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Arctic Circle?

D

DurocShark

Lifer
A bunch of us VW geeks are planning a trip for summer solstice 07 to the arctic circle. Thinking about making it all the way to the arctic ocean if possible.

Anybody done this and have more info than I'm finding via google?
 
I've done it in Norway ... and been pretty close in Canada, but didn't quite make it. Should be a beautiful trip though.
 
Yep, via the haul road from Fairbanks up to Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay. Except you can't actually get to the artic ocean, as any access is controlled by the oil companies. They do run a bus tour up to the ocean, but the schedule didn't work out for us.

I did it in a rental car - definitely a violation of the rental agreement! Was a POS Ford Festiva. Make sure you have a very reliable vehicle, spare tires, tools, extra gas, etc. Towing was about $5/mile both ways from Fairbanks when I did it in 98. It's about 450 miles one way IIRC, all on a wide gravel road you share with lots of tractor trailors. The gravel ranges from pea size to softball size, so you have to be alert - cost me one tire. Also a broken windshield. We came across one guy that fell asleep at the wheel or lost control on the loose gravel (never did get a straight answer) and rolled a brand new tacoma into a water filled ditch with his buddy asleep in the back (had a topper over it). They were banged up but seemed ok - dropped em off at one of the pumping stations. And if you drive a diesel be careful of the pumps in Cold Foot - they aren't well labeled. I tried to put a diesel nozzle into the festiva, and another guy pumped gas into a new diesel dodge ram - and paid a very hefty repair bill to the shop there. One of the attendents said something to the effect that "alot of people seem to have trouble with that." I think it was a scam personally.

But it was a very cool trip. Lots of wildlife - caribou, musk ox, bear, moose. Follows the Alaska pipeline much of the way.
 
Yes I have and yes you can... But it is the WORST road ever. I drove it up to Coldfoot about 14-15 years ago. The troopers pretty much leave it unpatrolled so the truckers are running as fast as they can. If you see one behind you GET OFF THE ROAD. It's a dirt highway and those trucks throw up fist sized rocks. And they don't slow down for anybody.

If one of your cars breaks down, don't leave it or you can kiss it goodbye. Within 24 hours it will be stripped to the bone. A friend of mine used to work just outside of Coldfoot. He has all kinds of stories about cars that broke down and were skeletanized overnight. When I drove up there there were all kinds of cars and trucks on the side of the road that had obviously been stripped.

To be honest... it's a much better road in the winter. All the holes get filled in with snow and the loose rocks are all frozen down tight. Of course it's dark then...

I would just tell you to be prepared for anything. There are lots of fun things to do and see in Alaska. I wouldn't put the Haul Road on that list.

As far as info goes, this should get you going... You might also want to Google "Dalton Highway". You'll find tons of info there.

Edit: I live in Alaska
 
Thanks Armitage.

There will be quite a few of us, with lots of spare parts and lots of skill between us, so we should be fine breakdown wise. Even bringing a complete spare engine. 😉

We have heard about the rocks and such. Fun. lol!

We're thinking Inuvik since Deadhorse doesn't allow you to cross the oilfields. Bleh.
 
Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy
Yes I have and yes you can... But it is the WORST road ever. I drove it up to Coldfoot about 14-15 years ago. The troopers pretty much leave it unpatrolled so the truckers are running as fast as they can. If you see one behind you GET OFF THE ROAD. It's a dirt highway and those trucks throw up fist sized rocks. And they don't slow down for anybody.

If one of your cars breaks down, don't leave it or you can kiss it goodbye. Within 24 hours it will be stripped to the bone. A friend of mine used to work just outside of Coldfoot. He has all kinds of stories about cars that broke down and were skeletanized overnight. When I drove up there there were all kinds of cars and trucks on the side of the road that had obviously been stripped.

To be honest... it's a much better road in the winter. All the holes get filled in with snow and the loose rocks are all frozen down tight. Of course it's dark then...

I would just tell you to be prepared for anything. There are lots of fun things to do and see in Alaska. I wouldn't put the Haul Road on that list.

As far as info goes, this should get you going... You might also want to Google "Dalton Highway". You'll find tons of info there.
Click to expand...

I didn't see any stripped or abandoned cars there in 98. In fact I believe there was a sign indicating that if you abandoned your car (because towing charges could exceed the value of the vehicle!) they would track you down via the VIN and you'd pay a hefty fine + the towing charges.
 
Things might have changed since I went... but after that I'll never hit that road again. There isn't much north of Fairbanks worth driving to.
 
Another bit - just outside of deadhorse we caught up to and passed a pair of Model T's. We talked to them a bit at a resteraunt later. They had driven from the Mexican border IIRC. So your VW's, having at least 20 years worth of technology over those guys, should have no problem 😉
 
I've hit that road three times, and that was enough for me. each time, something really bad would happen (stolen items, car accident, etc.). I kept trying to give it a second chance, but I think that road has it in for me. good luck on your trip!
 
I've done it twice. I didn't have any problems either time. Its a surreal experience. There isn't a lot out there but a lot of countryside.

One thing I might suggest to make sure you have cash versus your credit/debit card. If you get waylaid and need something, its a lot easier using green.

Fairbanks has most anything you need, I dont know about specialized VW parts, but its a good sized town and you can get what you need, after that though.......................

Lots of history up there, take your time and cameras. In the summer, remember it will be like daylight until 2 am, then a slight dusky period, then daylight again at 3:30 or so. Bring lots of good mosquito repellant as well. The higher the Deet content, the better.

Enjoy your trip. It will be one you remember.
 
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