The "Fodor's
Guide" for Denali
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Discovering Denali
by Dow Scoggins
Who must have this book: Anyone who is going
to Denali and wants a single reference to visitor informatin.
Who should have this book: Anyone planning
to visit Denali National Park.
ISBN: 0595297374
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I
bought this book a number of years ago and somehow it fell by the
wayside. A year ago, I pulled it back off the shelf and started to
thumb through it and was impressed by what I had been overlooking.
I ended up pretty much reading it cover to cover to prepare for that
summer’s trip to Denali.
This book is very much like a Frommer’s or Fodor’s guide
for the park area. I think this is originally why I overlooked the
book. What I was looking for was detailed information about the wildlife
and history of the park. This book does cover both but in a shallow
way. In fact, this book covers nearly every aspect of nearly every
thing from Anchorage to Fairbanks in its coverage of the area. It
is amazing how complete the coverage is, if you want to make sure
you don’t miss anything, get this book.
In the vein of the Fodor’s guides, this book runs the risk of
becoming outdated so hopefully there will be updated editions in the
future. As of 2006, the info is still timely enough to be worth the
investment. I don’t know how long that will last.
Overview
The book is broken up into 21 chapters that cover history, transportation,
weather, wildlife, camping, hiking, the park kennels, climbing, lodging,
restaurants, summer and winter activities, the state parks, businesses,
terms, and calendar of events. The first few chapters go over the
logistics of the park. Much of this information is schedules and fees
that will likely change a lot, but the information is valid, thorough,
and well written.
The middle third of the book covers the activities in the park –
All the activities in the park. Again the information is thorough
and good. There is even a section describing each of the hiking units
in the park. The maps are pretty rough, but again, if you are looking
for information, it’s there in one place.
The final third of the book covers every lodging and dining opportunity
anywhere from Palmer to Fairbanks. Here is where this book is truly
like the Frommer’s guides. For me this section, got me to two
new, and fantastic restaurants and found me a better campground in
Healy. So for that, it was worth my investment. If you are looking
for a reference on everything in the area, it is still worth it for
you.
Author
II really don't have much information about Dow Scoggins
other than the fact that he also fell under the spell of Denali National
Park. It's amazing how easily it can happen.
