CASSIAR ADVENTURE
The Cassiar Highway is a stretch of road that links Alaska with the rest of the world. Hailed as the “rider’s way from Alaska”, the uninterrupted wilderness with breathtaking views will play on your senses. We have sketched an adventurous ride on both dirt and paved surfaces from Anchorage, Alaska to Portland, Oregon. Along the way, you will visit historic Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, dip a toe into the USA at Hyder, Alaska, and explore the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, before eventually landing in Portland, Oregon.
From the largest National Park on the continent, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, to crossing the mouth of the mighty Columbia River at Astoria, Oregon, this ride encompasses all the most scenic morsels of road possible between Alaska and the Lower 48. We even added a free day in Stewart, British Colombia, where you will have a day to explore Hyder, Alaska.
ROAD CONDITIONS:
Paved and dirt surfaces. Average mileage will be 275 miles a day, ranging from 180 to 390 miles in a day.
CASSIAR ADVENTURE
Starting Price: $6,150
Total Miles: 3,307
Difficulty: Is this tour right for me?
Contact us with any questions
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THE ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival in Anchorage, Alaska
Please arrive before 4 PM this day. A hotel shuttle bus will take you from the airport to the hotel. Stop by our shop in Anchorage, if possible, to handle a bit of paperwork and give your chosen motorcycle a look-over. Orientation this evening and welcome dinner. Stay in Anchorage.
Day 2 - Anchorage Tok 320miles/514km
Ride one of the top ten scenic byways on the continent, the Glenn Highway, to Glennallen, Alaska. Continue on the the "Tok Cutoff" past epic Wrangell-St. Elias National Park to Tok, the crossroads of Alaska. Stay in Tok.
Day 3 - Tok to Dawson City 185miles/297km
Start up the part paved/part dirt Taylor Highway. Stop off in downtown Chicken, Alaska, and take in the sights. Continue to the Canadian border and pick up the Top of the World Highway. Cross the Yukon River by ferry and enter historic Dawson City. Stay in Dawson City, Yukon Territory.
Day 4 - Dawson City to Whitehorse 320miles/514km
Enjoy huge expanses of uninterrupted wilderness. Enjoy lakes, mountains, forests, rivers, and open spaces as you make your way to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.
Day 5 - Whitehorse to Dease Lake 385miles/619km
More of the awe of open country, pure wilderness. Start your day on the Alaska Highway and turn down the beautiful Cassiar Highway. Stay in Dease Lake, British Columbia.
Day 6 - Dease Lake to Stewart 246miles/395km
Ride the Cassiar south until you take a right-hand detour at Meziadin towards Hyder, Alaska. Cross the border from Canada back into Alaska. Stay in Stewart.
Day 7 - Stewart Free Day, up to 100miles/260km
Cross into Hyder, Alaska today and watch bears feeding on salmon and experience a town lost in time. Stay in Stewart.
Day 8 - Stewart to Smithers 205miles/329km
Roll back out onto the Cassiar, and head south until its end. Finish the day riding along the Skeena River on the Yellowhead Highway to Smithers, British Columbia. Stay in Smithers.
Day 9 - Smithers to Quesnel 300miles/482km
Ride up the scenic Skeena River on the Yellowhead Highway, enjoying open wilderness throughout the day. Stay near Quesnel, British Columbia.
Day 10 Quesnel to Clinton 175miles/281km
From Quesnel, head south on the Cariboo Highway. Find yourself riding down a corridor of mountains, forests and wild streams and rivers as you head to Clinton, BC. Stay in Clinton, BC
Day 11 - Clinton to White Rock 220miles/354km
Ride through world-class ski resort areas like Whistler on your push to the ocean once again. Cross through bustling Vancouver and end your day right at the border with the USA at White Rock, British Columbia. Stay in White Rock.
Day 12 - White Rock to Quinault 270miles/434km
Cross into the USA and head towards Anacortes, Washington and down Whidbey Island. Take a ferry from Coupeville to Port Townsend and down through the Olympic Peninsula to Quinault, Washington. Stay in Quinault.
Day 13 - Quinault to Portland 225miles/362km
Ride from the heart of the Olympic Peninsula to the mouth of the Columbia River. Cross over the Astoria-Megler Bridge from Point Ellice into Astoria, Oregon, and down some choice back roads to Portland. Farewell Dinner in Portland this evening. Stay in Portland.
Day 14 - Departure Day
Fly Home or keep the dream alive. The next motorcycle adventure vacation awaits.
THE GEAR TO BRING
MotoQuest guides wear KLIM helmets, jackets, pants and gloves, and we outfit our motorcycles with luggage and accessories from Revzilla. You can view and download our complete MotoQuest packing list here.
