Alaska

I have been fortunate to have travelled to Alaska a few times. Whether it is a trip down the Seward highway or a flight out to Brooks Falls, each trip is a unique experience.

Alaska is not a one-trip destination. Alaska is the largest state in the U.S., and many areas rely on air travel. The experience is worth it.

Things to Know

Allow extra time for connecting flights. Flights are often delayed/cancelled due to weather. Keep plans flexible, where possible.
Getting here is only half the cost. Alaska is an expensive state to visit.
Seeing polar bears takes some work, a lot of luck, and requires a local guide.

Many tour agents do not charge a fee to help you plan your vacation. Talking to an agent can help you with some things you might have overlooked.
Birding can be slow to non-existent in some places. There is always other wildlife and beautiful scenery.

My Experiences

Nome

Bluethroats, Musk Ox, two ptarmigans, jaegers, shorebirds, and more. If you are lucky, a Gyrfalcon. To look for the rare shorebirds, you will require a 4x4. You will also need to catch a flight to get here.

Posts -

June 2024 - A journey to search for one of my childhood dream birds.

Utqiagvik (Barrow)

Make no mistake, I am here to see the worlds best looking sea duck - the Spectacled Eider. You will need a permit and want waders to crawl the tundra here. Breeding shorebirds, eider, loons, and maybe a polar bear or two make the flight and chaotic airport worth it.

Posts -

June 2022 - 24 hours of daylight and the search for Spectacled Eider
June 2024 - A 48 hour run for polar bears and, you guessed it, Spectacled Eider

Brooks Falls

Another flight destination. This is the famous destination where salmon jump the falls where bears wait with open jaws. You will need join a lottery to stay at the Brooks Falls Lodge in Katmai National Park. A daytrip is risky and severely limits your time at the falls. Stay here. Stay for the 3 day limit. They also have birds, but, honestly, bears!!

Posts -

July 2023 - A trip to see the famous fat bears of Brooks Falls
July 2023 - A post about the birds of Brooks Falls

Anchorage, Denali, and Seward

You can do this by car. In fact, I recommend it. While you cannot drive the Denali Road, you should definitely catch the bus. The drive to Seward is amazing, and there is so much to do there. Booking a birding trip out to the Chiswell Islands is a wonderful experience.

Posts -

August 2021 - Bike rides through Anchorage and a three-day stay at the end of the Denali Road
August 2021 - A drive down the Seward highway and our experience-packed time there.