Starting to plan an Alaska trip what are the boon docking

pyoung47 wrote:
Great boondocking sites are easy to find both in Canada and Alaska. Look for turnout listings in the Milepost. Often, they will also indicate if there is a view. We are currently on the Cassiar, and although we haven't boondocked on this highway, there are several spots where folks were doing so. We are currently stuck in Stewart, hoping that the salmon return.

Along the cassier , there is a spot on the west side along a river just north of Dease Leke.Big open area that you can see from the road ,but far enough away for quiet.

Great boondocking sites are easy to find both in Canada and Alaska. Look for turnout listings in the Milepost. Often, they will also indicate if there is a view. We are currently on the Cassiar, and although we haven't boondocked on this highway, there are several spots where folks were doing so. We are currently stuck in Stewart, hoping that the salmon return.

garyhaupt wrote:
Or, if you wish, you could take the Marine Highway Ferry from Bellingham to Alaska. Avoids Canada altogether and allows you to carry your guns.

As to boondocking...if you choose to drive up and back...in BC and Yukon there is an abundance of boondocking spots and although some Rest Areas are actually signed 'No Camping'...there is no issue with overnighting. Or you can just turn up a likely looking road and find a wide spot. Google Maps and Earth is ideal for the planning of this.


Gary Haupt

Gary is correct. The AMH Ferries traveling between Bellingham and Ketchican do not stop at Prince Rupert. Something to do with the Maritime laws.

On a side note, the Ferry from Ketchican to Prince Rupert does not leave Prince Rupert for the northbound trip until all passengers and vehicles have either cleared Canadian customs or have been denied entry into Canada. If you are denied entry into Canada, the ferry will transport you and/or your vehicle back to Ketchican. I don't know if there is a fee for this return trip. The ferry will not leave you stranded in no-man's land at the AMS parking lot in Prince Rupert.

I won't go to Canada because they are so paranoid about guns. But there are gun shops near the border that will store your fire arm for a fee and you can retrieve it when you return.As to carrying in US National Parks,yes you can,BUT you cannot take your weapon into any building,even a bathroom.We were in Yellowstone last year and I left my gun in the truck when I went into a building.

As far as Boodocking as soon as you reach the Alcan there are so many places you may do like we did drive much less and camp near some beautiful lakes and mountains. There are also many smaller CHEAP camp grounds. The only time we stayed in campgrounds all over Alaska was when visiting in towns or in Denaili NP.

LEN

Heed others advice and do not take handguns through Canada without proper paperwork. Maybe ship to yourself in Alaska?

deleted

If you guys want to get back on topic of boondocking...try Hatchers Pass . I got on below Denali and above Palmer. It goes east to a beautiful area there are.creek side areas and side Rd stops . We stayed on a spot just off a gold mine Rd. Fish hook Rd rings a bell too .

To the OP, might do what I have done "leave hand guns in the US" purchase a shotgun a pump makes a distinctive sound , mine holds seven rounds and a box of heavy buckshot and a few slugs. Then pay the fee for one long gun through Canada. Have the paperwork filled out and ready, don't forget the US return paper work also. And like above read the law in Canada, don't ever take the word of anyone when it comes to jail time and laws in another country.

LEN

I worked for a major airline for several years. I don't know how it works with a ferry service, but our passengers were not on foreign soil until they passed through immigration and customs control. That's what the 2004 movie Terminal was about.

LS