One Way Drive to Alaska

[cantw8togo]

You could also check out the Freighter and other Non-Traditional Ships Forum http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=485 for more info about the Alaska Marine Highway portion of the trip. My first trip to Alaska was via the ferry without a car almost 20 yrs ago. Do you really need a car when stopping in the smaller ports? Could you rent one when you really need it?

 

It was great being able to get into the smaller ports and to be able to spend a couple of days at each one. It is a much more authentic trip and I hope to be able to do again someday.

[goldies155]

We took the ferry from Prince Rupert to Haines (live in Kansas City). It was amazing albeit expensive. Well worth it - don't be confused and think you are getting on a cruise ship - it is a mode of transportation. I flew back from Anchorage but my nephew drove back a few months later. Would make sure the ferry was part of my itinerary - we also considered selling the car - would have been easy to do - make sure it's front wheel drive.

[Wishiknew]

I am in need of some advice on which way to go. I will get the Milepost for sure. We have a jeep and want to pull a small uhaul trailer. I can go up through North/southDakota or go tnru Colorado. Im not sure the best route but I know we plan on driving the whole way:eek:

[PennyAgain]

There's plenty of good advice in the above thread.

 

Including other WEB sites that likely will have more information for you since you are doing an all driving trip and not a cruise vacation.

 

I've had my (un)fair share of flat tires but my biggest issues were my personal limitations on how much I can now drive in a day and day after day.

 

Know thyself!

[vbmom87]

I am in need of some advice on which way to go. I will get the Milepost for sure. We have a jeep and want to pull a small uhaul trailer. I can go up through North/southDakota or go tnru Colorado. Im not sure the best route but I know we plan on driving the whole way:eek:

 

Not sure if this site was mentioned above, but you might find it helpful:

 

http://www.city-data.com/forum/anchorage/

[bonvoyagie]

A few years ago my bosses son moved to AK from Portland Oregon. He wanted to make a vacation of getting up there so he and his GF took a one way cruise and for around 1500.00 he shiped his car from Seattle/Tacoma to Anchorage. Perhaps the reverse could be arranged - or you could do your trip in reverse - cruise up and drive back.

 

I had another friend who drove his motorhome to AK - he would have loved to have found another way back - he said that while he enjoyed the time in AK that 2200 mi return trip was always in the back of his mind.

 

I have also talked with people who towed a travel trailer to and from AK and loved every minute of it.

 

Visit http://www.travelalaska.com/ for more info on AK

 

http://travelyukon.com/ for info on Yukon

 

http://www.spectacularnwt.com/ for the Northwest Territories

 

http://www.hellobc.com/HelloBC/CMSPages/Welcome.aspx for BC

 

http://www.hellobc.com/british-columbia/about-bc.aspx?utm_source=MSN&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=bc%2Bcanada&utm_campaign=Short%2BHaul%2B-%2BBritish%2BColumbia%2B-%2BCA-BC more on BC

 

http://www.discoveralberta.com/ for Alberta

 

Good Luck on your trip.

 

As for the vehicle - most of the roads are paved and in good condition - there are a few places of gravel - the most important factor is fuel and provisions which are often few and far between.

[mapleleaves]

I am in need of some advice on which way to go. I will get the Milepost for sure. We have a jeep and want to pull a small uhaul trailer. I can go up through North/southDakota or go tnru Colorado. Im not sure the best route but I know we plan on driving the whole way:eek:

 

The time of year will make a huge difference in which route to take. when are you going?

[Glaciers]

Not sure if this site was mentioned above, but you might find it helpful:

 

http://www.city-data.com/forum/anchorage/

 

There is a lot of information on which route to take at the website vbmom87 notes here.

[biker1972]

All those various motorhomes that people rent in Alaska and drive around are manufactured in the lower 48. If you are free to go early in the season check with one of the vendors who rent these things. They do employ people to drive them north. Once there rent a car for your travels, turn it in and start the marine highway trip south.

[PennyAgain]

All those various motorhomes that people rent in Alaska and drive around are manufactured in the lower 48. If you are free to go early in the season check with one of the vendors who rent these things. They do employ people to drive them north. Once there rent a car for your travels, turn it in and start the marine highway trip south.

 

Wish I'd thought of this myself.

 

As far as what to drive in Alaska: well we've had Subarus for decades and they always do well but may not suit you. We've also had a variety of other sorts of things to drive with the family now stuck on the idea of Dodge pickups and one lonely old Suburban.

[Wishiknew]

The time of year will make a huge difference in which route to take. when are you going?

 

We plan on going early June when school is out here.

[Wishiknew]

Thanks everyone for all the info. The more the merrier. I will definately check all the websites.

[bearbait]

We plan on going early June when school is out here.

 

That's an excellent time of year to drive. I've made 25 round trips from Alaska to the lower 48. I just completed a return drive on Dec. 22. Driving from Oklahoma City to Anchorage. My route took me up the Cassiar Highway instead of the Alcan. When I was in Tok, Alaska it was -55 degrees below zero. Only issue I had was the fuel line to the rear tank frozeup.

 

In all those trips I've never had a flat tire. I credit that to paying attention to the road and replacing tires sooner then others would. It's a spectacular trip!!! Feel free to ask any questions.

 

Photos are just past the Meziadin Junction on the Cassiar Highway. Looking north and south.

 

[PennyAgain]

Bearbait, you have my respect.

 

You have seen more of North America than most of us ever will.

[Wishiknew]

Well would it be wiser for us to go the Alcan or Cassiar? I would like the least roughest. :)

[bearbait]

[quote name='Wishiknew']Well would it be wiser for us to go the Alcan or Cassiar? I would like the least roughest. :)[/quote]

They are both paved. The Cassiar route is about 230 miles shorter but you can't drive as fast. If this is a once in a lifetime trip I'd recommend driving the Cassiar. It's 10x more senic. It hooks back up with the Alcan just west of Watson Lake for the rest of the drive on into Alaska.