Chicago-Alaska in April?

Having lived in Alaska for many years and fished BC for many more....April is the worst time to travel that area. Even winter gives better roads. I would not consider leaving to head north from Washington till the second week of May. You can easily arrive in Anchorage in two weeks with a little sight seeing and pretty leisurely pace. Earlier than that and you really risk some very bad and unstable spring weather all the way up. There are several passes and even in early June they can be hit anywhere from Merritt BC on to Anchorage. And....the scenery is pretty bleak that time of year.. To you it will look and feel like late winter, not spring.