There’s still time to plan and save on a 2025 bucket list trip to Alaska.
The month of September is that sweet spot to have an amazing experience with fewer crowds and the chance to witness the change of season into autumn. The weather is nearly impossible to predict beyond the expectation of rain (50% chance on any given September date) and nighttime lows in the 40s. Daylight is around 12 hours.
Wildlife is active while bears, moose and caribou forage for winter and Mother Nature puts on her display with stunning fall colors and the Northern Lights show (particularly in the Fairbanks area). Denali National Park makes for an ideal spot to view wildlife and autumn’s beauty. The Visitor Center at Kenai Fjords National Park closes after Labor Day and may be closed due to snow as early as October. But the park can still be accessed for snowmobiles, fat tire bikes, and cross-country skiing. Cruises to view wildlife are offered through early September.
One autumn adventure is riding the Alaska Railroad for the scenic views. Routes can take you from Anchorage to Seward for a wildlife and glacier cruise before the return rail journey to Anchorage that same evening. Or, spend an afternoon exploring the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop (home to one of the most spectacular and visible glaciers along the Railbelt), a backcountry area only accessible by rail with a guided nature walk, ice climbing, or rafting on a glacial river. This route operates year-round, but service is reduced to just twice a week starting September 22.
If you go, consider the purchase of the Alaskan TourSaver booklet or app. It contains 110 BOGO and discount deals across the state, including the Alaska Railroad. There’s even a 20% savings for one or two persons flying to the 51st state with Alaska Airlines. The TourSaver is $99.99, but you can save $50 using coupon code Save50. Free shipping takes 5 to 8 days.
Getting there from Atlanta: Four airlines — Alaska, American, Delta and United serve Anchorage with one-way Basic Economy rates of $218 from Sept 9 through Oct 5. One-way rates to Fairbanks are $291 on Aug 12-Nov 19 departures. Delta serves Juneau with one-way rates from $300 on July 28-Nov 4 departures.
Here’s information from Alaska Travel (Official State of Alaska Vacation Planner) on rental cars, bus and train services. Check out the “How to Get From…” series that suggests the best means of transportation between A and B. The website offers trip itinerary ideas for stays of 5, 7 and 10-day stays. It’s a one-stop shop for trip planning.
These deals could change at any time. See Clark’s travel planning and booking guide for the best tips on stress-free travel, and check out InsureMyTrip.com for trip insurance.
Note that by clicking the link, you are visiting a 3rd party website. Clark Deals is not a retailer and does not fulfill any orders or bookings. See more on our FAQ page here.
Why I Dig this Deal:
The month of September is that sweet spot to have an amazing experience in Alaska!