General Alaska FAQs

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 North America. 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.

Fun Fact: The Date zone was curved to allow the whole of Alaska to be in the same date
 
3. Where can I find a map of Alaska?


Paper

The best printed-on-paper highway map of Alaska appears to be the one printed by Rand McNally. It can be purchased at bookstores in many states for about $5.

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).

The Interior (Fairbanks and Denali) has warm summers (highs in the 90s).

The Inside Passage is usually warm and damp (summer highs in the 60s and 70s).

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.

See our Time & Weather page for more information
 
5. What should I pack?


The suitcase of a well-packed Alaska traveler should include items to cover most situations.

RAIN GEAR: A good quality two-piece rainsuit with a hood is a must. It should be made of coated nylon, with factory-sealed seams. The expensive "Gore-tex" variety is not really necessary; however, you may opt for this if you think you may have use for it again. Please do not bring a plastic poncho or vinyl rainsuit because this type tears too easily and quickly becomes non-functional.

HIKING BOOTS: Comfortable, lightweight, and water repellent. Nike, Vasque, Hi-Tec and Merrell all make lightweight hiking boots that are moderately priced.

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 and batteries), TRAVEL ALARM CLOCK, SUNSCREEN, SUNGLASSES, FIELD GUIDES TO LOCAL FLORA AND FAUNA, FLASHLIGHT (August and September).