Frequently Asked Questions
1. How big is Alaska?
Alaska covers 570,373 square miles of land, plus an additional 45,000 square miles of water. It's the biggest state in the country. Alaska is 2.3 times the size of Texas, 10 times the size of Georgia or Florida; and 499.7 times the size of frequent comparison victim Rhode Island. Alaska covers 20 percent of the total U.S. area. Alaska stretches across 57 degrees, 34 minutes of longitude between 52 and 54 degrees latitude.
2. What time zone is Alaska in?
A state the size of Alaska needs it own time zone. We are one hour behind the Pacific Time Zone and four hours behind the East Coast Time Zone. When it is 12 noon in New York, then it is 8:00am in Anchorage.
3. Where can I find a map of Alaska?
Online
For information on Alaska's highway systems, including the marine highway, click here: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/scenic/index.shtml
You may also order an official Alaska state map for free!
Paper
Printed maps of Alaska can be purchased at bookstores in many states and convenience stores throughout Alaska for about $5. Also, check for free-distribution-only maps at area visitor centers.
Atlas
The Alaska Atlas & Gazetteer, an oversize book, is a favorite in the state for its topographical maps. It costs about $20 and is available at many large bookstores and through online bookstores. Like many maps, it is based on the U.S. Geological Survey series of topographical maps.
4. What's the summer weather like in Alaska?
Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska have relatively mild summers (highs in the 70). Coastal areas have more moderate temperatures than inland areas as well as more precipitation. In late spring and early summer (close to the solstice in mid-June), the days are the longest. Early summer has less rain than late summer and fall.
5. What should I pack?
The suitcase of a well-packed Alaska traveler should include items to cover most situations. It's usually wise to dress in layers, easily removing or adding depending on current weather conditions. Insulated underwear, wool caps and gloves are not usually necessary in the summer months but may be nice to have on saltwater excursions in the Spring and Fall.
RAIN GEAR: A two-piece rainsuit made of coated nylon with factory-sealed seams is adequate. Before packing your own check with your outfitter(s) as they may provide them for you. Please do not bring plastic ponchos or vinyl rainsuits because these types tear too easily and quickly become non-functional.
HIKING BOOTS: Comfortable, lightweight, and water repellent.
PANTS: Comfortable and durable. Include a pair of shorts, just in case.
SHIRTS: T-shirts, flannel shirts, lightweight long sleeve shirts, and turtlenecks are all good options.
WARM JACKET / SWEATERS: A fleece or pile jacket and/or a wool sweater offer great layers for extra warmth.
LONG UNDERWEAR: Non-cotton preferred, uppers and lowers.
SOCKS: Wool socks and synthetic liners are a good combination for hiking.
GLOVES: Lightweight wool or pile gloves are best.
WOOL KNIT CAP: You won't be sorry you brought this!
BRIMMED HAT: For sun protection.
DAY PACK or HIP PACK: This will come in handy for day hiking and bus travel.
QUART WATER BOTTLE: Great for day hikes.
INSECT REPELLENT: The higher the percentage of DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta- toluamide), the more effective it is against mosquitoes. Natural repellents containing Citronella are less effective, but are gentler on your skin. Creams and pumps are more environmentally friendly than aerosols.
OPTIONAL: BINOCULARS, CAMERA (extra film or memory cards and batteries), TRAVEL ALARM CLOCK, SUNSCREEN, SUNGLASSES, FIELD GUIDES TO LOCAL FLORA AND FAUNA, FLASHLIGHT (August and September).
6. What's the best way to avoid mosquitoes?
Fortunately, Alaskan species of mosquitoes do not carry illnesses such as malaria. However, the mosquitoes can be relentless pests that cause tremendous discomfort. Mosquitoes are most often found near standing water, in the forest and on low tundra. They're present during all the warm months, but taper off late in the summer. Wear long sleeves, long pants and a hat; go where mosquitoes aren't; or use bug dope with a high percentage of DEET. Applications based on citronella or Avon's Skin-So-Soft also work for some people.
