SoCal To Alaska And Back With Too Many Memories To Count
Our adventure began in Bend, Oregon, where we eagerly set out to experience fly fishing on the legendary Deschutes River. Known for its pristine waters and world-class trout fishing, the river did not disappoint. We spent hours casting lines into the clear water, surrounded by towering canyon walls and sagebrush-covered hills. The peace and tranquility of the river was only broken by the occasional splash of a trout rising to the surface. It was the perfect introduction to our overlanding journey, blending serene landscapes with the thrill of outdoor recreation.
From Bend, we made our way north to Whistler, British Columbia, where the famous Whistler
Bike Park awaited. Whistler’s dramatic mountain scenery was awe-inspiring, with craggy peaks dusted with snow even in the warmer months. The park itself was a mountain biker's dream, offering a network of trails that catered to both beginners and seasoned riders. We spent an adrenaline-filled day navigating the trails, tearing through pine forests and swooping down alpine slopes, all while soaking in the fresh mountain air. The excitement of the ride was matched only by the stunning views of the surrounding Whistler Valley.
After leaving Whistler, we embarked on one of the most scenic drives of the trip: the Stewart-
Cassiar Highway (Highway 37). This remote and lesser-known route takes travelers through some of the most untouched wilderness in British Columbia. Lush forests, glacier-fed rivers, and majestic mountain ranges lined the road, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. The journey felt like a step back in time, with wildlife sightings around every bend and little traffic to disturb the sense of solitude. The highway felt like a secret passageway into the heart of the wild, and our Toyota 4Runner towing the Vintage Trailer Works XTC offroad trailer handled the rugged terrain beautifully.
Our next stop was Skagway, Alaska, where the highlight of the trip awaited us: a helicopter ride
to a glacier for an unforgettable dog-sledding adventure. As we soared above the jagged peaks and ice-blue glaciers, the vastness and beauty of Alaska’s wilderness took our breath away.
Landing on the glacier felt surreal, the crisp air and sparkling ice beneath our feet adding to the
magic of the moment. Meeting the dogs and experiencing the power and grace of sledding across the glacier was a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. Skagway itself, with its historic gold rush-era charm, was the perfect base for this unforgettable experience.
From Skagway, we ventured across the vast Yukon Territory, an experience in itself. The
Yukon’s sweeping landscapes, dotted with endless forests, remote mountain ranges, and tranquil lakes, made the long drive feel like a journey into the wild. Each night, we set up camp in true overland style, with only the stars and the distant howl of wolves to keep us company. The remote beauty of the Yukon was both humbling and exhilarating, and it was here that the full scale of the untamed wilderness became truly apparent.
Our arrival at Banff National Park in Alberta felt like reaching a jewel at the end of the road.
Banff’s towering mountains, emerald lakes, and sweeping vistas made it one of the most scenic places we had ever encountered. We took time to explore the park’s highlights, including Lake
Louise, where the turquoise waters perfectly mirrored the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The grandeur of Banff was only enhanced by our visit to the Fairmont Hotel, where we enjoyed a traditional high tea. The historic hotel’s elegant setting and stunning views of the Canadian Rockies made for a luxurious break in the midst of our rugged adventure.
From Banff, we began the final leg of our journey, driving south through Alberta and crossing into Montana. The landscape slowly transitioned from the jagged peaks of the Rockies to the rolling hills and wide-open plains of Big Sky Country. Our destination was Kalispell, Montana, a charming town that served as the endpoint for our journey before flying home. The drive was peaceful, with the golden light of the setting sun casting long shadows over the Montana plains, reminding us of the vast distances we had covered.
Throughout the trip, our Toyota 4Runner and Vintage Trailer Works XTC offroad trailer were
the perfect companions. The 4Runner handled every terrain, from the steep mountain roads of
Whistler to the rugged gravel paths along the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. The trailer provided us with a cozy, reliable base camp during our nights spent under the stars, offering a sense of
freedom as we explored the wilderness.
The scenery we encountered along the way was nothing short of spectacular. Each region we
passed through, from the dry canyons of Oregon to the icy glaciers of Alaska, had its own unique
beauty. The remote and wild nature of the landscapes made the trip feel like a true escape from the modern world, giving us a chance to reconnect with nature and experience the majesty of some of North America’s most iconic destinations.
The iconic sites we visited were matched by the unforgettable moments we shared. From fly
fishing on the Deschutes River to dog sledding on a glacier, each experience was enhanced by
the incredible scenery and the sense of adventure that came with overlanding through such remote and breathtaking areas. The vastness of the wilderness, the silence of the remote campsites, and the thrill of the activities made the trip feel like a journey of discovery.
This overland trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The remote beauty of the Pacific
Northwest, British Columbia, Alaska, the Yukon, and the Canadian Rockies left us with memories that will last forever. As we finally reached Kalispell, Montana, and prepared to fly home, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the journey we had undertaken. The combination of stunning scenery, thrilling activities, and the sense of freedom that comes with overland travel made this trip truly unforgettable.
Looking back, it’s clear that the journey itself was just as important as the destinations. Each
mile we drove, every campsite we set up, and each natural wonder we encountered contributed to the sense of adventure. The remoteness of the areas we visited, combined with the camaraderie of our small group and the reliability of our gear, made this overland expedition an adventure we will treasure for a lifetime.
