28 replies to this topic

[XJINTX]

We are planning a trip to be in Alaska in August of 2021 probably for most of the month. Currently 3 couples in 3 vehicles. Reasonably experienced travelers but none of us has driven to AK. Myself and my wife were there last year for 2 weeks so have an idea what we want to see and where to go but not set in stone. We are leaving from Texas... each of us "may" have our own schedule to get there and possibly plan on a meetup there. I am asking for any input on must sees, must avoids and so on. If you have been and don't plan on going again, in the near future, I'd like to purchase your maps? Also any recommended routes through Canada appreciated... either going up or coming back.

 

[buckland]

The “Milepost” map is essential. The Kenai peninsula is wonderful. Take a trip out on Resurrection Bay from Seward. Homer too is great to stock up on smoked salmon and halibut down on the spit. We went in 2017 driving from New England.
Top the world highway is beautiful.
If you’d like to see our route and journal I kept a blog (blogs are organized latest first so to read through go to last page and move forward)

http://alaskan-yukon...ogspot.com/?m=1

[Vic Harder]

Have you driven through Alberta and BC before?  What are your interests along the way?  We're planning a trip up to the Yukon and NWT in 2021, maybe Alaska if the border is open by then.  I am planning around hiking/canoeing opportunities and would be glad to share what I've come up with so far.

[Happyjax]

I would definitely be interested in tagging along. Should be retired and open by then

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

You definitely need the "bible" Mile Post.Even if you can find a used one not much changes every few years.

Also just about every town/village/fuel stop has a info/visitors center.Always a huge wealth of info.

 

Buckland 's info about Seward/Homer right on.Also check out my trip blog there are 3 Alaska trips to view.

2 were with the camper one tenting.

You can cut down on the driving if you want to take the Alaska ferry.

I found taking the ferry north from Bellingham ,Washington to Haines then driving north to start the trip works.

Then you can take your time to drive home.

The ferry trip is really great.You get to see a lot of the inside passage.

 

Our two camper trips 2011 5 weeks/2016 6 weeks got us to the Kenai area in 2016 and Denali both trips.

The top of the world hwy and the Dempster are great drives also.

So much to do you lots to see.

 

Have fun planing.

Frank

[rando]

Are you sure 'most of a month' is enough time?  That would be a lot of windshield time relative to adventuring time.    That trip is about 4000 miles each way without detours - so 8 days of driving each way until your butt goes numb, leaving less than 2 weeks to actually explore Alaska.   It is hard not to stop in Alberta/BC/Yukon/NWT, leaving you even less time in AK.

 

It is a wonderful trip and we did a few years ago in our wildernest, however we felt super pressed for time even with an 11 week trip. 

 

One way to help with this is to take the Alaska Marine Highway (Ferry) back to Prince Rupert, it is a fun and scenic voyage through the inside passage.  You can get a cabin or pitch a tent on the deck of the ferry. 

 

Either way, you will have fun, but more time would be better (isn't that always the case).

Edited by rando, 18 August 2020 - 08:39 PM.

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Unfortunately I think the Pr Rupert ferry may not be a choice.

The AMH has been messing with that route. The state is cutting back on funding.

Might change next year.This year the rearranged route I think was every other week.

 

Anyway yes that is a great alternative to driving the whole way.

 

Of our 5 trips we used the ferry as much as possible.

It did give us more time not driving and more time checking places out.

 

Our last trip 2016 was 6 weeks gave us enough time for what we planed.

Frank

[JaSAn]

 . . . We're planning a trip up to the Yukon and NWT in 2021, maybe Alaska if the border is open by then.  I am planning around hiking/canoeing opportunities and would be glad to share what I've come up with so far.

 

I would definitely be interested in tagging along. Should be retired and open by then

 

I also am planning a trip to Tuktoyaktuk in the summer/early fall of 2021, assuming all things clear up by then.  Then to Rangell-St. Elias and Kluane NPs and back home through Jasper, et.al.

Coming from Minnesota and returning through Montana.

 

I planned this trip for 2019 but things didn't work out.  It would be fun to meet up and travel with others from here.

[goinoregon]

if you can include McCarthy, and the wrangel elias np, that place is unbelievable. the glaciers, and the old kennecot copper mine is something to behold. the only bad part, its a bit of a haul to get out there. my friend put it on our itinerary, and i kept complainine about all the driving, but it was so worth it.  the glaciers, the mine, the mtns. first rate . we had beers on the porch of the national park.... hotel ?  looking out at the glaciers. its amazing.

[XJINTX]

The “Milepost” map is essential. The Kenai peninsula is wonderful. Take a trip out on Resurrection Bay from Seward. Homer too is great to stock up on smoked salmon and halibut down on the spit. We went in 2017 driving from New England.
Top the world highway is beautiful.
If you’d like to see our route and journal I kept a blog (blogs are organized latest first so to read through go to last page and move forward)

http://alaskan-yukon...ogspot.com/?m=1

I will order Milepost today. I will also use your blog as a starting and planning point.

 

Have you driven through Alberta and BC before?  What are your interests along the way?  We're planning a trip up to the Yukon and NWT in 2021, maybe Alaska if the border is open by then.  I am planning around hiking/canoeing opportunities and would be glad to share what I've come up with so far.

I enjoyed BC but never driven through, I would love it if you'd share what you come up with

 

I would definitely be interested in tagging along. Should be retired and open by then

I will keep you posted always enjoy company

 

You definitely need the "bible" Mile Post.Even if you can find a used one not much changes every few years.

Also just about every town/village/fuel stop has a info/visitors center.Always a huge wealth of info.

 

Buckland 's info about Seward/Homer right on.Also check out my trip blog there are 3 Alaska trips to view.

2 were with the camper one tenting.

You can cut down on the driving if you want to take the Alaska ferry.

I found taking the ferry north from Bellingham ,Washington to Haines then driving north to start the trip works.

Then you can take your time to drive home.

The ferry trip is really great.You get to see a lot of the inside passage.

 

Our two camper trips 2011 5 weeks/2016 6 weeks got us to the Kenai area in 2016 and Denali both trips.

The top of the world hwy and the Dempster are great drives also.

So much to do you lots to see.

 

Have fun planing.

Frank

Frank, I will check the blog and thanks for the Ferry info

 

Are you sure 'most of a month' is enough time?  That would be a lot of windshield time relative to adventuring time.    That trip is about 4000 miles each way without detours - so 8 days of driving each way until your butt goes numb, leaving less than 2 weeks to actually explore Alaska.   It is hard not to stop in Alberta/BC/Yukon/NWT, leaving you even less time in AK.

 

It is a wonderful trip and we did a few years ago in our wildernest, however we felt super pressed for time even with an 11 week trip. 

 

One way to help with this is to take the Alaska Marine Highway (Ferry) back to Prince Rupert, it is a fun and scenic voyage through the inside passage.  You can get a cabin or pitch a tent on the deck of the ferry. 

 

Either way, you will have fun, but more time would be better (isn't that always the case).

My wife and I are retired so not stuck with schedule but other two couples each have one partner still working. The plan is a month inside the Alaska border. We will probably each take different routes and time to meetup there. Will not rush leaving too early.

Edited by XJINTX, 19 August 2020 - 01:15 PM.