Seattle to Anchorage

[Rett Daugbjerg]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum so I'm not really sure how it works, but...

I'm a senior in high school from Dallas, Texas currently in the process of planning a drive from Seattle, Washington to Anchorage, Alaska. The idea is to take as many backroads as possible, while also trying to stay away from treacherous trails and terrain. I'm making the trip after I graduate in early July with myself, my dog, and a friend, and we plan to do as much fly fishing as possible along the way. I'll be taking my '88 Toyota FJ62 LandCruiser and am currently in the process of adding on all of the necessities for potential light offroading and lots of driving (winch, lights, front bumper, long-range fuel tank, roof rack for spare tire and gear, high-jack lift, etc.).

I'd love to hear from anyone who's taken a similar trip. We're currently trying to figure out a good route to take that will be safe, scenic, and a lot of fun. Any information, tips, advice, or anything else would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[AlaskanWheeler]

I've always wanted to do Top of the World Highway ...

 

[Kleatus]

Welcome! Here’s a link to Some nice pictures and good story from a fellow who recently drove a fair bit further in a lightly modified ‘62.

Texas to the Tundra: johntesi drives his FJ62 to the Arctic

I’d focus on complete familiarity with the Truck, preventative maintenance, basic toolset and spare parts and fluids, some basic recovery gear (and practice), a good set of tires, eating good, and having good back up plans. Add a large tranny cooler with synthetic fluid to the upper end of your priority list while you’re at it. Your list of extra accessories is prudent but not totally necessary. Wish I could take that trip soon!

 

[45Kevin]

If you plan to drive through Calgary, you are welcome to drop in for a shower and a soft bed for the night.
Hey, I might even crank up the BBQ and feed you as well.
I don't fish myself, but the Bow River (it runs through Calgary) has world class fishing I am told.

 

[Rett Daugbjerg]

I've always wanted to do Top of the World Highway ...

Awesome, I'll check it out for sure. Thanks for the tip!

 

[Rett Daugbjerg]

Welcome! Here’s a link to Some nice pictures and good story from a fellow who recently drove a fair bit further in a lightly modified ‘62.

Texas to the Tundra: johntesi drives his FJ62 to the Arctic

I’d focus on complete familiarity with the Truck, preventative maintenance, basic toolset and spare parts and fluids, some basic recovery gear (and practice), a good set of tires, eating good, and having good back up plans. Add a large tranny cooler with synthetic fluid to the upper end of your priority list while you’re at it. Your list of extra accessories is prudent but not totally necessary. Wish I could take that trip soon!

Thank you! I'll send an email to that guy to pick his brain. I'm looking forward to the trip, and I'll make sure to keep the forum updated on progress.

 

[Rett Daugbjerg]

If you plan to drive through Calgary, you are welcome to drop in for a shower and a soft bed for the night.
Hey, I might even crank up the BBQ and feed you as well.
I don't fish myself, but the Bow River (it runs through Calgary) has world class fishing I am told.

Fantastic! Thank you. I'm still in the early stages of planning my route, but if I end up planning to come through Calgary I will let you know in advance! Thanks for the awesome invitation.

 

[peesalot]

Few tips, once you leave Vancouver head North on the Cassair Hwy. vs. the Alcan, way more scenic. It runs parrallel to the Alcan just east of it a bit more inland. You will head up through places like Hell's Gate, and Bell 2, & it is just better. Less services and more gravel. I have an old map from the early 90's when I did the drive, came back on the Alcan, meh, it boring IMO. Lots of camp grounds and up there they are stocked with wood and sometines there is little covered slabs with barrel stoves at the campground. Be prepared for flying gravel, lite guards, clear tape, & some goggles just in case the windshield goes south in the middle of no where. Protection from wildlife is good. An Inreach GPS/ Text handheld would be good, lets you track & locate, you can text from anywhere, it has an SOS emergency beacon if you need it, it is satellite based so the SOS & texting wirk most places& it is only 14 bucks a month for the service. Get you some Canadian money before you go as stopping at the conversion spots sucks. Lastly, as you approach Anchorage, just at the North end of the Matanuska Valley there is a great campground on your left right next to the road, a short hike to the cliff at back of camp ground provides an unparralleld view of the valley.

