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alcan info
Posted by Kurt S on Dec 12 2005
Will,
I have driven that highway at least 20 times over the yrs and the last time in June of this yr. My brother in law just drove up with his daughter in late Nov. They came up from Spokane, stopping at night in motels.
The trip took them 3 days and the roads were fine. Unfortunately they went off the road just short of Tok when the one driving dozed off momentarily. Minor damage to one rim and they were able to get towed out and proceeded on their way.
I have made several trips in Sept, Feb, March, May and June. The summer months are a breeze, the winter trips varied. Probably the best winter trip was in 1976 in Feb. Cold as hell, but great weather and no problems and the road was not paved then.
In the last 4 yrs I have made six trips, 3 in sept, 3 in June all between Corvallis and Anchorage, so the following advice should be current.
Passports are now required as well as a drivers licence. I have never been asked for proof of insurance or cash/cc on hand. As stated in other posts, NO DWI's! You can get an insurance card for canadian coverage from your insurance agent/company for peace of mind.
Call your cc company before going and let them know that you will be traveling and the approximate dates. This is a pain sometimes trying to reach the right person. I carry about $500 in cash for emergency and would suggest that you do the same.
Equipment wise, I would have a snatch em strap, a 5gal gas can or two, warm cloths, sleeping bag, and the usual flares etc. Major cities with gas stations open 24/7's are approximately 300 miles apart, so plan on that for fuel. Watson lake has been the only iffy one I've encountered, and I've had to wait for a few hours for a station to open a couple times. The last few times though, there has been a 24 hour station open so that may not be a problem.
Cell phone coverage is spotty and pretty much nil between major cities.
Guns are taboo as far as I know and wouldn't take any. Its better to ship them. There is a limit on booze and cigerettes, couple bottles/cartons.
Weather will be your biggest concern, it changes daily, and from one end to the other. This will dictate how you drive, be flexible. I've only run studded tires one time, never used chains, and never was stuck or had any problems in that regard.
This highway is paved and wide in most places and I've averaged 80 mph easily in the summer months. That's not to say I'd do that in the winter, but a comfortable 50-55 should be doable depending on your experience on snow and ice.
I can't advise you on lodging because I've never stopped more than a couple hours on any trip.
I don't know what your route will be to the canadian boarder, but I always go up I-5 and cut over from Bellingham WA. to Sumas and cross there. It's a very quiet boarder with no lines and always friendly people. It's mainly a commercial truck crossing and you avoid the mess going through Vancouver.
Get an Alaska Mile Post at your local book store, make a few calls to listed gas stations and motels if you plan on using them.
Watch out for horses, bison, moose, elk and caribu!
Good luck, enjoy what will be an adventure for you!
Kurt
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