Planning drive to Alaska

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...s-put-it-in-their-car-because-it-looked-cold/

 

I’d laugh but it’s fucking tragic.

 

It’s unbelievable how stupid people can be.

 

That was 17 years ago, nowadays with all the social media and GoPro crap, no doubt it’s worse

 

There’s even a name for them now: tourons.

 

Rent/Hire a plane and do some sight-seeing from the air! Preferably with a bush pilot who also happens to be a flight instructor. I haven't been to Alaska, but I have done this in northern Maine, New Hampshire, Colorado and California to sight-see and scout for fishing spots; some of it left-seat dual-time with an instructor. I have also done the same in seaplanes, with a few lessons in water TOL's in the aircraft to add it to my log book. It's a nice memento/souvenir to bring home.

When I do make it to Alaska one of these days (soon), this will be the first item checked off on the bucket list.

 

When do you plan on making this trip? I'm planning on driving back up to Anchorage this spring. I've made the trip there and back 6 times now (for work). I recently tried to cross the Canadian boarder during covid restrictions and was denied. I think the restrictions are lifted now

 

I drove to Alaska, the Yukon and NWT last summer here are some suggestions:
1. Get new or fairly new E-rated tires. I didn't do the Dalton HWY but did the Dempster all the way to the Arctic Ocean. Lots of folks with shredded tires.
2. Get a current copy of the Milepost. Some of the hotels/restaurants/gas stations that closed during Covid and did not reopen. This is especially important for the gas stations.
3. Don't let your gas get below 1/2 tank. Lots of miles between gas stations once you get north of Dawson Cr. (Start of the Alaska Hwy).
4. The road in Denali is currently closed beyond about 17 miles in the park. The hillside sloughs off and the park used to redo the road every spring. No more. The park is planning on installing a bridge and therefore the road is closed until the new bridge is installed. This may take a couple of years. Check the NPS website to get an update on the progress.
5. North of Jasper the mosquitoes are horrendous after late June. Some have suggested stopping at Liard Hot Springs. Do it on the way up. You won't want to leave your car if you stop on the way south.
6. No guns. The CBS will confiscate any handguns. Rifles and shotguns have to be declared before the start of your trip. They do not mess around.
7. See if ArriveCan is still required. Last year you could not enter Canada without a Covid vaccine and documentation.
8. Check out "The Road Chose Me" Youtube channel. He had a series of videos about driving to Alaska and included western Canada.
9. Check out a Thermacell mosquito repeller. It works, especially in a camper. Just start it and leave an opening so the mosquitos can leave, close all opening and turn the thermacell off.
10. Reserve FS campsites ahead of time on Recreation.gov. The Kenai Peninsula is Alaska's playground and the campgrounds fill up quickly.
11. Canada's visitor centers are fantastic and all have WiFi. The visitor center in Tok, AK is excellent.
12. If you're planning on using the Alaska Marine Highway (Ferries) then create an account before you go. That way you can have your vehicle description in the system and not have to enter it each time you make a reservation. Vehicle (and trailer) length determines cost and whether the ferry has room for you.
13 As for the Dalton Hwy to Prudhoe Bay. My understanding is the area around Deadhorse is private and you can't drive your vehicle to the Arctic Ocean. You stop at the gate, get on a bus ($$$) and they drive you to the ocean and back. You can drive the Dempster all the way to the ocean at Tuk, NWT.
14. Consider driving to McCarthy, AK. Camping along the river is ok but hiking around the glaciers and the Kennecott mine is pretty cool. Consider doing a flightseeing trip with Wrangel Mt. Air.

Some stuff to consider. Have a great trip!