Driving from seattle to Alaska, who's done it?

[actionshooter]

I'm moving to Seward Alaska this summer and we have to drive, will be leaving Seattle June 16 and have to be in seward by July 1, who's done the drive up there? Is 14 days feasible, it's 2400 miles and I'll have a wife, 1 year old and dog in the car. Looking to travel 350-400 miles a day and maybe stay a day here and there. I have heard that it's rough in places and to have an extra spare tire, but other than that I'm lost. Ordered a few books but looking for real experience! Thanks in advance

Yep, I paid $7 a gallon for diesel the last time through, but an awesome drive.

 

[tuffcity]

You might want to pick up a copy of the Backroads BC book http://www.backroadmapbooks.org/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&products_id=196 at least for Northern BC. It's not just the back roads and it has a wealth of info including all the Provincial campsites, day use, rec sites, etc. Some of the nicest places to camp are the forestry rec sites, and they are typically free depending on what's at them. Some of the forestry sites can be off the beaten path though.

RC

 

[kodiakfly]

Well being military, the deal with the Canadian crossing is, apparently a few years ago there was a full-on criminal drug smuggling ring consisting of American servicemen smuggling drugs in their DITY moves from Whidbey Is to AK. So now, servicemen on orders can sometimes pop a red flag for a search. They DESTROYED my truck and trailer. I mean, all my crap out on the ground, my wife and I not allowed within 40' of the truck while they searched...it was a mess. They were fairly polite, but you'd have thought I was a wanted felon.

As far as your guns, do you know anyone up here? If you do, you can ship your firearms (even hand guns) to yourself and it's entirely legal. If you know someone, you can ship it to yourself at their location. It's not even shady or grey area. It's 100% legal and there's no paperwork involved. I prefer it for my higher end firearms, over the moving company doing it. Also because now there's additional federal paperwork that's attached to your move concerning your weapons. "How long have you owned them?" "Where did you purchase them?" They can go to hell asking me questions like that.

 

[Bmcox86]

Thanks for all the advice, we picked up the milepost book and are trying to decide between the Casier route and the Alaskan hwy route, is one better than the other as far as seeing moose, bison, sheep, etc..? Also would like to stop and fish a day here and there, saw the Yukon lisence is only about $20 for a few days, anyone fish on their way up?

Thanks

 

[Bmcox86]

Also, can you carry a propane tank across the border? Either a big one or the smaller green ones?

 

[Larry Bartlett]

You can carry propane tanks secured in p/u trucks but not SUVs. Open beds supposedly allow off-gas fumes to dissipate adequately. I've had hunters drive through with 100-lbers. although i have no idea why they would bring 100 lb tanks to AK for a short month-long stent.

small green 1-lbers are no prob, but leave the factory caps on the bottles for seals.

Also, don't stash gas cans on a trailer hitch rack. Guys have had their gas cans confiscated for having them on the trailer hitch racks...customs say they are "fire and explosive" hazards.

LB

 

[tuffcity]

is one better than the other as far as seeing moose, bison, sheep, etc..?

Alaska Hwy would be your better bet for wildlife, especially the Ft Nelson to Liard stretch. No bison on the Cassiar.

It's been about a year since I've been on the Cassiar but last time I was through it was getting pretty beat up from Bell2 towards Dease Lake. New high voltage transmission lines were being built and the big trucks had pounded it pretty good.

RC

 

[Short on cache]

This is awesome info, as I am about to PCS from Ft Lewis to Ft Wainwright in a few weeks. It was sort of covered, but just for verification, should I make plans / reservations for campsites or just stop as I get about where I wanna stop for the day where there is a campsite? or are they usually full? I have a small pop up so it doesnt require too much room.

Side note: any Roksliders up there at fairbanks? if so lets get together. Ill be there on 21 June.

 

[Frosty82]

Short,

I am no help on the drive but I am stationed at Eielson and live in North Pole. Hit me up when you get here.

 

[Stid2677]

I would look into the Ferry system if I were you. You can board right there in Washington and get off in Seward and not have to deal with customs. It is a wonderful trip and the military will pay for it as well. The inside passage is a sight to behold. I can post some pics if you are interested.

 

[Short on cache]

I looked into that ferry deal. I have a boat and a pop up camper Im bringing. Its crazy expensive if you have vehicles on there. The Army will ship your vehicle separate and fly you there because its cheaper.

 

[Bmcox86]

The ferry wasn't an option due to how late I got my orders and it being all booked up and the pet policy was nuts. I will be seeing plenty of the inside passage the next three years. I'm leaving on the 16th next month and it should be a fun drive

 

[WRO]

I've done it, it's a breeze. Make sure your ipod is full or you have sat radio. It's a long drive.

 

[RCR]

I'm late to the thread and my last trip was in the mid 90's, so I won't pontificate too much. One thing I haven't seen mentioned is the transport of bear spray (since you aren't carrying firearms). When I went up my spray was confiscated, so you may should probably check the laws on that too.

My trip was from SD and it was about 56 hours of driving one way to Fairbanks. My dad and I did it together and we went up the Cassiar and came back on the ALCAN. I can honestly say I enjoyed the drive and the scenery as much as I did the moose hunt, which I enjoyed A LOT.