I haven't been in Alaska for 20 years, but there is only one highway from Homer to Fairbanks to Seward. There may be small roads and little communities but none that go very far. There is permafrost. There may be mud.
There are trains that traverse the western part of the state. Most often you will take a plane that has ability to land on a lake... snow... or small community landing strip. Most of the communities in the west are Native villages (Eskimo is only one of many Alaskan tribes) ... "Native Alaskan" villages... and you might have to call ahead for reservations... if there are public accommodations at all.
If you wanted to make a quick trip of it, take the ferry to Whittier. Ferrys are run by the state... and you must make reservations!! Out of Whittier, there is now a road thru the mountains... where before there was only a train. Unload your RV from the ferry and head south to Homer. Hang out in the fisherman bars and restaurants for a few days, charter a fishing boat and catch a halibut and have it filleted into rolls you can freeze. Send ice-packed home to family.
Head north to Anchorage and spend some time in the museums and restaurants. There are festivals during the year and a state fair if you time it right. Drive up into the mountains overlooking the bay for a righteous view. Check out the state parks, the zoo, the waterfalls. It's a modern international city and wonderful. Mix with the people in their little shops. Start conversations and ask questions. Get to know the place. The people are wonderful and the attitude is righteous.
Head up to Mt Denali, where you may be able to camp... may have to make reservations. There are music festivals if you time it right.
Check out Fairbanks... which is tropical in the summer.
Drive to Circle to see the gold mine mess.
Drive to Seward to see the oil mess.
Circle back around towards Anchorage and watch the whales south of Anchorage bay. There is a little town across the bay that you can drive around to.. that might get you a good view of it all. Circle back to Whittier for your round trip ferry.
One thing I've heard being done is... find a trapper who will teach you how to live in the bush. These guys come in to Denali Park for supplies, or to Fairbanks and you might know them by their horses... or ask. Buy someone a few drinks and ask lots of questions about living in Alaska.
There might be a lot of interesting things to do. Take a gold pan. Visit the tourist website.
Be prepared for real wilderness. Animals roam everywhere, even in Anchorage. Do not approach. Let them know you are around... this is just courtesy... wear a bear bell... make a little noise... and they'll avoid you if they can. If you see one, it is because something prevented them from leaving... and is important enough for them to stand their ground. Moose will kill with their hoofs. They will stomp you to death. They are gentle as deer unless they are cornered... and then they are deadly. Bear... might just want to apologize to the beast and turn and walk away... and know your bear tactics.
There are also pirates... so make sure that wherever you are that you are protected. Don't leave anything out, etc etc
Part of a trip like that is learning about where you are going and preparing.
If you want a wilderness experience... get a professional guide.
