Seattle to Alaska including Denali Park

Question

Hi.

Looking for advice on how to best visit Alaska including overnight in Denali.

We are in our mid 60's and early 70 and have never been to Alaska. We love to hike but these days it's more easy to moderate. Love wildlife but also cautious about taking risks, e.g., don't want to chance coming too close.

We will be traveling from Boston and want to make a 4 day stopover in Seattle to visit family. We may do that either going to or leaving Alaska.

Our goal would be to do a sea and land cruise where we could cruise in a smaller ship as opposed to the large cruise ships and spend a few nights in Denali Park. It may make more sense to fly directly to Alaska in order to take the smaller cruise line and then fly to Seattle to visit family.

There are many cruise lines so hoping you could share your expertise in terms of which small cruise lines you would recommend that include transportation and accommodation into Denali. In terms of how many days, ideally we would have approx. 10 days which would allow 4 days in Seattle. In other words, 14 days in total.

There are no specific locations within Alaska that I can mention that are must see's at this time. I'm hoping the forum will guide me in the right direction.

In terms of when, we would like to go this coming May or June but that also depends on the forum advice.

Please let me know if you need more information.

Thanks, W

Answer

Visiting Alaska with a combination of a smaller cruise and Denali overnight is an excellent plan, especially for first-time travelers in your age group who prefer easy to moderate hiking and wildlife viewing. Here’s a detailed approach to structuring your trip.

Timing:

May and June are both good months. May offers fewer crowds and more wildlife activity, including bears emerging from hibernation. June provides longer daylight hours and slightly warmer weather but is busier. Keep in mind that early May may still have some snow on trails in Denali, affecting hiking options.

Suggested Itinerary (Approx. 14 days including Seattle stopover):

Days 1–4: Seattle: Visit family and explore Seattle’s highlights such as Pike Place Market, waterfront, and nearby hikes or day trips.
Day 5: Travel to Alaska: Fly from Seattle to Anchorage or Juneau depending on your cruise departure port.
Days 6–10: Alaska Cruise: Opt for a small ship cruise (fewer than 200 passengers) for a more intimate experience. These cruises typically include stops at less-crowded ports, wildlife viewing, and kayaking or gentle hiking options. Many small cruise lines coordinate inland Denali extensions.
Days 10–12: Denali National Park: Overnight in or near Denali. Consider guided bus tours that take you deep into the park for wildlife viewing while avoiding close encounters with bears or moose. Choose easy hikes like the Savage River Loop or Horseshoe Lake Trail.
Day 13: Return to Anchorage or Seattle: Fly back for your departure home or to Seattle for additional family time.

Recommended Small Cruise Lines and Packages:

UnCruise Adventures: Small ships, personalized service, Alaska-focused itineraries, often include inland Denali add-ons.
Alaska Dream Cruises: Known for smaller ships and access to remote fjords and glaciers; can coordinate Denali accommodations and transfers.
American Cruise Lines: Offers small ship experiences with options for interior Alaska ports and Denali extensions.
AdventureSmith Explorations: They book small ship cruises and can create packages including Denali National Park overnight and transportation.

Denali National Park Options:

Bus Tours: The Tundra Wilderness Tour (8–10 hours) is excellent for wildlife viewing without strenuous hiking.
Lodging: Options include Denali Backcountry Lodge, Grande Denali Lodge, or nearby lodges in Healy. Booking early is essential.
Short Hikes: Savage River Loop, Horseshoe Lake, and other short trails suitable for moderate hikers with good viewpoints.

Transportation Considerations:

Many small cruise packages include ground transfers to Denali from Anchorage or Fairbanks.
If booking independently, Alaska Railroad offers the Denali Star train connecting Anchorage and Denali, which is scenic and comfortable.
Ensure any transfers or flights between ports, lodges, and Denali are booked in advance, particularly in May and June when availability is limited.

Other Tips:

Pack layers for variable weather—Alaska can be chilly in May even during the day.
Binoculars are highly recommended for wildlife viewing.
Consider travel insurance that covers delays or changes, especially if connecting a cruise with inland Denali travel.

This itinerary allows for a mix of easy/moderate hiking, wildlife viewing, and comfortable travel with minimal strenuous activity while providing a rich Alaska experience.

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