Kendal and Collin Strachan are industrial experience professional photographers who reside in Alaska full-time off-grid in their 2018 33-foot Airstream Classic. After taking a trip the nation coast to coast and investing a number of years going after sunlight in the southwest, they got the desire to head north. Now, more than twenty years after Collin’s very first Airstream journey and Kendal’s primary school love for Polar Bears, the couple has actually ended up being a household of 3 with the addition of a brand-new child. Specialists at taking a trip and checking out Alaska’s wilderness, we asked the Strachans to develop a Big salami guide for other Airstreamers who wish to experience this excellent northern experience themselves.
So you’re imagining taking your Airstream to Alaska? Do not stress! You’re not insane, and yes, you can do it! While the journey is long, a summer season journey to Alaska with your Airstream in tow will be an experience that you review for the rest of your life– or perhaps much better, become a custom! Continue reading for ideas and guidance on how to preserve your Airstream on the roadway and return home with the exact same quantity of rivets, tires, and meals you entrusted to– plus, where to camp, trek, consume, what trips to take, therefore far more. Let’s strike the roadway!
What to Anticipate When Towing Your Airstream to Alaska
Much ado has actually been made about the trek throughout Canada to Alaska. Will you drive the Cassiar or the Alcan? Will you hang out checking out Canada’s awesome national forests or power through to your last location?
Since there is currently a significant wealth of understanding out there on this topic, we’ll focus today on what to do as soon as you remain in Alaska. This travel plan, which concentrates on checking out the Kenai Peninsula and investing the majority of your time around Kenai Fjords National Forest in Seward, might be achieved with simply a week or 2 in the state, or throughout a whole summer season! Whatever quantity of time you have, think about Alaska a possibility for your trip.
Very first things initially, we’ll talk about taking care of your Airstream while on the roadway. As somebody who has actually made the financial investment and included an Airstream to their household, it goes without stating that your objective is to like your home far from home as a lot as possible and to see it leave from each outing with more memories and less wear. While you might have heard that the Alaska Highway is difficult on trailers, the reality is that with some diligence and a little additional time, you make sure to make it down to the Kenai Peninsula securely.
Reports about the Alaska Highway and How to Look after Your Airstream While on the Roadway
The reason our roadways have a little bit of a rough credibility is a wonderful little function we like to call “frost heaves.” As you drive closer and closer to the Polar circle, you start to cross big locations of “permafrost,” or completely frozen ground. This does not suggest you’ll see an ice-age-looking frozen tundra.
There is the normal enhance of soil and plant life on top, however beginning at 10 or two feet listed below the surface area, there is a layer of earth that is affected deeply by environment conditions and in consistent movement. As such, where you ‘d anticipate an interstate highway to be flat and smooth for numerous miles, on the Alaska Highway, you’ll encounter unexpected anxieties in the roadway that, if struck at a high adequate speed, will heave your rig up and down as you go through them. There are no “dip” or “bump” indications to caution you of them, and when you have actually been driving a number of thousand miles, it can be a bit tiring to stay on the lookout for frost heaves. As full-time Airstreamers in Alaska, frost heaves are a practically daily incident for us. However there are some ideas that will assist you browse as you make your method north.
3 Tips for Handling Frost Heaves
- If you understand that a roadway has actually frost heaves, keep it listed below 55mph The greatest speed limitation you’ll discover around here is 65, so you’re not losing much time, and the reduced braking range is well worth it.
- A excellent hitch/suspension combination will moisten nearly all the waviness from a heave.
- Pro suggestion: The worst frost heaves constantly have double tire marks on them from 18-wheelers whose trailers avoid when they fly over. As you’re scanning the roadway, if you see an abrupt little strip of tire marks, start to decrease.
And it’s as easy as that! Frost heaves will not damage your trailer and by no methods ought to a roadway’s spotty credibility keep you from checking out among the most geologically unique put on earth. If you do goof a time or 2, be prepared to take care of your rig withthe Airstream Rivet Kit available at Airstream Supply Company In high-flex locations such as the door frame, you might lose a rivet or 2. This easy, user friendly package will permit you to preserve the strength and water seal that makes your Airstream so important. Rather honestly, it’s vital no matter where you go. Rivets periodically stop working and if you do any range, it sure does not injured to do a fast walk-around and ensure things are ship-shape.
Now that we have actually dealt with those pesky reports about driving to Alaska, let’s get to the enjoyable things!
Groceries and Fuel in Anchorage
Naturally, you’ll make your method to Anchorage for gas, fuel, and a good rest in the RV-friendly Cabela’s parking area on King Street– probably the most popular “I simply got to Alaska today” recreational vehicle area. Groceries are restricted to Kroger (Fred Meyer) and Safeway, however Anchorage likewise has a Costco, so a subscription there will offer more choices and cost savings– plus excellent fuel costs. Seward is a village with just one supermarket, so high costs and item lacks are the standard. It’s finest to fill up in Anchorage before heading down the Kenai Peninsula.
