Cassiar Highway, British Columbia

[SteveH]

We are planning another trip to Alaska this summer to visit with relatives, and for variety, I'm considering taking the Cassiar Highway to Watson Lake, Yukon, instead of the first portion of the Alaska Highway.

I've read there is some 60 miles of gravel in four sections I believe, but would like to know from those of you that have traveled the Cassiar, how bad it really is? Is it too rough? If not, would you do it again?

All input appreciated.

[HowieE]

We used it in 2000 and it was mostly gravel but was well worth the dust.

Just make sure you go out to Hyder and get Hyderized before you start and you won't care what shape the road is in.

[SteveH]

Just make sure you go out to Hyder and get Hyderized before you start and you won't care what shape the road is in.

OK, care to be more informative and tell me what "Hyderized" means?

[HowieE]

Originally Posted by SteveH

OK, care to be more informative and tell me what "Hyderized" means?

Some things are best left untold. The trip is worth much more if if you discover some things for yourself

[pmclemore]

We took that route from Watson Lake in '06; the few unpaved spots were being actively worked on - I think the whole road is paved now.

The Cassiar is a wonderful route. There are services available - fuel, that is, but not much else. So be sure your equipment is top notch and ready to go.

Since we were southbound, the villages of Stewart and Hyder were reached at the end of our trip, and were another highlight. We camped at Camp Runamok in Hyder, Kinaskin Lake (where a neighbor took me trout fishing (and catching)) and at Boya Lake, which is just south of Watson Lake. We had our kayaks with us and had a wonderful time. Wish we could go again.

Pat

[SteveH]

Pat,

Thanks for the information. That's pretty much what I was looking for, but about the gravel areas....how bad were they?

We took the Alaska Hwy this last summer, and there were some gravel areas, but not as much as the book says are on the Cassiar, and they weren't too bad. Just wondering how the gravel areas compare to the Alaska Hwy.

[vinstream]

I have done it before too. To me it all about what time of the year you are going. I find that late fall is by far the best time, the road is in it best shape and the wild life is uncountable. Early spring is also a good time the dust is at the min. I would not worry about pulling your Airstream! Would advise rock guardes and mud flaps on both the front and rear wheels...

have fun and great exploring!

[Gene]

We drove the Cassiar in 2002. No trailer then. It's a wonderful alternative to the Alaska Hwy. Check with the BC highway dept.—they will know what's paved. Get the Milepost and their info. is pretty up to date. It was well graded and maybe 20% or more paved in 2002, but I've read elsewhere it is all paved or mostly paved now.

Much less traffic and you can take the side road to get Hyderized. Also in Stewart is the toaster museum.

Gene

[jfowler218]

We drove the Cassair 2004 then again this past spring. The improvement since 2004 is remarkable. Not much gravel and smooth all of the way. You will love it. Recommended speed is 45mph for safety and seeing scenery.