Roll call Alaska 2017
I will try to get to Alaska next year, dreamed about it for years. Anyone else planing a trip for next year?
Forum Discussion
Mountain Trippers wrote:
Wow. My wife and I want to make the trip next year but not sure where to start. We would be coming from Va. we have a 22' FR 2109S Mini Lite and not sure when we need to be there to hit the summer or where to shoot for. We want to camp in all states and have done so in 33 so far. Any info would help.
Well to get you started just read these forums. You'll see a lot more action in January. That's when folks start getting serious about their upcoming trip.
In the meantime you can purchase online:
- the Milepost, which is great for the history of the trip and for all maps
- Mike and Terri Church's book 'Alaskan Camping' which will include Canada and the Yukon. They list everything along the way - rv parks, public campgrounds and awesome boondocking spots. Use this book for camping rather than the Milepost.
- get the 2017 TourSaver 2/1 coupon book. One glacier cruise will pay for the book. All the major attractions are in the book.
A good time to cross from the lower U.S. into Canada is toward the end of May. Any earlier things will still be closed.
Plan to go up via the Alcan (Alaska Highway) and return via the Cassier Highway.
Many folks spend June, July, August for the whole trip. Do that, if you can. It's a long drive and how many times will you do it?
Definitely GO! It's really an easy trip to do. Every convenience is along the routes but they're just spaced further out than you're used to having. Drive on the top 1/2 of your tank. Don't try to shop for prices - the stations are too far apart.
Drive slow and you won't have any damage. Watch for the frost heaves - the area will look wavy on the horizon. If you go too fast over one you won't do it again! :)
You'll meet up with the same folks over and over. They're all going to the same places. You won't be alone out there and the residents are extremely friendly and helpful.
If you're planning to sitesee in the lower 48 in conjuction with this trip, do so at the end of the summer, not before. You don't want to get worn out before you even cross the border!
Have fun planning!!