Driving the Seward Highway
It’s 127 miles from the Cabela’s parking area to our preferred park in Seward (On the dot– I have actually tracked it a lot of times to count). Anticipate a drive of a little over 2 hours. The Seward Highway is rather RV-friendly, so you can anticipate it to be primarily bump-free on your method down the Kenai Peninsula. While you may be in the state of mind to get straight to where you’re headed, a drive down the Seward Highway in the summer season is a wonderful experience, so it’s finest not to be in a rush.
Initially, about 30 miles in, you’ll reach Beluga Point, a lookout appropriately called, as you’re most likely to see summer season beluga whales making their method along the coast as they benefit from the current of an inbound tide. Watch out for pods of white whales breaching as they travel along. You can stop and view, however they’ll likewise stay noticeable for miles from the window as you drive!
A Quick Rest Stop in Girdwood
As the roadway turns away from the bay and the belugas head out of sight, you’ll reach the mountain resort town of Girdwood. If you’re prepared for lunch, you have choices: Drop in and consume at the popular Chair 5 restaurant, Bruceskis (a Mediterranean food truck), or the Girdwood Developing Co. for a bite and regional beer on tap. As soon as you’re sustained up for an experience, you can trek Crow’s Skip to an extraordinary neglect of Raven Glacier (moderate to extreme), or walk around the Alyeska Resort’s stunning strolling routes. Excellent guidance if that hamburger is sitting a little heavy!
After Girdwood, it’s time to head to Seward. Unless, obviously, you want to do some more glacier identifying. In another 10 miles, take an overlooked to Portage Glacier and discover yourself surrounded by amazing glaciated peaks and salmon-filled creeks. At the end of the roadway, right before the tunnel to Whittier, you can drop in at Portage Glacier Lake and take a brief cruise out to see the glacier or take out those kayaks and paddle about a mile back up until the toe appears. If you select to kayak, keep in mind to preserve a range of a minimum of 100 feet from icebergs that have actually separated from the glacier. Though they look still and marvelous, they are actively melting and can pitch and roll, developing waves that might capsize a boat.
On to Seward
Ok: Glaciers seen. Belugas identified. Bellies complete. It’s time to drive the last hour or two to your summer season location. Now that you’re far from the bay, you’ll head over Turnagain Pass and down the hill into Seward. Positioned on the renowned Resurrection Bay with mountains towering around on all sides, Seward is a drowsy little seaside town of about 3,000 in the winter season which grows to about 50,000 at its summer season peak on July fourth, while viewers from all over the nation pertained to commemorate our self-reliance and to view the popular Mount Marathon race, a 3-mile run directly the side of Mount Marathon and pull back once again.
Outdoor Camping in Seward
There are numerous choices in the area for Recreational vehicles, however among our preferred locations to camp is right in the area on the bay. The Seward Waterside Park provides both hook-ups and dry outdoor camping, and a number of the websites permit you to stroll right out of your door and to the water in a couple of actions. With your windows open up to the bay, you’re ensured to see a host of sealife consisting of charming otters and sea lions, and likely to see a breaching grey whale or perhaps a pod of whales simply off the coast. If the salmon are running, you’ll likewise see fired up fish actually leaping out of the water on bright days as they make their method to freshwater streams to come back to where they were generated and develop a brand-new generation of salmon. Have a look at Seward’s reservation system online, or among the popular outdoor camping apps for concepts on where to remain throughout your time here.
If you enjoy boondocking, Alaska is the location for you. In basic, boondocking in Alaska is really simple and even invited. Any pullout or area without a no outdoor camping indication (apart from personal property) is level playing field, and you probably will never ever be troubled. If you goof, a cannon fodder might ask you to bump down the roadway to an authorized area, however even then they’ll be courteous and generous. Lot of times on long journey, we’ll invest a night in a pullout on the side of the roadway and awaken to incredible views. Alaska has substantial quantities of public land, a lot of areas are not too crowded. You can generally discover water and a dump station at many gasoline station along with showers in many laundromats.
If you’re brand-new to boondocking, a number of upgrades will go a long method. Airstream’s collaboration with Battleborn batteries indicates that you can now quickly update your Airstream, brand-new or old, with an effective lithium system total with photovoltaic panels that keep you charged up no matter the length of time you’re off the grid. We have a Battleborn system with a 3,000-watt inverter, and with Alaska’s 24-hour sunshine, we never ever even imagine touching our generator for the whole summer season.
A crucial factor to consider when boondocking in Alaska is heat. You’ll never ever actually require an air-conditioner throughout the summer season, however on cool early mornings when temperature levels are still in the high forties or low fifties, trustworthy heat goes a long method. Lots of Airstreams include a lp heating system, so lp will be an important resource if you’re not linked to electrical energy.
Lastly, a method to bring water from the park in the area to your trailer is a substantial time-saver, so that you do not need to move as frequently to fill. We have a 60-gallon water bladder in our truck, in addition to a Clearsource Wanderer filter/pump so we can fill our fresh tanks without moving the trailer.
