JH To Valdez?

[MuleSkinner]

Has anyone made the drive? According to Mapquest - it looks like it will take 3/4 days - is that right? Is the drive pretty easy? Any Beta would be much appreciated.

[dk_alaskan]

if it were me, i would drive to Seattle and take the ferry up if you are doing it in the winter. On the Alcan/Cassiar very few gas stations are open, the temps drop to to over -60 below, almost no one on the road to help you out if you break down, etc. it takes from Spokane minimum 3-4 days, i did it once by myself in 2.5 days, but that was driving almost the whole time, have a hard time sleeping when i drive long distances.

[Camel Toad]

you could make the trip in anywhere from 3 days to a lifetime. you pick.

take your touring gear, there are a few things worth stopping and skiing.

have made the trip from seattle to anchorage in 48 hours, which is pretty much non-stop driving.

the ferry will take you 3 days just to get to juneau from bellingham.i prefer driving.

the road will be fine, may be a bit cold though - i would put in an engine block heater if you are going to hotel it (and bring an extension cord to plug it in). resources will be sparse so come prepared (-20 sleeping bag, stove, shovel, tow-strap, etc.). fill up whenever you get to half a tank, there is only one truly desolate spot on the alcan, a 100 mile stretch in the Yukon with no services.

other than that it is a great, beautiful, drive.

stop at liard hot springs and soak for a while - definitely worth it, particularly in winter.

[PlayHarder]

stop at liard hot springs and soak for a while - definitely worth it, particularly in winter.

That alone is worth the drive.
Assuming you come straight north through Montana and Alberta. It takes me 13-14 hours from Calgary to JH with good roads all the way. From Calgary north, I'd say about 10 hours to Fort St John and then 10-12 to Watson Lake, just into the Yukon. I have done that drive when its been 10 or 11 hours just to Fort Nelson, though. Also haven't been any further than just past Watson Lk, so I have no clue from that point on.
This may even be the dumbest route to take, but I don't know any better.

[AKturnanburn]

what you will need:

2004 or newer skidoo 800 <144" and trailer: $6500

generator and core heater: $400

cabover camper: $500

snowmoskiing buddies in MT, BC, AB, YK, AK.

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Take a month and a half to get here and show up in late march.

trip of a lifetime

[hick]

If you have time and want adventure the Cassiar is amazing, but I haven't done it mid winter, just late fall. Done the AlCan in winter and it was fine. The AlCan is much more chill, not as scenic, but you shouldn't have any issues doing it mid-winter if you have a reliable vehicle. Have a few friends who power out the AlCan every winter solo and it's fine. Give er.

Follow AKturnanburns advice and really kill it!

[MuleSkinner]

Thanks for the beta - I have to be up there to start work so don't have much time to play at all unfortunately. Am now thinking of flying - was going to save the pooch the trauma but now it's flight from SLC to Anchorage and then driving to Valdez - bring on the doggie drugs!

[hutash]

the temps drop to to over -60 below

Interesting.... does this make sense to anyone?

[Shredhead]

Just ask Theo or Bruce, they drive it all the time. You going to work at ARL?

[MuleSkinner]

Hopefully - You work up there?

[Shredhead]

No, just a client. Good luck, that's a great crew. Maybe we will see you in the spring.

[MuleSkinner]

I am definitely heading up there so hope to meet you this spring

[Bring On The Snow]

If you drive there is alot of great places to ski along the way but if u just want to get there id take the alaska marine highway (ferry) from seattle.