Alaska in April - Montana Owners Club

dustinc02 · 03-09-2011, 02:29 PM

Have to travel to Alaska April 8th for work. The ferry is full. Will be pulling the Montana "North To Alaska". Anyone heading that way and wish to caravan?

Art-n-Marge · 03-09-2011, 07:01 PM

Oh my.... that's early in the calendar year.. You'll probably run into lots of rain, some snow and possibly the whole route is finally paved so you won't have mud, but I wouldn't count on it.

Depending where you are going in Alaska, you'll have to leave pretty quick to allow for bad conditions. My relatives living up there have reported better than normal snowfalls in Juneau and Anchorage, but it's not the worse it's ever been.

Take it slow and easy. I hope you can find someone to caravan with. You might try searching the internet for other ways to find travelers willing to go with you. That's amazing the ferrys are full, but you might try getting to the ferry dock. Cancellations occur much more frequently than you might expect.

Best of luck and may all your travels be safe and sound!

exav8tr · 03-10-2011, 02:49 AM

I personally would rethink that trip. Having lived there for 14 years I can say that April can be a very treacherous time to drive in Alaska, let alone pull a Montana. Many fuel stops are still closed as are RV parks along the route. Breakup does not usually occur until Mid to late May, meaning snow and ice all over. I don't know of any RV parks open until May either. Even the military Fam Camps (in Anchorage) are closed until mid May as the sites are not passable yet.

If you do decide to go in April, please be extremely careful and do your routing homework carefully. The Alaskan Milepost handbook would be invaluable......Good Luck!!!!!

mlh · 03-11-2011, 12:57 PM

Phil my dream trip since I was a little kid has been Alaska. When should we plan to be in Alaska? When should we plan to be out?
Lynwood

exav8tr · 03-11-2011, 01:17 PM

The warmest months are usually July and August, however, they can be very rainy also. I would definitely be out before mid October as the snow can start flying by mid October. May can be iffy as far as camping as a late snow will make rv spots unusable. June is my favorite month, but one needs to take cold weather clothes if you plan on going out on the water. Fishing is best around mid Jul to mid August. SO whatever floats your boat. I WOULD NOT ATTEMPT THE TRIP IN APRIL.. Sorry Dustin.... Remember this: The only time work is done on the AlCan hiway is during the summer, so be prepared for delays. I would plan 6-10 days to get there from Washington and as many as you want to sightsee. About Anchorage: We always said that Achorage was 200 miles south of the REAL Alaska. In other words just another big city. Seward is a great little fishing town and Homer is fishing AND artsy fartsy. Salmon fishing is best on Kenai. We always went halibut fishing out of Ninilchik, spent the nights at Deep Creek Inn, Say hi to Tim Rebishke if you get there. I would also advise, If you want to fish and bring back alot, leave a recliner at home and carry a small freezer, otherwise most places will fast freeze and ship for you......There are also charters that fly you out for fishing spots where you can be pretty much alone. This is a great way to see Alaska as there just aren't many roads. Most travel is by air. Plan plenty of time and grab yourself a "Milepost" Handbook. The trip is worth it, just ask any RVer that has been there........Good Luck and Have A Great Time....

Phil

PS: You can also catch salmon right in Anchorage. You will learn the meaning of the term "Combat Fishing", if you fish in or around Anchorage......

dustinc02 · 03-12-2011, 04:07 AM

Thanks for the cautions. This is not my first trip to Alaska this early in the season. I was hoping for strength in numbers thats all... Thanks anyway

Art-n-Marge · 03-12-2011, 08:56 AM

This is good to hear Dustin. Experience counts a lot. I would have loved to just drive with you, as an escort, but the timing and notice are too short.

OldRetiredMSGT · 03-13-2011, 12:33 PM

This is our summer for a trip to Alaska also. We plan on crossing the Canadan Border around the 1st of June. Our planned route is Montana, Calgary, Baniff, Jasper on the way up and not sure about the return trip. From the sounds of these post we may be going a little early. Don't have anyone yet to travel with just in case anyone is intrested.

mlh · 03-13-2011, 02:24 PM

Thanks Phil. I'm going to keep you in mind when I go Alaska. I'm retiring this month or at least slowing down some, so maybe just maybe I will be able to get out in my camper with my wife this year.
Lynwood

Ken Ralston · 03-18-2011, 05:44 AM

Phil if you were going to take a bike trip to Alaska about what month would you go? And things to look out for?
Thanks Ken

AJH · 03-18-2011, 07:38 AM

Would love to join you, but we are hoping to head up that way in early to mid June. First time. Taking the 29' class C instead of the Montana. Think it will pull better over the mountains. Always looking for free advise. Heading north from Great Falls.

exav8tr · 03-18-2011, 09:46 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by Ken Ralston

Phil if you were going to take a bike trip to Alaska about what month would you go? And things to look out for?
Thanks Ken

Ken, That's alot of pedalling, not sure I would do that. Are you talking about shipping your bikes there and then cycling the state? OR riding the whole way? I would probably do this in mid June to mid to late July. Look out for moose along the roads, they don't look out for you much. Alot of road work during the summer months. AND Alaska is NOT very bike friendly. Not many shoulders to ride on.

We were avid bikers while living in Tucson, but gave them up in Alaska due to unfriendly conditions. Most drivers would rather see you on the sidewalks rather than the roads.

We bought new bikes down here and enjoy riding again.....

Good luck with your plans.....

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