Visiting Alaska in the Fall

Summer is the peak season for tourism in Alaska, because most of us in the lower 48 states think that once Labor Day hits, the place turns into Hoth, the snow planet from The Empire Strikes Back. But National Geographic Adventure is here to dispel that myth by telling us about Alaska's Secret Season.

The article gives us a number of reasons to visit in the Fall, including the fact that the cruise ships and mosquitos are gone for the year. You'll find a list of suggestions for things to do, such as visiting Denali at a time when you can actually get a campsite. In the Fall, is also when the Moose rut, so there are plenty of them to be seen roaming about the park, and just like many other places in the country, the Fall colors go into full bloom.

Other suggestions included watching the Aurora Borealis, better known as the Northern Lights. Best time is in September and October in Fairbanks. From there, take a road trip on the Dalton Highway, which runs 500 miles from Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle. Along the way you'll see thousands of caribou moving through the area as they make their annual pilgrimage. Other suggestions include sailing the Inside Passage, booking a light aircraft to fly over the Stikine Ice Field, or exploring Tongass National Forest.

Of course, it's cooler in the Fall than it is in Summer, so you'll want to bring some warmer clothes and be a bit more prepared. But if you enjoy the wilderness when you have it to yourself, you may find the solitude of Alaska in the Fall much to your liking.