 

[Rett Daugbjerg]

Few tips, once you leave Vancouver head North on the Cassair Hwy. vs. the Alcan, way more scenic. It runs parrallel to the Alcan just east of it a bit more inland. You will head up through places like Hell's Gate, and Bell 2, & it is just better. Less services and more gravel. I have an old map from the early 90's when I did the drive, came back on the Alcan, meh, it boring IMO. Lots of camp grounds and up there they are stocked with wood and sometines there is little covered slabs with barrel stoves at the campground. Be prepared for flying gravel, lite guards, clear tape, & some goggles just in case the windshield goes south in the middle of no where. Protection from wildlife is good. An Inreach GPS/ Text handheld would be good, lets you track & locate, you can text from anywhere, it has an SOS emergency beacon if you need it, it is satellite based so the SOS & texting wirk most places& it is only 14 bucks a month for the service. Get you some Canadian money before you go as stopping at the conversion spots sucks. Lastly, as you approach Anchorage, just at the North end of the Matanuska Valley there is a great campground on your left right next to the road, a short hike to the cliff at back of camp ground provides an unparralleld view of the valley.

Great thanks. Never even considered windshield issues, that's great advice. I found a pretty good driving guide online at BellsAlaska.com and they have a lot on the Cassair. Thanks again!

 

[Devils Paw 80]

I'll be taking my '88 Toyota FJ62 LandCruiser and am currently in the process of adding on all of the necessities for potential light offroading and lots of driving (winch, lights, front bumper, long-range fuel tank, roof rack for spare tire and gear, high-jack lift, etc.)..

You don't need any of that stuff for this trip, except spare tire. Front bumper such as ARB would be helpful if you ran into a moose or bison.
I'm not aware of any treacherous roads or terrain-perhaps somewhere in BC.

 

[HelloKitty65]

Pick up a Milepost Guide. And if your budget allows, try a return via Alskan State ferry. Reservations needed. Park the rig and take the Denali National Park Service bus into Wonder Lake. If you have campground reservations, you may drive ~halfway in.
Can be tame getting to Anchorage on the AlCan. Enjoy those side trips, and Arctic Char.

 

[Rett Daugbjerg]

Pick up a Milepost Guide. And if your budget allows, try a return via Alskan State ferry. Reservations needed. Park the rig and take the Denali National Park Service bus into Wonder Lake. If you have campground reservations, you may drive ~halfway in.
Can be tame getting to Anchorage on the AlCan. Enjoy those side trips, and Arctic Char.

Thanks for the advice. I actually picked up the Milepost Guide this week. I only have a ~4 week window between family time and when I report to college, so I think I'm going to drag out a 4 week trip up the Cassair, find my way to Anchorage on a yet-to-be-determined route, take side excursions along the way, then try to ship my car back from Anchorage (still have to research shipping, though).

 

[HelloKitty65]

Thanks for the advice. I actually picked up the Milepost Guide this week. I only have a ~4 week window between family time and when I report to college, so I think I'm going to drag out a 4 week trip up the Cassair, find my way to Anchorage on a yet-to-be-determined route, take side excursions along the way, then try to ship my car back from Anchorage (still have to research shipping, though).

State ferry system is heavily subsidized. Pay them to 'ship it'. Two people, one 184" vehicle, Haines to Price Rupert Canada, just under a grand in late August 2018. Sleep in a tent on the Ferry's solarium deck. Eat in the cafeteria. See whales. Depart a Friday evening, arrive Monday evening. It will save you time and it looks like you will need that. Did this all once. Enjoy, pack eye shades to sleep on a regular schedule. Too much daylight can wear you down.