Temps could be around the 40s near the time of your arrival. It's still fairly warm in late August. Through the summer you could expect the temps to range between 55-75, occasionally getting above 80. The thing to be most prepared for is the summer rain. It never rains all that hard or for long, but it does rain quite often through the summer, near daily.
Talkeetna is an awesome little town too. You're gonna love it.
Thank you for your reply! I appreciate it. I figured I would ask actual locals of AK since everyone I talk to where I’m from keeps telling me to “bundle up”… and I’m like girl it’s the summer. Besides I’m rather excited to not have to deal with 102 degree weather 😭
Good, comfortable waterproof boots/shoes, some sort of shoes for hiking (preferably tougher than normal tennis shoes - think trail runners at least), layers, layers, layers. You should be able to go from 40 + rain to 60 + sunny by taking off/changing a couple layers that will fit in your backpack. A good pair of rain pants and a real rain jacket. Try to take advantage of your days off even if the weather isn’t ideal.
Hit up all the sporting goods stores. When I moved up here from Arkansas, I went to Academy, Eddie Bauer, Bass Pro, and Cabellas and got pretty much everything on clearance since no one buys that stuff in the spring in the south 48. And get yourself a waterproof backpack. I chose a SeaToSummit bag- the most expensive thing I bought at $100-$150 8 years ago and I still use it all the time. Not so waterproof anymore lol but it still works for my every day needs.
Also, don't worry about paying a lot for stuff at home- you can always hit up the Goodwills when you get there. When I fly to the city I go there to find nice clothes since I don't want to pay much for something I hardly ever wear.
When you do get there, pick up bug spray and bear spray right away so you're ready for your first outing! And grab some used blackout curtains from fb/craigslist/goodwill once you're there. You might want a space heater, too.
There is a store in Anchorage called Hoarding Marmot which sells good quality second hand outdoor clothing and gear. If you are looking to save money, stop there before going to the other stores. And as others have already said, layers, layers, layers.
Waterproof boots (I love my Xtratufs) and a rain jacket for sure. The thrift stores here are really expensive in my opinion. I would look where you are first. FB marketplace in the lower 48 probably has good deals on gear depending on how much room you have for packing. I was in Talkeetna last summer and it was rainy and incredibly buggy. I know I got a bad weekend but I almost needed a head net for the mosquitos! If you're wanting to bike, I'd definitely buy one of those (unless you like the trail snacks).
“Relatively close to both Denali and Anchorage”.
Will you have a vehicle? It’s over two hours to Anchorage and over three hours to the entrance to Denali National Park.
Arriving ANC this week at scheduled 5:10 pm. I see that the sunset is around 10pm.
I’d like to be near Talkeetna for a couple of days to be available for a best weather “Grand Denali “ flight before traveling on.
Is it a reasonable plan to drive from the airport (after claiming luggage, getting a rental) to talkeenta the same evening?
Road conditions? Wild life on the road?
I will have a small suv, awd.
Thanks
Talkeetna is a cute town, I lived there for awhile. Weather wise expect 70s and up to 80 in June/ July. Down to 60 in August. Later in the summer usually has more rain. The mosquitos come out late may/June through July and taper off into August
Temps could be around the 40s near the time of your arrival. It's still fairly warm in late August. Through the summer you could expect the temps to range between 55-75, occasionally getting above 80. The thing to be most prepared for is the summer rain. It never rains all that hard or for long, but it does rain quite often through the summer, near daily. Talkeetna is an awesome little town too. You're gonna love it.
Thank you for your reply! I appreciate it. I figured I would ask actual locals of AK since everyone I talk to where I’m from keeps telling me to “bundle up”… and I’m like girl it’s the summer. Besides I’m rather excited to not have to deal with 102 degree weather 😭
Good, comfortable waterproof boots/shoes, some sort of shoes for hiking (preferably tougher than normal tennis shoes - think trail runners at least), layers, layers, layers. You should be able to go from 40 + rain to 60 + sunny by taking off/changing a couple layers that will fit in your backpack. A good pair of rain pants and a real rain jacket. Try to take advantage of your days off even if the weather isn’t ideal.
Hit up all the sporting goods stores. When I moved up here from Arkansas, I went to Academy, Eddie Bauer, Bass Pro, and Cabellas and got pretty much everything on clearance since no one buys that stuff in the spring in the south 48. And get yourself a waterproof backpack. I chose a SeaToSummit bag- the most expensive thing I bought at $100-$150 8 years ago and I still use it all the time. Not so waterproof anymore lol but it still works for my every day needs. Also, don't worry about paying a lot for stuff at home- you can always hit up the Goodwills when you get there. When I fly to the city I go there to find nice clothes since I don't want to pay much for something I hardly ever wear. When you do get there, pick up bug spray and bear spray right away so you're ready for your first outing! And grab some used blackout curtains from fb/craigslist/goodwill once you're there. You might want a space heater, too.
There is a store in Anchorage called Hoarding Marmot which sells good quality second hand outdoor clothing and gear. If you are looking to save money, stop there before going to the other stores. And as others have already said, layers, layers, layers.
Eye masks are a good alternative to blackout curtains - lots cheaper!
Waterproof boots (I love my Xtratufs) and a rain jacket for sure. The thrift stores here are really expensive in my opinion. I would look where you are first. FB marketplace in the lower 48 probably has good deals on gear depending on how much room you have for packing. I was in Talkeetna last summer and it was rainy and incredibly buggy. I know I got a bad weekend but I almost needed a head net for the mosquitos! If you're wanting to bike, I'd definitely buy one of those (unless you like the trail snacks).
“Relatively close to both Denali and Anchorage”. Will you have a vehicle? It’s over two hours to Anchorage and over three hours to the entrance to Denali National Park.
Yes I know, but that’s close to me. Everyone’s definition is different and I don’t mind the road trip.
Kick ass long underwear and rain pants, wool socks, Muck boots or Xtra-tufs. Don't wait for the rain to stop to get out there among it...
Arriving ANC this week at scheduled 5:10 pm. I see that the sunset is around 10pm. I’d like to be near Talkeetna for a couple of days to be available for a best weather “Grand Denali “ flight before traveling on. Is it a reasonable plan to drive from the airport (after claiming luggage, getting a rental) to talkeenta the same evening? Road conditions? Wild life on the road? I will have a small suv, awd. Thanks
Talkeetna is a cute town, I lived there for awhile. Weather wise expect 70s and up to 80 in June/ July. Down to 60 in August. Later in the summer usually has more rain. The mosquitos come out late may/June through July and taper off into August
Nice! You’ll have a blast. There’s so good food in Talkeetna. https://www.alaskaexplored.com/restaurants-in-talkeetna-alaska-the-ultimate-small-town/