Glad I can help. I love Alaska and spend a lot of time there (my family thinks I should just move there!).

Almost exclusively I use frequent flyer miles to fly to Alaska. Only once did I pay for my trip - when there was an incredible deal from NYC to ANC which allowed a stop in MSP both ways, for something like $400. I don't think either 15 or 22 June would make much difference, except 22 June is my birthday so that is a great date

You do want to avoid Seward around July 4rd but it looks like you would be doing that in either case.

Both the Native Heritage Center and the coastal trail are great options. I have done both. A good chance of seeing moose on the trail. You can easily do both the same day. Coupon for the Native Heritage Center in one or both of the coupon books I mentioned above (saves about $10-$15 entrance fee for one person).

For Day 3, why don't you drive from Anchorage to Seward and on the way take the PWS tour (I think they are only 4-6 hours, not 9)? I have done that and it works well. Depart Anchorage in the morning, stop at the Wildlife Conservation Center and/or Portage Glacier visitor center, take the 11.30am tunnel, 1pm tour, that is done by 5pm, 5pm tunnel, in Seward by about 7pm or shortly thereafter, depending on photo stops.

I would definitely skip Homer. Not because it is not worthy of your time. But you really, really don't have the time unless you shift gears from experiencing Alaska to visiting it. You really need two nights in Homer to make it worth it - water tours there are the highlight too.

Byers Lake is a great hike (though I have only seen it and know people who have done it). Another really nice hike at Denali is the Savage River loop. Not really "less visited" but never a ton of people there. Takes 1-2 hours depending on stops (2 miles round trip). Often see sheep on the mountainside, often see ptarmigan (the state bird) up close, often see snowshoe hares, this year a coyote has been hanging around that area too.

I have also heard that the Rock Creek Trail from near the visitor center to near the park headquarters is a very nice hike on a formal trail. That is on my "To Do" list next year when I am there.

I think you are definitely on the right track. Just keep Homer off your list - that adds about 4 hours of driving each way, more if there is traffic or an accident.

John