Short Trip to Alaska from Seattle

Question

We have a trip planned to Seattle to see family in June. We have 9 travel days. I am thinking about adding a short trip into Alaska as part of this trip. We would not have time for a cruise and a land tour, but are thinking about flying into Alaska at the beginning of the week, staying for 3-4 days. I know it would be super short. Our goal is to try to take our kids to all 50 states, and seeing if it would be possible to visit Oregon, Washington, and Alaska all in one trip. That would put us at 39 visited!

Answer

Adding a short Alaska trip to your Seattle visit in June is definitely doable, though with only 3–4 days, you’ll want to focus on one region to make the most of your time. Flying directly from Seattle is convenient, and Alaska Airlines offers multiple daily flights to major hubs like Anchorage and Juneau.

Since your trip is short, a land and sea combination like a cruise isn’t practical. Instead, consider focusing on one key area, which will allow you to see wildlife, scenic landscapes, and perhaps a bit of local culture without spending too much time in transit.

Option 1: Anchorage and Denali Area
- Fly into Anchorage and rent a car.
- Spend a day exploring Anchorage: Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Alaska Native Heritage Center, and downtown sights.
- Drive or take a shuttle to Denali National Park (around 4–5 hours). Even a single day bus tour or a short hike gives a great taste of the park.
- Return to Anchorage for your flight out.
Option 2: Juneau and Mendenhall Glacier
- Fly directly to Juneau (around 2.5 hours). Juneau is compact, so you can do a lot even with limited time.
- Visit Mendenhall Glacier, take a short hike or guided tour.
- Consider a whale-watching tour if time allows.
- Explore downtown Juneau and its museums before flying back to Seattle.
Option 3: Seward / Kenai Fjords Area
- Fly into Anchorage, rent a car, and drive to Seward (about 2.5 hours).
- Take a day cruise of Kenai Fjords National Park for glaciers and wildlife.
- Return to Anchorage for your flight back.

Tips for a short Alaska trip:

Book flights and accommodations early; June is peak season.
Focus on experiences that minimize long drives; for families, it’s better to enjoy one area than rush between locations.
Bring layers and rain gear—Alaska weather can be unpredictable even in June.
Consider guided day tours to maximize wildlife and glacier viewing without needing extensive planning.

With 3–4 days, you can get a meaningful Alaska experience, especially if you pick either south-central Alaska (Anchorage/Seward/Denali) or Southeast Alaska (Juneau) as your base. This allows your family to check off Alaska as your 39th state while still enjoying the Pacific Northwest.

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