Alaska - Biting bugs at Wonder Lake campground in August?

I'm headed to Denali's Wonder Lake campground in mid-August, probably August 14-20. Are the Mosquitos likely to be in full retreat by then? I've camped at Wonder Lake previously the last week of August and during the first week of September, but never during the earlier parts of August.

I consider this spot to be the jewel of the NPS campgrounds...rivaled maybe only by the Bright Angel campground at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Thanks!

I camp a lot at Wonder Lake and just love it. I have been there in June and July when the bugs are horrendous but a little protection goes a long way.

I was there last August about Aug 6-10 and it was fine. But from what I have read, sometimes the mosquitoes go through mid August. I would be prepared with DEET and a headnet just in case, though my guess is you wont need them.

We will just miss each other. I arrive in Anchorage Aug 17, spend Aug 18-21 in Seward, Aug 21-23 at Byers Lake, then Aug 23-26 at Wonder Lake.

Do you do a lot of hiking or photography while in the park? Most people dont usually spend that much time in Denali. Last August I was in Denali 6 nights and also a couple of nights in June. Cant get enough of that place!

John

Thanks, John. I have hat/headnet gear that's good during blackfly season in Canada and will take it. And will be delighted if I don't have to use it! :)

I go into Wonder Lake for five or six days each visit to Alaska, and can't get enough of the wildlife viewing that is available if you just settle in and pay attention to the landscape around you. I have a good spotting scope and a small tripod, and I find out from the rangers at Toklat River station where have been the most recent sightings of the wolf packs. I'll set up for the day on a hilltop within a mile or so of the road, west of Toklat. With the extra long sight lines you get in the northern part of Denali NP, I'll often see more action each day in Denali than I will find in a week in Yellowstone. Or maybe I have just been lucky. (I hear that the wolf pack population in Denali has declined about 60% from 2008.)

Hope you have a great trip!

Bob

It's impossible to predict what the mosquitoes will be like this far in advance but they can be very bad throughout August depending on the weather. So far the summer has been very dry, which bodes well, but this can change quickly. I would hope for the best, but come prepared for the worst.

I prefer to be prepared in advance than get out there and be eaten up.

In addition to a head net, I've had some relief from Ex Officio bug resistant clothing especially the socks. Cuts down on the slap, slap, and slap.

Thanks, John. I have hat/headnet gear that's good during blackfly season in Canada and will take it. And will be delighted if I don't have to use it! :)

I go into Wonder Lake for five or six days each visit to Alaska, and can't get enough of the wildlife viewing that is available if you just settle in and pay attention to the landscape around you. I have a good spotting scope and a small tripod, and I find out from the rangers at Toklat River station where have been the most recent sightings of the wolf packs. I'll set up for the day on a hilltop within a mile or so of the road, west of Toklat. With the extra long sight lines you get in the northern part of Denali NP, I'll often see more action each day in Denali than I will find in a week in Yellowstone. Or maybe I have just been lucky. (I hear that the wolf pack population in Denali has declined about 60% from 2008.)

Hope you have a great trip!

Bob

Your plans sound fascinating. Patience is such a key with wildlife sightings and it sounds like you have it. With the wolf den west of Toklat, I am sure you get to see a lot of activity if you are patient. I also heard that there is a wolf den near mile 7 (not far from the entrance). But if you are camping at Wonder Lake, you can't take a day trip back to mile 7. But it might be worth asking about when you first get to the park and maybe spend an extra day near the entrance to investigate this.

John

I'm headed to Denali's Wonder Lake campground in mid-August, probably August 14-20. Are the Mosquitos likely to be in full retreat by then? I've camped at Wonder Lake previously the last week of August and during the first week of September, but never during the earlier parts of August.

I consider this spot to be the jewel of the NPS campgrounds...rivaled maybe only by the Bright Angel campground at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

Thanks!

A few years back we camped there in early August and it was fine. But you really can't predict Mossies that far out. So come prepared for the worst and you might be pleasantly surprised.

Enjoy the stay, one of the most magical places on the entire planet IMHO.