Vancouver to prudhoe bay Alaska Q’s
 

Hi all, firstly thanks for any info

Ill be buying a dr650 or something similar in vancouver 20/7/23 and spending a month +- travelling up and back to prudhoe bay to take a dip in the arctic.

My question is about accommodation, is pre booking weeks/month in advance 100% necessary? all my previous travels ive booked accommodation the night before once i figure out where im heading that day however seems anywhere past fairbanks the accommodation gets scarce, i just dont want to ride into a town and not have anywhere to stay, august being top of 10 Celsius and grizzlys camping seems out of the question.

Also ill have a dual sport if anyone has must do routes or trails.

Cheers
Paul.

You’re aware of the restrictions on “taking a dip” at Prudhoe Bay?

A month is enough time, but without a lot of margin for getting distracted…which everyone should, but not everyone does. There’s a lot to see and do up that way.

I’ve been to Alaska by thumb, car, and bike at different times and in different combinations. I’ve camped a lot everywhere, and bears are far more of a mental problem than any real danger (IMHO). Try to learn the basics in advance of your trip and don’t stress.

(mosquitoes, on the other hand…)

I’ve never reserved anything even a day in advance, but of course I’ve always been prepared to camp out. And yes, there are only a few places to stay indoors past Fairbanks—and nothing you’d really call a “town” aside from Deadhorse, which is more of a post-apocalyptic nightmare. In any case, I’d sure hate to organize my whole trip around knowing exactly when I’d be staying in them. For starters, there’s weather to contend with, and mechanical issues, along with all those distractions I mentioned above.

Hope that’s helpful.

Mark

Thanks for your reply mark.

Yeah swimming is by security escorted shuttle from what ive read.

Im fine to camp and will have equipment even if just as a backup.

100% agree planning in advance takes away the option for local knowledge detours and spontaneous adventures.

Also, as far as equipment is concerned. Always try to have coffee with you. I assure you that this is a cheat code to fully enjoy your trip and stay responsive all the time beer. When I went to Europe, it kept me warm and awake all the time. Candy is also a quick sugar that can give a little boost, I ate it regularly when I went to the Alps this January. On top of that, I have a feeling you're going to have to travel a long way, so don't neglect this step! I wish you a good trip Paul ;)

Ummm, yeah….but coffee and candy are prime bear attractants (along with toothpaste, deodorant, garlic-infused crosses for fighting off vampires, and various other stuff considered essential under other circumstances). This means if camping you will want to think REALLY carefully about everything odiferous—-where you’re keeping it, whether you or your clothes will smell like it while sleeping in your flimsy little tent, etc.

It’s not rocket science, but it’s not to be taken casually either. And just in case it’s not clear, in all my time camping in grizzly country I’ve continued to drink coffee, eat candy, and brush my teeth. I did once have to decline to accept a 45 lb king salmon I was offered by someone who picked me up hitchhiking on the McCarthy Road, but that’s another story.

Mark