1

First of all, where in Alaska are you planning to go and what do you want to see?

The Southeast panhandle is an entirely different country than central Alaska and is accessible only by air or water (although there is a road link from Haines at the top ofthe panhandle).

I'd choose mid to late August, even early September. Far fewer bugs and still good weather.

2

In southeast May-June is usually nicest. That area can get rainy after mid-August. For the rest of AK see CascadeBob post.

3

Destination would be helpful, sorry.

Our plan is to fly into Anchorage and from there, I have no idea. We want to see as much as we can. Denali is a definite, Fairbanks for sure. Would love to do some salmon fishing.

4

It is when you are fishing along a river/creek that you will probably encounter the mosquitoes. Just bring DEET. If you are camping near water and green, moist shrubs, then there may also be mosquitoes in the evening.

The Kenai River near Cooper Landing and the confluence with the Russian River is swarming with thousands of fishermen from worldwide. Only fly fishing allowed. Catch and release of the huge rainbow trout on the Russian River.

5

I would pick late June. The time around solstice is one of my favorites, especially in the interior. If you had more specific destinations/activities in mind there could definitely be reasons to pick August, though.

Late June has fishing for kings and reds, mid-August is going to be mostly silvers. There's pros and cons for fishing during both time frames. For sportfishing I prefer silvers but most people prefer the king and red runs. The salmon fishing in the interior is nowhere near as good as it is in Southcentral.

You can get mosquito die-offs in August in the north and at higher altitudes, but I wouldn't worry about it. Just bring bug dope and a headnet and you'll be fine.

6

Don't let your trip be driven by mosquitoes. The terrible mosquitoes you've maybe heard about are out on the tundra, waaaayyyy up north. Down in southcentral (Denali area, Anchorage, etc) they are no worse than what you encounter in most of the lower 48.

For timing, May is great for the panhandle, but for the main part of Alaska the scenery tends to be a bit raw until green-up has gone all the way up the mountains, or about June 10. Sometime in middle or late July it USUALLY starts to rain a lot more. Fall comes early--peak colors around Denali, for example, are usually in late August. I love September but rain can be a serious problem then, and access to Denali can be restricted by snow.

7

I agree with the post about not worrying about mosquitoes. You can pretty much count on having them around if you are going to be outside. If you go hiking around Anchorage you won't be around them too bad if you get above the treeline because it's usually too windy. If you go to the Kenai to fish, or around Fairbanks they will be thicker because you will probably be in the woods more, but even then they are not terrible. I've worked up north where I had to wear a full hood cinched tight, glasses, and a mask because they were hounding me so bad, but that is really rare.

As for when to come, if you are going to Anchorage/Kenai/Fairbanks, and don't plan on doing any winter activities I would say anytime between early/mid June until early August. After that it starts to rain more, and some places start to close.

I agree it is hard to say whether a motorhome or hotel is better, it really depends on where you are going and what you hope to do. I personally prefer a motorhome, but you have to line one up, and make sure you have a place to go just like a hotel b/c there are so many people doing the same thing. Also, it's a little more comfortable if you are driving a lot and want to catch a nap. The downside is parking or exploring around with such a large vehicle.