Community Forums

Superslif · 01-16-2014, 07:32 AM

Once you enter Alaska, Fairbanks will be the first major city. The Visitor Center in Fairbanks (You Tube video

Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center

) is top notch. Almost new, plenty of RV parking...and just about every brochure available. You can easily spend two hours there. You also have the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, visitor history and an exhibit hall featuring 9,000 square feet of museum-quality interpretive displays and dioramas depicting Interior Alaskan landscapes and seasons and Alaska Geographic gift store. Also in Fairbanks at a place called Pioneer Park offers many museums, gift shops and displays, most of which are free. Again, plenty of RV parking. They also have a few RV over-night sites with electric.

There is another small visitor center in North Pole 15 miles before you get to Fairbanks but, in my opinion unless your in a real pinch for time, go to the Fairbanks one.

lakewoodpaul · 01-17-2014, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

You might want to check over on the Woodalls Canada/Alaska forum. Last year there was an extensive ongoing post on those heading to Alaska and some communicated the whole trip. At the very top of the page is a 'Sticky' that will give Alaskan travelers many, many helpful ideas on traveling. There is now a 2014 Alaska posting which is generating a lot of chatting.

Just a suggestion - It's not difficult to make the trip on your own. Many, many RVers do this. Alaska isn't anything like the old-time stories you've heard. It's no different than traveling the two-lane roads in the lower 48. We've gone alone and met some wonderful people along the way and many times you meet up with the same folks at another campground or town. It's fun.

In our opinion you would be so limited by being in a caravan. If you'd want to stay longer at a place, you can't , and if you want to leave, you can't. If you want to boondock alongside a gorgeous river or lake for a night or two, you can't. You'll just be in parking-lot-type RV parks. There are may things the caravans don't drive to see. They visit the main attractions which you can simply do on your own.

We spent a total of 10 nights inside Denali Nat'l Park - not planned. We were having great weather and seeing many animals so we took advantage of it. Think about it for other options.

Agree 100% we did both. Once on a caravan and twice on our own. Dont forget all the provincial parks in B.C. and the Yukon.

Superslif · 01-19-2014, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Dont forget all the provincial parks in B.C. and the Yukon.

Any suggested places to see in the Yukon. We plan to do the Alcan, but also do the "Top of the World" route either coming or on the return trip. We will be coming from Ohio.

Another question here. Most people traveling to AK. are in Class A's, C's 5er's tt's. We have a 25' hybrid tt. Any concerns? On our last fly up visit to AK. last Aug. at the remote state park campgrounds off Chena Hot Springs Rd. North of Fairbanks half the people were in tents.

lakewoodpaul · 01-19-2014, 06:19 PM

Be advised that the top of the world road is bad. We did it 3 times but I felt it was worth it. stay a couple of days in Dawson City, take the road up to the dome and watch the sunset. On that road as you climb up there is a dirt road leading up to a fire watch tower it is higher than the city overlook, fantastic views of the Yukon and the Yukon river.dont know what you are driving but a 4x4 may be useful almost neccesary on that road. Also drive down the road to the dredge and bonanza creek but dont only stop there, keep going and you will run into a bunch of boondockers parked down there panning for gold in a legal spot on the creek. dont be afraid of stopping at the yukon and B.C. camgrounds you will pass all the ones we stayed at had large spots and free firewood, altho no hook ups. If you will be on the cassier hwy, make stewart/ hyder a stop. The salmon glacier is not to be missed.We also are from NE Ohio [Cleveland area] and on our last trips to AK. have stayed on The US side as long as possible gas prices much better on this side Have a good trip.

R2Home · 01-19-2014, 06:46 PM

Superslif: What route are you taking to get to Dawson Creek? What time of the year are you going to be traveling? On our last two trips to the 'lower 48' and back, we made sure to drive through Baniff National Park and Jasper National Park, coming back to Alaska and both worth the trip. Once past Dawson Creek, check out Muncho Lake it is worth stopping at, Laird Hot springs and watch for Bison on the road in this area. In fact watch for wild life all the way and keep the cameras handy. If the roads is an it's usual condition, pay attention to it from Destruction Bay to Beaver Creek, lots of wash board in this area. Once in Alaska there are several places to see, visit and have fun in. As has already been said 'get a current copy of the Mile Post'. Even though we have traveled the Alcan several times, we still get one.
Plan well, and you should not have any issues traveling in your RV.

Superslif · 01-20-2014, 06:26 PM

This will be for a RVing trip in 2016. Been up in the Fairbanks area many times over the last 15 years flying up. Have driven all around the Fairbanks / North Pole / Delta Junction areas including many back dirt roads. Always have to be on the lookout for frost heaves and animals. I do plan to go thru Baniff National Park and Jasper National Park, most likely on the way up. Plan to spend 3 weeks on the way up. 4 if need be. Hope to leave Ohio around June 1st..

My parents did the Top of the World route back in 2003 in their 38' DP. and just said it was muddy....So I will have to do more research on that part of the trip. Would the Milepost have information on alternate routes off the Alcan.

I was actually thinking about buying a used copy of the Milepost this spring just to get my feet wet, and then buy the current edition the spring of 16'. I hope to retire June 1st 2016 North to Alaska June 2nd....I just picked up my early retirement gift to myself my new 14' Tundra double cab. Now I just have to retire...

twogypsies · 01-20-2014, 09:46 PM

Yes, the Milepost will give you all the side roads along your trip. It's a very good reference for historical data and roads but don't rely on it for campgrounds. Plan on getting Mike & Terri Church's book online "Alaskan Camping" which includes the Yukon, too. The Milepost can only give you a general idea of what to expect with road conditions. The conditions change daily so you really won't know until you start driving. Just like in the lower 48, construction/repairs are ongoing. The Top of the World Hwy is very doable - thousands of RVers of all sizes have driven it. You are just going to go very slow on it so plan accordingly.

Superslif · 01-22-2014, 07:39 AM

Quote:

The Top of the World Hwy is very doable - thousands of RVers of all sizes have driven it. You are just going to go very slow on it so plan accordingly.

It's kind of on my "bucket list". Just have to see what the weather brings...

This past summer in the Fairbanks area was the warmest summer ever. By the time we left Aug 20th they were on day 37 with highs 80 degrees or higher, the old record was 30 days, and only 1/3" of rain since June first.