9 day itinerary help for first time to Alaska

Question

Looking for suggestions on our rough itinerary for early June trip. We'll be flying in from Portland, OR. and renting a car. We like light hiking, sight seeing, scenic drives, kayaking, and he'd like to fish at some point. Thank you in advance!

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage & Explore

Day 2: Drive to Homer and sightsee on the way

Stay in Homer

Day 3: Drive to Seward & Exit Glacier

• Check out Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park (easy hike to a glacier).

Day 4: Kayak Aialik Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park

Day 5: Kenai Fjords Boat Tour

• Head back to Anchorage in the evening. (2.5 hr drive)

Day 6: Drive to Denali National Park

• Drive 4 hours north to Denali National Park.

• Stop at Talkeetna - Do a flight to Denali with talkeetnaair.com

Day 7: Explore Denali National Park

Day 8: Drive Back to Anchorage & Scenic Stops

Day 9: Flight home

Answer

Your 9-day Alaska itinerary for early June looks well-paced, but here are some suggestions and refinements to maximize your experience, keeping in mind your interests in light hiking, scenic drives, kayaking, and fishing.

Day 1: Anchorage

Explore downtown Anchorage, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (ideal for walking or light biking), and perhaps the Anchorage Museum for a brief cultural overview. Early June offers long daylight hours, so you can squeeze in a short hike.

Flattop Mountain Trail – moderate, ~2-3 hours round trip, great views of Anchorage.
Coastal Trail – flat, easy, scenic views, possible wildlife spotting.

Day 2: Anchorage to Homer

The drive to Homer takes roughly 5-6 hours without stops, but you can break it up with scenic stops and light hikes.

Beluga Point along Turnagain Arm for scenic views and possible beluga sightings.
Kenai River area for fishing opportunities or a short walk along the river.
Small towns like Soldotna or Ninilchik for lunch or local shops.

Arrive in Homer and enjoy sunset views along Homer Spit. Check local guides for short fishing excursions if desired.

Day 3: Homer to Seward & Exit Glacier

The drive from Homer to Seward is around 4.5 hours. Along the way, consider stopping at scenic viewpoints and small towns. Once in Seward, explore Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Exit Glacier Trail – easy, accessible, ~1 hour to view the glacier closely.
Optional: Harding Icefield Overlook Trail – moderate, ~4-5 hours round trip if feeling more adventurous.

Day 4: Kayak Aialik Glacier

Book a guided kayaking tour to Aialik Glacier. Early June offers good conditions, and you'll have a chance to see wildlife like seals and birds along the fjords.

Choose a half-day or full-day guided tour depending on your energy level.
Bring layers and waterproof gear; even in June, water temperatures are cold.

Day 5: Kenai Fjords Boat Tour & Return to Anchorage

Kenai Fjords National Park boat tours are excellent for spotting whales, sea otters, and puffins. Return to Anchorage in the evening.

Consider an early morning cruise to maximize wildlife sightings.
Plan the drive back to Anchorage (~2.5 hours) with a stop at Beluga Point or Girdwood for photos or a short snack.

Day 6: Anchorage to Denali via Talkeetna

Drive about 4 hours north to Denali. Stop in Talkeetna for a flightseeing tour of Denali (weather permitting) and lunch in this quaint Alaskan town.

Talkeetna Air offers fixed-wing tours for stunning views of Denali.
Stroll around Talkeetna’s historic downtown for local shops and small galleries.

Day 7: Denali National Park

Spend the day exploring Denali. Shuttle buses provide access into the park beyond the road closure points.

Shuttle to Savage River or Eielson Visitor Center for wildlife viewing (bears, moose, caribou).
Short hikes along Savage River or Horseshoe Lake Trails – moderate, 3-5 hours round trip.
Consider a canoe or kayak rental on Nenana River for a light, scenic paddle.

Day 8: Denali to Anchorage

Drive back to Anchorage (~4-5 hours). Enjoy scenic stops along the Parks Highway:

Views of Matanuska River, Talkeetna Mountains, and possible wildlife sightings.
Optional detour to Wasilla for a quick visit to the Iditarod Headquarters or local eateries.

Day 9: Anchorage Departure

If time permits before your flight, enjoy a morning walk along the Coastal Trail, or visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center south of Anchorage for a last chance to see Alaskan wildlife up close.

Additional Tips:

Book Kenai Fjords tours and Denali shuttle tickets in advance, especially in June when Alaska is busy with tourists.
Early June weather can still be variable; bring layered clothing and rain gear.
Wildlife is active in June, so bring binoculars and cameras for both Denali and Kenai Peninsula.
If fishing is a priority, Kenai River near Soldotna offers guided half-day trips and is highly recommended.

This itinerary balances light hiking, scenic drives, kayaking, and wildlife viewing while giving you enough time at each location without feeling rushed.

9 day itinerary help for first time to Alaska

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