Flat bed rail to Alaska

[Myelfself]

I was talking to my in-laws last night, discussing a possible future trip to Alaska, and they mentioned having a friend who loaded his camper onto a flatbed railcar in Seattle or possibly Vancover and stayed in the camper while the train took them all the way to Alaska. Has anybody heard of this? I just did a quick Google search and didn't see anything but I'm going to look into it more.

[OTRA15]

You might want to ask them for details. As far as I know, there is no rail service from Seattle/Vancouver north to Alaska. Similar to the road system in Canada, you have to go way inland to get to Alaska.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_Highway

Perhaps they were thinking of Mexico, where apparently RV's on rail cars has happened on occasion.

Good luck,

Peter

[InterBlog]

Intriguing possibility, but I can't imagine how the rail operator dealt with the potential liability. Open the Airstream door, step out, and plunge bodily into a gorge...

If this is true, I'd like to hear more details.

[A W Warn]

This answers that question>
https://www.anchorage.net/plan-your-...couver-alaska/

I've ridden on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Fairbanks, staying overnight at Denali. That is the best train ride I've ever been on, because of the wildlife and scenery along the way!

[InterBlog]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

This answers that question>
https://www.anchorage.net/plan-your-...couver-alaska/

I've ridden on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Fairbanks, staying overnight at Denali. That is the best train ride I've ever been on, because of the wildlife and scenery along the way!

That linked content discusses passenger trains. The OP was talking about loading a camper onto a train. Different idea.

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by InterBlog

That linked content discusses passenger trains. The OP was talking about loading a camper onto a train. Different idea.

There is no rail that connects the lower 48 states to the Alaska Railroad, except by barge.
Lower US and Canada are connected by rail to Prince Rupert in Canada. Barge from PR to Seward. Alaska Railroad goes from Seward to Fairbanks. So, I guess it is possible. Though, I'm pretty sure there is no rail route that connects through Yukon.

[Wayne&Sam]

I've done that within Alaska, not to Alaska. And it was 47 years ago.

[A W Warn]

Has anyone gone on the White Pass and Yukon Railroad? It goes from Skagway into the interior. I know there an intersection/rail crossing near MacRae, YT on the Alaska Highway.

[Shinkee]

http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/?utm...erryAlaska.com

You can take a ferry from Bellingham WAto Whittier AK

[HHPJ]

Mexico.... to Copper Canyon I believe.

[MorrieC]

Originally Posted by Myelfself

I was talking to my in-laws last night, discussing a possible future trip to Alaska, and they mentioned having a friend who loaded his camper onto a flatbed railcar in Seattle or possibly Vancover and stayed in the camper while the train took them all the way to Alaska. Has anybody heard of this? I just did a quick Google search and didn't see anything but I'm going to look into it more.

He might be thinking of the Alaska Ferry System. It is a ferry that leaves from Bellingham, WA and sails to Alaska. You can transport vehicles as well as stay on board. It might be worth checking out.

http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/schedules.shtml

[amaier7771]

You can take the Alaska Marine Highway. The ferrys/ships will take your tow Vehicle and Airstream just about any place along the Alaska Coast. For example, you can load in Bellingham Washington, and sail to Whittier, Alaska, about 5 days on the ferry. The cost for this about $6200 for a Chev 2500HD tow vehicle and a 25' Airstream and two adults. This includes a private berth. The vessels have food, and other amenities. (no you cannot ride in your RV, but you may have access to it in ports)

We did a month trip in Alaska, (not with our Airstream), and used the Alaska Marine Highway, and the Alaska Railroad Gold Star Service to Denali and down to Homer. They loaded every kind of RV, Semitruck, Cars and pickups on the Ferries we were on. The food was good for the short tips we made. I do not know if on the trip from Bellingham to Whittier, if you have opportunity to get off the ship while they are docked and loading/unloading.

Perhaps, you could break it into segments, unload and stay in an area for a while, then reload for the next segment.

You will need reservations well in advance.

We used a travel agent in Alaska who understood all the specifics of Ferry travel as well as Alaska Railroad Travel. So I recommend you contact an Alaska based travel agent(verify they handle ferry travel) and ask all the specific questions on a trip like this.

(Now that this subject came up, we are thinking about doing it ourselves!!! Full disclosure - We have not done this---- yet)

https://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs

[nwclassic]

We have... Skagway to White Pass by rail. Busses back to Skagway. Good excursion, with interpretive conversation provided both ways. Lunch provided at the Pass with time to walk the area, again with historical explanations. Imagining travel by foot (as you travel by rail, viewing the littered trail) adds astonishment realizing 'Gold Fever' would induce people to do this (and for most, either not make it, or not find gold).

[Wayne&Sam]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

Has anyone gone on the White Pass and Yukon Railroad? It goes from Skagway into the interior. I know there an intersection/rail crossing near MacRae, YT on the Alaska Highway.

Yup, in '71. They shut it down for several years, I believe, but it's back now.

Great trip.

[spaceship]

you cannot stay in your trailer while aboard the ferry

[MMCMRET]

Excellent responses on the ferry from WA to AK. That sounds like an adventure in itself.

[OTRA15]

Tons of earlier threads on taking a ferry to Alaska -- valuable info from many travelers who may not see this new thread FYI:

https://www.google.com/search?q=alas...=airforums.com

. . . and the Alaska Highway:

https://www.google.com/search?ei=vT_....0.rPTPsbOUUzY

Here are some recent threads on going to Alaska:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...-a-176367.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ay-174449.html
Cost -- a good read IMO: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ka-148809.html


Myelfself -- the new search function above with the blue border works great FYI. If you end up going to another thread, when you Quote someone there, you will likely get their attention if you want further details.

Have a great trip!

Peter

[Fly at Night]

Originally Posted by spaceship

you cannot stay in your trailer while aboard the ferry

B.C. Ferries also heads north, from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. You can then access Alaska via road (only to Hyder AK, but the road is a nightmare) or get onto the AK Marine Hwy. via the AK ferry from Rupert.

BTW, I agree with spaceship. Not only is it illegal to stay in an RV, but not a good idea, especially if the ferry sinks.

Racey (albeit unfortunate) story here...
http://nationalpost.com/entertainmen...aused-disaster

[Tsunami-v2]

Very costly to ferry tow vehicle and trailer from Seattle to Alaska.

[JCWDCW]

White Pass railroad is strictly a tourist railway. Narrow guage and other than
a few work cars they only have passenger day-trip accommodations
Great trip if you get there by cruise ship.
Book on land not on the boat to get the trip to Fraser BC and bus back down the other side of the river.
JCW