Drive to Arctic Circle in “high miles” 4th Gen 4Runner

[tlrols]

View attachment 791003
Another monster in KetchikanView attachment 791003

 

[tlrols]

Cell coverage is available on the ferry back to Bellingham if you have a North America plan. I had/have coverage for about half the voyage. I got a cabin on the ferry. Sort of like a micro-cruise. The bar is fun and sort of retro.

 

[tlrols]

Sigh…farewell to this adventure…

 

[tlrols]

Bellingham and home.

 

[tlrols]

Final analysis on this is do it! It is expensive but you are, after all, driving thousands of miles. You DO NOT need some sort of beast 4WD to make this drive. I never once used low range…my rig is always in 4-Hi since it’s a V8 4th Gen 4Runner. I have a modest lift which was some what useful but not really required.

What you really want is time! I took 44 days and honestly wish I took 60 days. I would have explored more for sure.

I think the Dalton is next on my list…

 

[AggieOE]

This matches up with a lot of what I've heard. Sounds like the complexities are overhyped and that it's quite doable in whatever with some smart planning.
Thanks for all the updates and recap. Looks like its been one great trip!

 

[SSF556]

Could you do the same trip but hotel rooms 100%?

 

[Fishenough]

Ha keep the 4Runner. There so much Alpine to explore in the Yukon that you need a high clearance 4x4.

I've used the iOverland app, but wonderful spots are down what online shows as a snowmobile trail. All the spots pictured, from this July and August, I've visit previously in a 4Runner but for the waterfall in Klaune Park

 

[GreggV]

Final analysis on this is do it! It is expensive but you are, after all, driving thousands of miles. You DO NOT need some sort of beast 4WD to make this drive. I never once used low range…my rig is always in 4-Hi since it’s a V8 4th Gen 4Runner. I have a modest lift which was some what useful but not really required.

What you really want is time! I took 44 days and honestly wish I took 60 days. I would have explored more for sure.

I think the Dalton is next on my list…

Thanks for the write up and all the photos.

 

[tlrols]

Could you do the same trip but hotel rooms 100%?

Sure can. The only tricky part might be if you want to stay in Tuk. Not many places to stay in Tuk. You will be limited in how flexible you can be. Also, staying in campgrounds or dispersed will get you out in some lovely places.

 

[tlrols]

Ha keep the 4Runner. There so much Alpine to explore in the Yukon that you need a high clearance 4x4.

I've used the iOverland app, but wonderful spots are down what online shows as a snowmobile trail. All the spots pictured, from this July and August, I've visit previously in a 4Runner but for the waterfall in Klaune Park

Nice spots! I did find that the old school method of see a road take it was the best way to explore.

 

[tlrols]

It’s worth stating the obvious that weather can make all the difference. Hope for clear skies! The difference between a rainy/cloudy day and clear skies is incredible. Also, fires are a thing. I suspect August/September is a more optimal time to do this sort of journey.

 

[tlrols]

So fires visited me after I returned.

 

[SSF556]

Holy ********....I hope everyone is ok?

 

[tlrols]

We all made it out fine. 13,000 acres burned. Crazy randomness with fire burning some places and not others.