding a site.
Just a note, basically, there is NO "off'roading". In many parts of Alaska, it is not allowed to drive offroad. The type of soil is not conducive to driving, and will cause severe rutting and erosion, so please don't expect to be able to drive off road.
Discussion
10 repliesShould we make "base camp" near Soldotna, Homer, in between, or it doesn't matter?
What we like: Photography, wild life, hiking, perhaps a bear viewing trip with Beluga Air or Ron Niebrugge, enjoying the scencery.
Since this is over the July 4th, I want to get reservations soon.
Thanks!
But you are right to act soon; it's pretty crowded down that way that time of year.
By then we will have covered well over 5,000 miles - not even half way in our trip!
That's a difficult decision. There is some good hiking around Skilak Lake too. Things are all within a reasonable driving distance on the Kenai Peninsula, so I'd find a decent "base camp" and stay there, making day or overnight trips from there. Some good locations to check out (hiking wise) would be Skilak Lake, Primrose Trail, Tonsina Creek, Lost Lake. There are a lot more, I'd check out some local hiking guides/guide books.
Have a great trip!
You are so helpful! We definitely like to hike and maybe places get away from the crowds! I'd also appreciate any tips regarding where to be when....wildlife, lighting, etc. I'm still tyring to adapt to thinking about soft light at, what, 2 am????
Thanks everyone!
Karen
We will be staying at Anchor Point, hopefully a calmer choice than Homer.
Afterwards we will stay a few days near Anchorage, then mosey towards Denail and on to Fairbanks. Our schedule is open so we can take as long as we want and go about anywhere we want.
Thanks!
Karen
We will definitely be in the Fairbanks area for several days. Creamer's Field is a possibility and the Steese Hwy to Eagle summit was another suggestion. Of course, I don't know where to stop or the best time of day along the highway.
I have no specific targets. This will be my first time using a 200-400 - the longest lens I've ever had. That said I realize it is still short for birds. However, being on the D300 will give me an effective 300-600 focal length. I also have a 1.4 tele. This is our first trip to Alaska and we have the luxury of spending as much time as we want and go where we want in a Dodge diesel truck with 4x4. Most off roading is not a problem.. My husband does video so we will be looking for good spots for him also.
I'lll post another thread for suggestions for spots between Anchorage and just north of Fairbanks.
Thanks!
Karen
I wouldn't worry about campground reservations for Seward, I would camp in the City of Sewards Waterfront campground along the ocean. They don't take reservations, but if you are there before the Holiday Weekend you won't have any problem finding a site.
I just meant our truck allows us to go on pretty rough dirt and gravel roads.