Included with the tour:
Hotel Accommodations
Premiere Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Professional MotoQuest Guide(s)
Support Vehicle
Support Vehicle Driver
Staff Trained in First Aid with Satellite Phone
MotoQuest Swag Bag
Photos Taken on the Trip
Automatic Enrollment in Global Rescue
Not Included:
Airfare
Meals on the Road
Gas
Alcohol
Alternative Tours
Travel Insurance
Gratuities
National Park Entrance Fees
MotoQuest Staff on Tour:
Landmarks And Attractions
Wrangell - St. Elias National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a vast and majestic national park located in the state of Alaska, United States. Covering an area of over 13 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the United States. It is a land of towering mountains, massive glaciers, and pristine wilderness. The park is named after the Wrangell and St. Elias mountain ranges, which dominate the landscape with their rugged peaks and icy summits. Within the park, you will find a diverse range of ecosystems, from lush forests to alpine tundra. It is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and Dall sheep. The park also boasts an impressive collection of glaciers, including the Malaspina Glacier, one of the largest piedmont glaciers in the world. For outdoor enthusiasts, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park offers endless opportunities for adventure. Hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering are popular activities, allowing visitors to explore the park's vast wilderness and witness its breathtaking landscapes up close. The park also offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, providing a truly immersive experience in nature. It's worth noting that Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a remote and rugged destination, and proper preparation is essential for a safe and enjoyable visit. The park has limited visitor services, so it's important to come well-equipped and knowledgeable about outdoor safety.
Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
Whitehorse is a charming and vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Yukon's breathtaking wilderness. Whitehorse gets its name from the historic rapids on the nearby Yukon River, which were said to resemble the manes of charging white horses. The city is known for its stunning natural surroundings, with mountains, forests, and pristine lakes that offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. One of the notable attractions in Whitehorse is the Miles Canyon, a picturesque gorge carved by the Yukon River. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that offer stunning views of the canyon and the suspension bridge that spans across it. The nearby Fish ladder is also a popular spot to observe salmon swimming upstream during the spawning season. For those interested in history and culture, Whitehorse offers several museums and heritage sites. The MacBride Museum showcases the history and heritage of the Yukon, while the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre provides insights into the region's unique Ice Age history and the ancient animals that once roamed the area. Whitehorse is also known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene. The city hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including the Yukon International Storytelling Festival and the Adäka Cultural Festival, which celebrate the rich Indigenous heritage of the region. In the winter months, Whitehorse becomes a winter wonderland, with opportunities for activities such as dog sledding, ice fishing, and even viewing the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature, Whitehorse offers a little something for everyone.
Hyder, Alaska
Hyder is a small town located in the southeastern corner of Alaska, near the border with British Columbia, Canada. Hyder is known for its picturesque location and its close proximity to the stunning natural beauty of the area. It is often referred to as the "Friendliest Ghost Town in Alaska" due to its small population and laid-back atmosphere. One of the notable attractions in Hyder is the Salmon Glacier, a magnificent glacier that can be accessed by a scenic drive. The glacier offers breathtaking views and is a popular spot for photography and outdoor enthusiasts. Hyder is also known for its wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors may have the chance to spot bears, eagles, and other wildlife in the surrounding wilderness. The nearby Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site is a popular spot to witness bears feasting on salmon during the spawning season. Despite its small size, Hyder has a few amenities for visitors, including a few restaurants, accommodations, and a visitor center where you can gather information about the area and its attractions. It's important to note that Hyder is a remote community with limited services, so it's advisable to come prepared with supplies and be aware of the rugged conditions of the area.
Cassiar Highway
The Cassiar Highway, also known as Highway 37, is a remote and less-traveled highway that stretches through the stunning wilderness of northern British Columbia. This highway offers travelers a chance to immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the region. The Cassiar Highway winds its way through vast forests, rugged mountains, and pristine lakes, providing breathtaking views at every turn. The highway is known for its tranquility and solitude, as it sees less traffic compared to other major highways in the area. This makes it a perfect choice for those seeking a quieter and more intimate road trip experience. Along the Cassiar Highway, you'll have the opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of bears, moose, caribou, and a variety of bird species. It truly is a nature lover's paradise! While the Cassiar Highway offers stunning scenery, it's important to note that services and amenities along the route are limited. It's advisable to plan ahead and ensure you have enough fuel, food, and supplies for your journey. The highway connects with other major routes, such as the Alaska Highway and the Stewart-Cassiar Highway, providing opportunities for further exploration and adventure.
Olympic Peninsula
The Olympic Peninsula is a large peninsula located in the western part of Washington state, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north. This magnificent region is known for its diverse and breathtaking landscapes. From rugged coastlines and pristine beaches to lush rainforests and towering mountains, the Olympic Peninsula offers a little something for everyone. One of the notable attractions on the Olympic Peninsula is Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is home to stunning old-growth forests, glacier-capped mountains, and picturesque lakes. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, go camping, or simply immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. The coastline of the Olympic Peninsula is equally captivating. The wild and rugged beaches, such as Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach, offer dramatic seascapes, tide pools, and the chance to spot marine life like seals and sea otters. Another highlight of the Olympic Peninsula is the Hoh Rainforest, one of the few temperate rainforests in the United States. Walking through the moss-draped trees and listening to the gentle sounds of nature is a truly magical experience. The Olympic Peninsula is also rich in Native American history and culture. The Makah Museum in Neah Bay showcases the heritage of the Makah Tribe, while the Quinault Indian Nation offers opportunities to learn about their traditions and customs. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, scenic drives, or a peaceful retreat in nature, the Olympic Peninsula is sure to captivate your heart and soul.