Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights forecast:
Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Scale is “0-9”, with map showing the possible aurora viewing area. On a clear night we have been able to see this beautiful light display when the forecast was as low as a “3”! Usually the aurora isn’t visible until late August when a dark nighttime sky returns to Alaska.

   Local weather forecast:
We prefer the National Weather Service (NOAA) website. Enter the Trapper Creek zip code, 99683, and check out the detailed forecast for your upcoming trip. Keep in mind that Anchorage weather is not the same as the weather in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley borough, where Trapper Creek and Talkeetna are located.

 Talkeetna Air Taxi:
Book your flight seeing tour with Talkeetna Air Taxi, located in Talkeetna. These folks are knowledgeable, safe and reliable. Pick up your discount card when you check in at North Country Bed & Breakfast for a nice discount on your flight!

   Denali National Park/Mt. McKinley:
This site is Denali National Park’s portal on the National Park Service website. Check out the tab on the right side: “Bus Services-How to Explore Denali” to see the various tour options once inside the park. Check with us as well—we have toured and hiked in Denali Park and can assist you with your vacation plans.

 Clothing: the first and last word in Alaska clothing is “Layers”. Fleece and flannel layers that can be easily added or removed for Alaska’s weather regardless of the time of year. And don’t forget the rain gear.

   Footwear: a pair of comfortable boots for walking on trails and hiking boots if you plan on hiking. Alaskans are casual in clothing attire, so nothing more than tennis shoes and boots with good traction/tread are required here.

 Bug repellent: When mentioning Alaska’s unofficial “bird”, the mosquito, DEET still works the best. Hats with mosquito netting work well also. These pesky critters are most noticeable in the end of May, through June and decline greatly around the beginning of July.

   Pack a collapsible extra bag for all the souvenirs that you will bring back with you, even though you are right now saying that you won’t be buying much! (You can also ship extra items back to yourself via the USPS pre-paid boxes.)

 Water bottle-be sure to bring one along for the trip or pick one up once you get here as a functional souvenir. Outside of Anchorage, the majority of the borough is on well water, straight from Mother Nature, and you can’t beat the taste.

   Read up on bear, moose and other wildlife safety tips for “close encounters” of these wild animals. Though capturing their picture can be the highlight of your trip, safety is of utmost importance during your stay in Alaska.