7. Is it dark all the time? When is the midnight sun?
Summer is a time of long days. Above the Arctic Circle, the day can be 24 hours long or months long. In Anchorage, almost 400 miles south of the circle, the summer solstice day is 19.5 hours long. Winter has much shorter days. Above the Arctic Circle, the night can last for months, although lingering twilight brightens the sky. In Anchorage, the shortest day still provides 4.5 hours of daylight. Around the equinoxes in March and September, Alaska gets the same 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness the rest of the world does.
8. When can I see the northern lights?
Winter visitors have the best chance of seeing the northern lights, or aurora borealis. Even though the electromagnetic activity that creates the aurora occurs all year high overhead, the lights are mainly visible only at night in the Winter months.
9. Can I take my fish home?
There are UPS and FedEx shipping facilities located throughout the Kenai Peninsula as well as harborside shops and some meat/fish shops in larger towns provide freezing, smoking and shipping service for people who want to send their salmon or halibut home. Overnight delivery to the continental US and some parts of Hawaii is available through FedEx and UPS; however, it is not possible to ship perishables such as fish and wild game internationally- this includes Canada. Travelers can also take a cooler home on their return flight; international travelers will have to verify with their home-customs regulations. Deep freeze fish fillets, add frozen gel-packs as necessary and fill voids of space with folded newspaper to prevent the thaw and spoil of your catch.
12. Are there ATMs? Are credit cards accepted?
All banks in Alaska have the same features as they do in the other 49 states. Most banks in Alaska are part of national or regional chains. Automated teller machines are found at many banks, grocery stores, gas stations and some hotels. Visa and MasterCard are accepted statewide. Many businesses also accept Discover and American Express. Traveler's checks are usually accepted.
13. Where can I check my e-mail?
Red Fish Lodge offers Internet access for guests. Internet access is available at most public libraries. Most larger hotels and motels also offer free Internet access. Many towns have coffee shops and cafes with for-a-fee Internet service.
Travel Tips
Average Daylight Hours
In June the average amount of daylight is nineteen hours. While the sun briefly dips below the horizon, its glow illuminates the sky until it reappears a few hours later. This makes for long, beautiful evenings with plenty of light. About the time the leaves begin to turn their brilliant fall colors, we experience a rapid decrease in light. December has an average of five hours of daylight. With the passing of the winter solstice, the cycle begins again.
Average Temperatures and Precipitation
While most people expect Alaska to be cold, our summers have weather many dream of with an average high in the mid sixties, humidity around 50% and less than two inches of precipitation per month. Winter temperatures can be extreme, but The Kenai is one of the mildest winter climates in the state with average highs in the twenties and snowfall rarely accumulating more than four feet.
Banking Opportunities
All of the incorporated communities on The Kenai have banking facilities available. First National Bank of Alaska, Wells Fargo Bank, Key Bank, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, Credit Union One and more financial institutions may be found within the communities on the Kenai. ATM machines can be found in most grocery and convenience stores.
Cellular Phone Service
Currently two different companies offer digital service, ACS and Cellular One. Your phone ought to work well in most areas of The Kenai in roaming mode. Check with your provider for rates.
Clothing
One of the most predictable aspects of Alaska is that the weather is unpredictable. It is not uncommon to have temperature shifts of 10 to 20 degrees within a day. During the spring, summer, and fall, dressing in layers is the key to being comfortable. A light shirt, short or long sleeved, makes an excellent first layer. Over that, something for warmth like a sweatshirt, wool sweater or fleece pullover. The ideal outer layer is light waterproof jacket. Layers should be lightweight and easy to remove depending on weather changes or your activity. Don't forget shorts or sleeveless shirts for those warm days! Comfortable footwear is a must, and if you plan to be out on the beach or hiking in the woods, waterproof boots are the best choice.
