Alaska Exodus to Denver, via Seattle (May '07)

[Schattenjager]

:088:
Well, I am trying to escape again. I am leaving sometime mid May and will be going down the Cassiar to Seattle. There I will be buying an ARB and OME setup for the Tacoma. After a couple of days in Seattle, I will push >EAST< to Denver.:ylsmoke: This is a spectacular time of year for the trip and the Cassiar is supposed to be some of the best scenery in the world. While I wont be in a huge hurry, I do want to make good time so I can start work in Denver.

Anyone want to ride along? I had a friend that was going to fly up and make the trip down, but my plans had to change and ruined that idea.

Anyone that has recently traveled the Cassiar could offer some welcome advise here. I hear that it is pretty remote (thank God I have a Toyota now) and there are a lot of hazards. GOOD! :victory:

 

[Christophe Noel]

My last little jaunt on the Cassiar was in August of '05. I know some fellas who have more recent experience. You might know them too.

It really is a nice trip. Some spots in May might still be a little mucky, but for the most part it should be good. Another option is to drive to Haines, hop on the St Ferry and start your road journey from Hyder. I've done that as well. Sure is a nice boat ride through the inside passage. It makes for a nice fare well exit from Alaska. I've done the Cassiar 3 times and the ferry ride 3 times. If I had to pick a preferred trip, it might be the ferry. It makes for a nice break from driving and so few people get to really see the inside passage from the true Alaskan transport - the State Ferry. I love the state ferry. Duct tape your tent to the deck for cheap accommodations.

 

[Schattenjager]

Thought about that... problem is I have a German Shepherd and a cat going for the ride. Potty breaks and play time might be a little "ruff" on a boat.
Thanks for the input - great idea otherwise!

 

[Christophe Noel]

I've taken our black lab on the ferry twice from Haines to Bellingham, Wa. The first time he was only 4 months old. It has challenges, but it isn't that bad at all. The downside is the fact you have to keep your pets in your truck the entire time. They do have "car deck calls" about every 4 hours so people can go walk their dogs. Most dogs won't pee on a concrete deck but the ferry does stop in a number of ports along the way. It's really pretty manageable. When in port, you usually have time to take pooch for a short walk. There's a great trail across from the ferry terminal in Ketchican. Some ports you dock for 50 minutes (at night) and others you might be there for a couple hours. The jaunt from haines to Hyder would be very easy with two pets. If you haven't taken the ferry along that coast, I would strongly recommend it. STRONGLY.

In a nutshell, your animals are going to be in the car for multiple 4-5 hour stretches anyway. On they ferry, they sleep through 90% of the ride.

 

[Ridgewalker]

I have only been on the Cassiar once in Oct of '99. I went to Alaska on the Alaska Highway and the Cassiar is much prettier although slower. It zig zagged alot and had a number of bumps in the road. BUT it was much prettier than the Alaska Highway.
Not many stops along the way and I heard many are closed out of season but we had no problem in our F250 TD SD and Lance camper. We only got 14-15 mpg.
I presume the bears will be out and hungry in May, so be careful with your dog running loose and watch your food/cooking. We saw lots of black bears on the road in October.
I'm jealous! It should be a great trip by highway or ferry.:jumping:

 

[Ridgewalker]

:088:
After a couple of days in Seattle, I will push West to Denver. :victory:

By the way, I think you'll get to Denver easier if you head East from Seattle. You'll see a lot of beautiful country through Idaho, Montana, and western Wyoming.
A nice drive (partly dirt, but easy) is south from Rock Springs, WY to Maybell, CO then follow the Yampa River through Steamboat Springs, Kremmling, Grandby, and finally through Rocky Mountain Ntl PK (if it is open over Trail Ridge Rd?) or south to I70 and into Denver.
Enjoy!:wings:

 

[Schattenjager]

Maybe I just like taking the long road, OK???

West to Denver??? Of course I WROTE East... what on earth are you talking about???

he he... [edit] :ylsmoke:

 

[TeleScooby]

No ideas on the route...new to this and haven't even heard of the cassiar...?

BUT, if you want to get a beer while you're in town, just PM me :beer:

 

[Schattenjager]

:sombrero: That sounds like a very doable plan! I'll keep you posted as time draws near!

You know, one of the things I am really excited about re: getting out of alaska is being closer to some of you ExPo folk! It will be great to actually meet some of you and do some adventuring together!