We (my 16 year old twins and I--DH could not go) just got home from Eagle River in August, 2012. We met our oldest son there for his vacation.
Had a wonderful time. Our oldest daughter is married to an AirForce pilot stationed in Anchorage. We climbed a glacier, went river rafting in glacier water--brrr, went fly fishing for the first time in my life, went kayaking (first time ever), and I even jumped off of Mt. Alyeska in Girdwood, Alaska. I called my DH and told him that I was going paragliding (obviously first time) and he said, "You're not going to do that?" to which I replied, "YUP, I am!!"
It was great! Probably would not have done it if I didn't have an instructor on my back.
It rains in August in Anchorage...we hit the only week that the weather was sunny and high 60's. So I would suggest earlier in the summer. They have begun to have snow flurries up there now..

Must warn you that everything is expensive. I saved forever so that we could go and I am still paying for that vacation. We are hoping to go again next summer....this time DH is coming along. It will be the last summer that our daughter and family will be stationed there.
I would say "GO FOR IT!" You only go around one time so you may as well do anything and everything that you can. Start saving those pennies now!

I have bee 4 times and would go again if I could. One time was a cruise, if cruising buy ticket on land (cheaper than on board) The train trip out of Skagway is well worth the money. Of course Denali is a must. Spend more than one day if you can. You don't see as many animals in June as they're in the nursery. If you take a boat trip out of Seward make sure it is an 8 hr (or longer) one. You see a lot more and believe me we saw a lot!! The acquarium in Seward is nice. There is a wonderful quilt shop in Seward as well. You need to plan more than one trip, too much to see in just one trip. You need a minimum of 10 days. Everything is big, but far apart so there is lots of driving time, but it is so beautiful you don't mind :)

I would say go too!!! It is beautiful there. We left our honeymoon sign at Watson lake...my goodness there are thousands of signs from all over the world there!!!

Here are some Eagles for you to see. My dh took this while he was at Homer Spit.

My husband drove the Alcan in 71 to get to his Army station in Anchorage. Then it was 1200 unpaved miles and they drove it in a Corvair. Crazy young guys. Then he drove to visit me in Fairbanks which was another 400 unpaved miles and lost at least one tire per trip. Still crazy.

Even though cold and dark, we visited one year in February for the Fur Rendevouz. It was amazing.

Road Scholar is the new name for Elderhostel for the poster who asked. They have great and well arranged trips to Alaska.

went on a cruise and loved it... would go back in a heartbeat.....only thing I woud do differently is to do the land portion first then the cruise. I would fly into Fairbanks early (one or two days) and have more time to stroll around town....then join into the group for the tour. In this lifetime I would preferr never to fly out of the airport in Fairbanks again.

If I ever have a Motor Home, Alaska would be part of my very first trip

I know a couple that took the RV tour with a group of people and had a blast. There is a company you pay money to, and they set up your entire trip...they pay all fees to get into places etc.. they enjoyed their trip 100%, but said the downfall to that type... was some of the spots they wanted to visit longer and could not, and some areas..they rather not have visited and stayed a day longer then they needed to. He said to us..do research and plan your trip that way.. but make sure you have time..

I have, in fact I lived there for 2 years, up near the arctic circle. I would indeed go back of given the opportunity, not to live, but for a visit. It was cold where I lived, of you are in the southern areas it is much warmer and you can do more outside. I would recommend to anyone that they go.

My best friend and I went to Alaska in 2005 and loved it! We also did a land trip first and then cruise. Sitka was my favorite place - I would move there if I could! And we also met a couple that we both still keep in touch with.

My daughter use to live there. Go. It is just beautiful.