Driving Tips
Alaska and Canada will honor a valid driver's license, from any state or country, for 90 days after entry.
Seat belts must be worn by all drivers and passengers in all areas of Alaska.
All children under age four, regardless of weight, must ride in a federally approved child safety seat.
Most remote stretches of the Seward and Sterling highways require that motorists must drive with headlights on at all times.
Winter visitors to Alaska need not worry too much about road conditions, while snow is always a factor the Alaska Department of Transportation has been maintaining roads in these conditions for years. Their system is safe, efficient, and effective. If you prefer to have some added precautions, studded tires are allowed in Alaska September through April.
In the springtime, be careful of frost heaves, large indentions in the pavement, the larger heaves can break an axle.
If there is a line of traffic behind your vehicle of five vehicles or greater the law requires you to pull over and let them pass.
Traveling through Canada:
Due to changing legislation regarding border crossing requirements, it is recommended that U.S. Citizens traveling between the United States and Canada have a current passport. Please visit the U.S. Customs office at www.customs.gov for updated identification requirements well in advance of your trip. For additional information visit: www.customs.gov or www.cbp.gov
Persons under 18 not accompanied by both parents must carry a notarized letter from their legal guardian and/or the other parent granting permission to travel to Canada.
Persons under 18 not accompanied by both parents must carry a letter from their legal guardian and/or the other parent granting permission to travel to Canada.
Be prepared to show proof of insurance and vehicle registration or rental papers.
Dogs and cats may be transported through Canada as long as you have proof of current rabies vaccination. A health certificate is also recommended, as it may be required by U.S. border officials when entering from Canada.
You may not be able to enter Canada if you have a criminal record (this includes DUIs).
Caution: When driving the AlCan Highway in the off season, October through April, many businesses are not yet open. ALWAYS HAVE AN EMERGENCY GAS TANK ON HAND. For more information visit www.northtoalaska.com
Firearms
You may carry firearms for protection or hunting in Alaska.
Airline passengers must declare their firearms and check them as baggage.
Unloaded rifles may be mailed to Alaska, if sent to a federal firearm licensee (check with the U.S. Postal Service for shipping requirements). Mailing handguns or ammunition is prohibited.
For further information contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, or call (907) 271-5701.
Holidays
All Major U.S. holidays are observed on The Kenai, as well as, Seward's Day on the last Monday in March, and Alaska Day on October 18.
Medical Facilities
Central Peninsula Hospital
Phone 907-262-4404
Emergency: 907-262-8123
250 Hospital Place
Soldotna, AK 99669
Providence Seward Medical Center
Phone: 907-224-5205
Emergency: 907-235-0427
417 1st Ave.
Seward, AK 99664
South Peninsula Hospital
Phone: 907-235-8101
Emergency: 907-235-0427
4300 Bartlett St.
Homer, AK 99663
Postal Service
UPS, Federal Express, and the US Postal Service all provide rapid parcel delivery service into and out most Kenai Peninsula communities. Fish processing stores are abundant and will process, freeze and ship your fish for you on the date you specify.
Student Information
The official Student Information Guide to Alaska is available at www.state.ak.us/local/kids/home.html or at www.travelalaska.com
Tidal Safety
The tides of Cook Inlet have the second greatest tidal range in the world, with a maximum range approaching forty feet. While these tides are impressive to watch they can also be very dangerous. They boast powerful currents, some as fast as 20 miles per hour, and they come in very fast. The tidal flats are usually composed of gray clay that acts as a binding quicksand. DO NOT WALK OUT ONTO TIDAL FLATS-IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
Time Zone
A state the size of Alaska needs it own time zone, called Alaska Time. We are one hour behind the Pacific Time Zone and four hours behind the East Coast Time Zone. When it is 12 noon in New York, then it is 8:00 am on The Kenai.
Visitor Centers
Local visitor information centers can be found in the communities of Anchor Point, Cooper Landing, Homer, Kenai, Seward, and Soldotna.