Open roads, magnificent scenery and wild animals draw thousands of RVers to Alaska every year. Vicki and I think of this journey as the ultimate RVing adventure!
The drive from Seattle to Fairbanks is approximately 2,300 miles. The Alaska Highway, which begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and ends at Delta Junction, Alaska, is about 1,500 miles of this distance.
Most of the highway is two-lane and well paved with gentle curves and easy grades.
There are stretches of gravel with its attendant dust and mud. You'll also find rough surface, caused by winter's freezing temperatures. Slow down, take it easy and you shouldn't have any problems.
The weather is still cold and wet in early June, turns warm and mild during July and August and can be nippy with a chance of light snow by mid September.
Fuel, food and repair facilities are rarely more than 60 miles apart. Unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel are readily available. Auto parts stores and vehicle repair facilities can be found in every community.
Campgrounds are plentiful. Some government campgrounds offer hookups but you'll usually find only drinking water, toilets and free firewood. Occasionally, they will have dump stations. Commercial campgrounds offer the same amenities as those in the Lower 48.
Every community has grocery stores and shops. Large towns will have supermarkets and malls. Eating establishments between the major population areas will usually range from a corner cafe to a coffee shop. They serve good food and plenty of it. If you prefer restaurants offering atmosphere, you'll find them in the more populated communities. Do take advantage of the opportunity to sample sourdough pancakes, reindeer sausage, fresh caught trout, halibut and salmon.
Here are some thoughts for driving the Alaska Highway:
Prepare your rig as you would for any long trip. Be sure it's in good mechanical condition. Tires should have at least half their tread life. One spare tire for each vehicle should be sufficient. Trailers should have their wheel bearings, springs and shackles inspected.
Mud flaps will protect the bottom of your RV from mud and gravel. They are a must if you are pulling a trailer. Some RVers rig metal screen material to protect their headlights and radiator from flying gravel.
Plan on driving only during daylight and with your headlights on. Experienced Alaska Highway travelers will tell you that driving 200 to 300 miles per day is comfortable.
Pack a week's worth of casual, practical, day-to-day clothing. Jeans, sweatshirts and long-sleeved shirts will get the most use. You'll be happy you brought warm sweaters, jackets and rain gear (including boots) when you are along the coast.
Don't forget your camera. Take lots of film. Look for Stone sheep with their curling horns north of Summit Lake. They'll be licking salt off the road during the early part of the year. You'll find moose grazing in the warm water swamp at Liard Hotspring Provincial Park. Watch for a herd of Buffalo about 70 miles north of Tok. Look for eagles soaring in the sky, salmon spawning in the streams and bears feasting at the side of the road. But, most of all, look forward to a great adventure!
