Alaska Sport Bike Roads

BC97 out of Dawson Creek, changes to YT1 in the Yukon, and is SR2 in Alaska

Mileage: Actual 1390 due to straightening of curves and some major realignment since original construction in 1942 Comments: First 300 or so miles are kind of blah, then it starts to get interesting. From Fort Nelson on, the road runs through more wilderness, and game animals on the road are commonplace. There are plenty of curves through this stretch, although the only tight twisties are along the shoreline of Muncho Lake, with a rock wall on the right side, northbound. Continues winding through northern Rockies - through Watson Lake (stop and view the famous Signpost Forest), Whitehorse, Haines Jct., then one of my favorite areas, the shoreline of Kluane Lake. This is sort of Willow Springs with a view (also trucks, RV's, gawking tourists, etc.). Across the border into the U.S. again, in Alaska, the highway goes up, down, and around almost into Tok before it straightens out for a long stretch. Then back into the foothills of the Alaska Range where it winds and turns before finally settling into a 30 mile straightaway coming in to Delta Jct.

Mileage: 118 miles--As with nearly all highways in Alaska, this one winds its way along rivers and through mountains. Starting next to the Copper River, it follows the valley for the first 25 miles or so, then leaves to climb over the coastal Chugach Range via Thompson Pass. The Pass is the best part of the ride, although it is all very scenic and attractive. The last 9 miles up to the top of the pass are lots of fun, with a steep ascent adding to the joy of the winding road. Makes you glad you're on a bike. Be sure to stop just over the top, park your bike, and walk out on the ridge overlooking the Lowe River valley down below. You can see the highway, way down there, and where the Lowe River turns into Keystone Canyon. A few miles on down, you're on the highway, and between the steep wall of Keystone Canyon, with it's many picturesque waterfalls. Once through the Canyon, it's only 11 miles into Valdez, "the Switzerland of Alaska".

Mileage: 151 miles--Sort of ho-hum for the first 13 miles, then once past the junction with the Tok Cut-off it gets better. The highway runs along the bluffs above the Gulkana River for quite a few miles before departing to let the river wander off to the west. Closer to the foothills of the Alaska Range, the highway begins to climb more noticeably, and gets curvier. Past Meiers Lake Roadhouse it starts getting interesting, and by the time Paxson Lake is in view, it's good to keep most of your attention on the road. After passing Paxson Lodge the highway quickly climbs the last few miles into Isabel Pass, and the highway clings to the edge of Summit Lake, with enough tight bends to keep it interesting. After Summit Lake, the road moves east a few miles and starts following streams that gradually turn into a river as they flow north toward the mighty Yukon. Through Isabel Pass it's a good idea to slow down, even stop, and look around often. This is some of the most awesome mountain and glacier scenery offered to the highway traveler anywhere in the Alaska Range. One of my favorite rides, rain or shine.