Roll call Alaska 2017

So a friend of ours had the opportunity to talk to some RVers a few weeks a ago and these RVers indicated that they had been to Alaska and would never return with their RV due to the damage incurred to the RV. They would likely fly in.

We want to make the trip to Alaska one of these days. How concerned should I be about this damage potential?

It's my impression based on what I have read on this forum it's all about taking your time to avoid major damage.

Any inputs?

PA12DRVR wrote:

- Having grown up in AK, I can't help but be old codger-ish and think the "old Alaska" is gone.....but the midnight sun baseball game is a bit of a link to the past.

Yup, the "old Alaska" is long gone. But it's fun to go back and reminisce with old friends I grew up with and swap stories about the good old days before Statehood and the invasion of oil trash, lawyers and politicians. Headed back myself in 2017 for my HS reunion, just not sure if I'll fly, take the Inside Passage cruise or drive yet again.

colliehauler wrote:
I will try to get to Alaska next year, dreamed about it for years.

Anyone else planing a trip for next year?

Don't just dream about it, do it. If you keep dreaming about it that all it ever will be just a dream. We did our journey to Alaska and through Canada in June/ August 0f 2015 and plan on returning in 2018/19.


Matanuska Glacier,Alaska

Soldotna,Alaska


No night time in Deadhorse,Alaska

DrewE wrote:
I'm in the early stages of planning a trip for 2017, with my dear mother. Dates and itinerary somewhat undecided as yet. I'm thinking of heading up via Baniff and Jasper, and returning via a more coastal route and possibly continuing on to visit my brother in California before returning home, but that may be impractically long for a working man.

Definite YES to Banff and Jasper. One idea for you to save time, consider taking the Alaskan Ferry System on the return leg of your trip. In 2015, we left Juneau on the ferry and after 4 nights arrived in Bellingham, Washington. You could then just get right on I5 to Cali to visit your family. Beautiful views along the inside passage, and with stops in Sitka and Ketchikan for a few hours. If interested, book early. The ships are popular with RVers and big rigs.

Just moving this to the top for use when the 'new group' begins thoughts....

Add us to the 2017 list! Just came back from 5 week tour of some western NP's with 7 year old grandson, who is going with us next year; had a wonderful time.

First RV owned so this year was a shakedown for next year.

- Having made the trip from Los Anchorage to/from various locations (Cut-Bank, Idaho Falls, Bellingham, Spokane) more or less in 80 hours or less a few times, I don't recommend that method.
- I've always found the farming country of Alberta / Saskatchewan to be nice, but predictable and avoid that route if possible;
- Western /Northwestern BC and the Yukon Territories are almost as scenic as Alaska (possibly more scenic than parts of the "Beaver Creek - Delta - Squarebanks" drive). Don't skimp on time for this part of the trip.
- Having grown up in AK, I can't help but be old codger-ish and think the "old Alaska" is gone.....but the midnight sun baseball game is a bit of a link to the past.

I'm in the early stages of planning a trip for 2017, with my dear mother. Dates and itinerary somewhat undecided as yet. I'm thinking of heading up via Baniff and Jasper, and returning via a more coastal route and possibly continuing on to visit my brother in California before returning home, but that may be impractically long for a working man.

Anybody every see the midnight sun baseball game in Fairbanks? It sounds kind of like fun, though of course I'm not traveling to Alaska primarily for the baseball.

DW and I are leaving mid May of 17 from Southern Ca. Will be traveling for 3 months. Traveling with good friends of ours. Cant wait.

R. Walter wrote:
I've been in Alaska on several previous fishing trips, but always flew up. My wife and I just retired and are on the road full-timing, more or less. Currently we're in Mass volunteering at a COE site for the summer. Alaska is on our itinerary for next summer, at least on mine. Wife may or may not accompany me. I'm debating on pulling our 32 foot Hitchhiker or taking my Lance truck camper. Still have about 11 months to decide. Maybe I'll meet up with some of you next summer.

Right or wrong I'm leaving my 5th wheel at home and taking my 17' TH-TT.