Forum Discussion

sljohnson1938's avatar
Oct 17, 2015

eagle, alaksa

we are planning our trip next year. was thinking of Eagle, Alaska.
when we travel from Chicken to Dawson, Yukon via the Top of the World highway, we would take a side trip up to Eagle.
Question - is it worth the time / miles?
It appears to be about 85 miles from Chicken to Eagle. Then 64 miles back to the TOW road.
Also is there a ferry boat we can take from Eagle to Dawson city?
Or is it a drive up/down only.
we will be in a Truck Camper.

10 Replies

  • If you are interested in Country and Blue Grass music you might consider the "Chicken Stock" festival in Chicken, if time agrees with your schedule. It will be on the 10th and 11th of June in 2016. We have attended twice and had a great time. It was from here that we took our trips to Eagle.

    You can view our trip log and photos at the website in my signature.
  • Hook, we took TOW in 2004 when we were up there. Never gave Eagle a thought.
    I guess we will just have to wait until we are in Chicken. If the wx is good and no rain we will try it. We traveled from west to east and the roads were good, now this was in August, did not have to wait for the ferry over to Dawson. Only spent the nite in Dawson. Did get to go to Diamond Tooth Gertie. We were with friends and they wanted to move on.
  • Hi Stu

    If you do not have a time restraint go ahead and make the drive to Eagle. There is history, views and you will not miss anything. When you get home you won't have to say "why didn't I do that":). By the way the last time I was on the Top of the World was in 1977 so things may have change alittle.

    You thinking there may be a Halibut in Cook Inlet with your name on it?

    Hook
  • I think that the detour to Eagle is well worth it, both for the scenery along the way, and to see Fort Egbert in particular. You can see photos of the road in my Taylor Highway album, and of Eagle and Fort Egbert if you click on the link at the bottom of the highway album.
  • A trip up to Eagle is a good drive, if you want to say you have done it. For a number of years there was a passenger ferry/tour boat running from Dawson Town to Eagle and back to Dawson. Think I remember hearing it had ceased operating due to a lack of customers.

    I enjoy taking some of the side roads when we aren't in any hurry. Drive out to Manley Hot Springs, perhaps do the Haul Road or a part of it, go over to Chitna, visit Atlin BC for a few days, drive up to Circle, to Chena Hot Springs, etc. hot springs fascinate me for some reason, it appears. LOL
  • We have made the trip to Eagle twice; in 2009 and in 2013. It is a very enjoyable side trip and highly recommend it.
  • sljohnson1938 wrote:
    we are planning our trip next year. was thinking of Eagle, Alaska.
    when we travel from Chicken to Dawson, Yukon via the Top of the World highway, we would take a side trip up to Eagle.
    Question - is it worth the time / miles?
    It appears to be about 85 miles from Chicken to Eagle. Then 64 miles back to the TOW road.
    Also is there a ferry boat we can take from Eagle to Dawson city?
    Or is it a drive up/down only.
    we will be in a Truck Camper.


    My opinion, not. A side trip to Chicken OK and the rest of the Top of the World to Dawson. No ferry from Eagle just at Dawson to get across the Yukon.

    Hook
  • thanks Sue - I guess we will just have to wait until we are in Chicken before making a decision.
  • If you drive in to Eagle, then you must also drive out of Eagle. No boat between Eagle & Dawson.

    Eagle is an interesting town. Some good history. Not much in the way of amenities though. Population of about 90.

    Do be sure to check the condition of the road before heading up it. It can be rough and wet.

    I've only visited in winter, by flying in & out. The road is closed in winter.