Planing a NJ to Alaska Trip,what to plan for?

fulltimedaniel wrote:

Flarpswitch wrote:
I have driven nearly all the lower 48, but as far as Alaska goes, I'll fly there and rent whatever I need to get around. How are you with mosquitos as big as sparrows and grizzlys bear as big as grizzly bears? From Oregon, Alaska in not that far away by RV, but once you get to Toad River up in Canada, you might change you plans. Try this: Set your sights for Banff and drive up the Ice Fields Parkway to Jasper. Take the Tram up the mountain and have dinner at the restaurant at the top. Camp at Pocahontas Campground near the Miette Hot Springs. Go for a soak at Miette and while you are lounging in the pool, ask yourself, "Do I really want to log more windshield time?" Go for a hike around Lake Louise, on the way between Banff and Jasper. Make a side trip to Hope, BC and visit the "Rambo" museum at the visitor center. Rambo was filmed there. By then you will say, "Alaska? Maybe some other time."

To the Op: I would ignore the above completely. I have made two trips to Alaska in the last 12 months. I am in Fairbanks now. One started in Cabo San Lucas Baja Ca. and this time from Tucson.



While the drive is beautiful for sure and you will see many animals and great scenery, Alaska itself is on another level altogether.

The road is as good as any 2 lane US or State hwy in the lower 48. there will be construction but it is well organized and is usually not a very long delay, usually minutes not hours as some would have you beleive.

Definitely get a Milepost. It is the DEFINITIVE book on the drive.

You will never regret making this trip.

Just one more bit of advice: try to strike a balance between added mileage and staying out of Canada for as long as possible to avoid the very high fuel prices. All of the Canadian roads are OK on all of the approaches. (see the Milepost)

And don''t be put off by exaggerated claims like in the post above. There is an axe being ground there I think.

So, you caught a little bit of hyperbole in my comments. Of course Alaska! Been there, done that , got the tee shirt as they say. Just saying, there is a whole lots to see along the way there and as always you will wish you had more time.

But seriously, there are 35 species of mosquito in Alaska and most of them are looking for you. Where they are prevalent, you will want to avoid the time between the third week in June through the end of July. I would not worry about bears. Some like to fish. Some like to eat berries. People are usually not on the menu. However, you are "Today's Special" on the mosquito menu.