Treking in Seward
As soon as you’re settled in and you have actually taken in your bay views, you’ll be thrilled to go out for a walk on the seaside walking path in the area, or out to among the stunning walkings the location provides! For those who take pleasure in a basic walk or have ease of access requirements, Kenai Fjords National Forest provides a paved, 1-mile (2-mile big salami) strolling path with amazing views of Exit Glacier, in addition to the paved seaside path in the area. Likewise in Kenai Fjords is the 9-mile big salami Harding Ice Field path, a more difficult walking that will take you into the mountains and offer views not just of Exit Glacier however of the biggest ice field in the United States, which feeds the amazing glaciers that call Kenai Fjords home.
Beyond the park, Caines Head— which starts on Lowell Point– provides both mountain views and an extraordinary, beautiful beach tucked into an unblemished little mountain alcove. It has to do with 3.5 miles big salami and is reasonably hard, however not too tough. Make certain to examine tide charts and trek at low tide to get to the amazing beach.
Lost Lake, which starts simply a couple of miles north of town in the Bear Creek location, is a runner’s/ mountain bicycle rider’s paradise. It’s a 7-mile one-way path with an extremely little elevation gain that leads through the mountains to a lovely blue lake whose amazing privacy in its mountain meadow provides itself completely to its name.
And lastly, maybe the most popular walking in Seward, you can trek the Mount Marathon path and acquire a breathtaking view of the town, Resurrection Bay, and the surrounding mountains. It is a reasonably high, four-mile path that results in the top, where you’ll share in the triumph of climbing up the mountain that countless runners have actually enjoyed in years previous. Climbing up the runner’s trailer is a tough walking at finest, however if you begin at the jeep path, you’ll discover a well kept path with switchbacks and clear markings.
Tours and Fishing
When you have actually had enough of strolling (no judgment! Alaska is HUGE!) there are numerous amazing trip choices to dive even deeper into the surroundings and ecology. If you want to check out Kenai Fjords by water, among Seward’s Marine trip business is the method to go. Boats introduce from the harbor less than a mile from your camping site and deal sightseeing and whale-watching trips in the bay and beyond. A fjord is a body of water with mountains increasing straight out of it. As you take a look at the mountains surrounding Resurrection Bay, picture that they are simply the suggestion which their skyrocketing cliffs extend hundreds or perhaps countless feet down into the water.
If you ‘d like a bird’s-eye view, there are numerous business running flight trips out of Seward’s local airport in both helicopters and aircrafts that include a picturesque trip of the landscape and even enjoyable upgrades like glacier landings or Mount Marathon drop-offs for those who like treking down, however not up. (Once again, no embarassment. We are professional photographers and relatively routinely switch out treking to an area in favor of a heli-drop for a picture shoot!)
In addition to the sightseeing excursion, lots of trip operators in the location deal salmon and deep-water fishing charters. Whether you want to fish for salmon from the beach as they swim upstream or go out searching for 70+ pound halibut, Seward’s fishing guides make certain to fill your freezer.
Where to Consume in Seward
As soon as you have actually developed a cravings and seem like you might consume a moose (or 1,200 pounds of vegan option), there are choices for you. While Seward has a lively dining establishment culture, among the enjoyable aspects of its summer season visitors is that a substantial range of scrumptious food trucks flow throughout the season. It’s most likely that if you remain in the state of mind for it, you’ll discover it. Here are a few of our recs for regional staples:
- Tacos: The Lone Chicharron, a comfortable little restaurant on fourth Street with mind-bending street tacos and amazing salsas. Seating is restricted, so be prepared to wait or buy takeout.
- Thai: Yep, Alaska is sort of popular for having lots of Thai Food. Have a look at Woody’s Thai, likewise on fourth Street.
- BARBEQUE: Firebrand Barbeque is owned and run by an authentic Texan pitmaster who headed north after choosing that 60-degree summer seasons working the cigarette smoker sounded much better than 110 degrees with humidity. While he’s a little bit more comfortable in the summer season, he didn’t forget his roots, and the fare is much like home. Unless you’re not from Texas.
- Browse & Grass: The Highliner will not dissatisfy. If the household can’t pick what they desire, those in favor of hamburgers will be happy. Anybody searching for a fresh halibut fish taco will remain in paradise, and steak and salad are on the area likewise.
- Dessert: Head on over to Sugary food Darlings for incredible gelato and craft chocolate, or the Harbor Street Creamery for an old-fashioned ice cream cone.
Last Note: Weather Condition
If there’s anything Alaska ought to be popular for, it’s amazing weather condition. With year-round temperature levels varying from -50 f and listed below and 80 degrees in the summer season, there’s an environment for everybody. In the summer season, Seward normally remains in the really acceptable variety of 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit and with its 24-hour summer season sunshine, can be favorably enjoyable. Since it is surrounded by glaciated peaks and an icefield, nevertheless, weather condition is extremely unforeseeable. Come prepared with a great coat for chillier days, and do not be captured without rain equipment. Likewise, though the weatherman provides it his darnedest, we’re encouraged that weather condition forecasts for Seward are completely imaginary. The very best method to inform the weather condition in Alaska is to keep an eye out the window!
We hope you have actually enjoyed this guide and please, come enjoy our home in Alaska. You’ll never ever, ever, ever fulfill friendlier individuals, and you make sure to have a blast and make it back home with a pleased Airstream. You purchased it to make memories much like these, after all!
