Do you have any news on Mt. Redoubt?

Mt. Redoubt volcano had a series of eruptions last spring, now about a year ago. Located in South Central Alaska, approximately 100 miles from Anchorage in the Aleutian Range. (Where our Explore Tours office is located, we only saw a light dusting of ash!)

Rest assured, major eruptions happen along this chain often, however due to the remoteness of these islands in relation to the main inhabited and traveled areas of the state, the effects of these eruptions are rarely ever felt.

Although the volcano is still rumbling occasionally along with many others, there are no current travel advisories relating to Mt. Redoubt or any other active volcanoes within Alaska. Travel is not often affected, but as always, the Alaska Volcano Observatory is keeping a close watch.

You can view more recent updates and any new activity at the following link to the Alaska Volcano Observatory web site: www.avo.alaska.edu/

 

How's the weather up there in Alaska?

It's summer!! Woo-hoo! For the next couple months, we'll be enjoying very comfortable temperatures ranging from the mid 50's-to low 70's F to allow for plenty of outdoor fun.

As always, exact temperatures & rainfall can depend on many different factors... such as what part of the state you're traveling, if you'll be at higher elevations or in the rainforest regions. We always recommend checking the weather forecast the morning of as it's known to change really quickly and often cannot be predicted for certain areas until the day of.

If in doubt on what to pack, check with any of our Explore Tours consultants for a suggested packing list and any other local advice according to your itinerary.

Also check with the National Weather Service's Alaska Region Headquarters web site for the latest forecasts by clicking here.

 

Can you tell us about any upcoming events?

You bet! We are all excited about one of our biggest local events...The Alaska State Fair, held from August 26 through September 6, 2010. View more details online HERE  

And stay tuned...you can also access our Local Flavor Calendar for more info on happenin' Alaska events year round!

 

What are your daylight hours like right now?

We are now on the slow downward cycle...currently losing a few minutes of daylight each day. Click HERE to view the full sunrise and sunset calendar for July, 2010.

How can I see the Northern Lights?

When
The aurora borealis lights up the Alaska sky in a colorful display with activity present all year long, but can only be seen when the conditions are dark -- generally from late August through early April.

Peak viewing opportunities are from November through March with optimum chances the farther you venture north and to remote areas free of city lights.

Stats show that the best time of day to catch them out is anywhere from 11pm to 2am, usually around midnight. Many hotels will offer "aurora wake up calls", so be sure to ask upon check in to be notified if they are active during your stay.

Where
Also check out Bettles Lodge, located at 66° 54' N Latitude, putting Bettles directly below the "Aurora Oval" maximum viewing zone. This location combined with National Weather Service records indicating Bettles has the most "cloud free" days of any spot in Alaska, further increases your chances of seeing the aurora. 

More!
Surf to the Alaska Geophysical Institute's web site for their daily Aurora Forecast by clicking here.

You can also view our popular Aurora Watch package or contact our knowledgeable staff to create your own unique northern lights program.