We plan to visit Alaska this summer and return via the Cassier. We want to visit Telegraph Creek. Can anyone give us some pointers. We know it is a rock road, isolated and has at least one steep grade. Also know we'll be taking the 4x4 toad. We had planned this as a long day trip.
What should we see? Is it reasonable to do Telegraph in one long day trip? Is there anything we need to watch out for?
Thanks for your input.
snail
DRIVE A 2001 NEWMAR DUTCH STAR WITH 330 HP CUMMINS AND TOW A RANGER 4X4. TRAVEL WITH SPOUSE AND PET TINKER BELL OUR CORGIE.
snail,
It sounds like you have done your homework. A sail's pace is the best way to describe driving the Telegraph Creek Highway. As I recall, it took three hours plus driving time, fifteen miles per hour in the single track portions. If you haven't already found it, Murray has some photos of the road on his site.
We went in 2006 and I loved it. Drive whatever speed you want to - the locals drive it at 50mph and don't mind passing you. It makes a great day trip. Look at pull-offs for jade on the ground. We found quite a bit at one stop. Our son paid attention at Jade City on the way down and could identify what was jade and what type it was.
The road is mostly a ride and look trip. I did not find much to do when we got to the end. Pull off often and enjoy!
8 kids (5 still traveling)
1 darling wife (won't leave home without her)
Ford E-350 SD V10 Van
Jayco Eagle TT
Hensley Arrow
I forgot to add, be sure to stop and see Eagle Rock. I almost missed it. It is on the left just as you go down the real steep grade (the one without guard rails just past the hairpin turn). It is a cliff where you can see what looks like an eagle with its wings spread. You can see it coming down the grade (have the wife look while you drive). You can also stop along the road when you get down.
I drove down into there a few years ago. I believe there are three steep spots coming out, two at 18% and one at 20% (Consult the Milepost). I have a photo of the 20% grade warning sign, but don't know how to post it here. Very scenic route!
My concern would be getting the rig turned around. Were it me, I'd park the big one, take the toad down and stop for tea at the bottom with no turning or parking problems (I didn't stop for tea as there was a private party in progress at the eatery, sadly for me).
The airport (a little gravel strip) makes a handy place to unhook the toad and go exploring beyond there, or even to overnight. My aunt owns the Glenora Guest Ranch just beyond the end of the road ( http://www.yukonalaska.com/glenora/ ), so I go in every now and then to visit (used to fly my Cessna in, now I drive).
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