Riding to the Last Frontier
Date: 2021
Duration: 21 Days
Distance: Nearly 9,000 Miles
States Completed: Alaska became my 49th and final drivable U.S. state.
Welcome to the Last Frontier
Every motorcyclist has that one ride that stands above all the others. For me, that ride was Alaska.
After years of riding across America, there was only one state left on my list—Alaska. It wasn’t simply another destination; it represented the completion of a lifelong goal: riding a motorcycle through all 49 drivable U.S. states.
In 2021, I packed the motorcycle, left North Carolina, and began a 21-day journey covering nearly 9,000 miles through the United States and Canada. The trip would take me across endless highways, through towering mountain ranges, alongside crystal-clear rivers, and onto the legendary Alaska Highway.
When I finally reached Alaska, I had accomplished something I had dreamed about for years.
This wasn’t just another motorcycle trip.
It was the ride that completed all 49 states.
Ride Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle | Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited |
| Starting Point | North Carolina |
| Destination | Alaska |
| Total Distance | Approximately 9,000 Miles |
| Total Days | 21 |
| Countries Visited | United States & Canada |
| Highlight | Completing all 49 drivable states by motorcycle |
Route Overview
This adventure included thousands of miles across North America while traveling through:
- North Carolina
- Midwest United States
- Canadian Prairies
- British Columbia
- Yukon Territory Alaska
- Return through Canada to the Lower 48
Mile 0 — Dawson Creek, British Columbia
Every rider dreams of reaching Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Standing beneath the famous sign, I knew the real adventure was about to begin.
Although I had already ridden thousands of miles from North Carolina to get there, this was where the legendary Alaska Highway officially started. From this point forward, every mile would take me deeper into some of the most remote and breathtaking wilderness in North America.
For riders heading to Alaska, a stop at the iconic sign is almost a rite of passage. It’s the perfect place for a photo, but it’s also a reminder that you’re about to experience one of the world’s greatest motorcycle roads.
Riding the Alaska Highway
The Alaska Highway is unlike any road I’ve ever ridden.
The Alaska Highway is unlike any road I’ve ever ridden.
Stretching more than 1,300 miles from Dawson Creek to Delta Junction, Alaska, the highway winds through northern British Columbia and the Yukon before crossing into Alaska.
Along the way you’ll experience:
- Endless mountain ranges
- Crystal-clear rivers and lakes
- Vast forests stretching to the horizon
- Historic lodges and small frontier towns
- Wildlife around nearly every bend
It isn’t just another highway—it becomes part of the adventure itself.
Road Conditions
One thing every rider should understand is that the Alaska Highway is always changing.
Expect:
- Road construction
- Gravel sections
- Frost heaves
- Long distances between fuel stops
- Rapid weather changes
- Rain—even during the summer
None of these should discourage you. They simply require slowing down, staying alert, and enjoying the ride.
🏨 Where I Stayed Along the Alaska Highway
One of the questions I get asked most is, “Where did you stay while riding the Alaska Highway?”
The accommodations along the Alcan range from campgrounds and rustic cabins to full-service motels. These are two places that stood out during my trip and that I would recommend to other riders.
🏕️ Triple G Hideaway RV Park
3.8•RV park•OpenWebsite
•Directions
•(250) 774-2340
Fort Nelson, British Columbia
My first stop along the Alaska Highway was the Triple G Hideaway RV Park.
The campground was clean, quiet, and motorcycle-friendly, making it a great place to relax after a long day in the saddle. One of the highlights was the on-site Triple G Hideaway Restaurant, where I enjoyed a good meal without having to ride back into town. After spending the entire day on the road, having quality food just a short walk from my campsite was a welcome convenience. Travelers also praise the campground’s friendly staff, spacious sites, and restaurant.
Cutman’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Why I Recommend It
- Motorcycle-friendly campground
- Good restaurant on-site
- Peaceful setting
- Excellent overnight stop before continuing north
🏨 Talbot Arm Motel
4.9Website
•Directions
•(867) 841-4461
Destruction Bay, Yukon
One of my favorite lodging stops was the Talbot Arm Motel in Destruction Bay.
After several long days on the Alaska Highway, it was exactly what I needed. The rooms were comfortable, and having access to washers and dryers was a huge benefit for a long-distance motorcycle trip. The on-site restaurant made it easy to enjoy a hot meal without having to search for food after checking in.
Located along beautiful Kluane Lake, the motel is a popular stop for travelers heading to or from Alaska and offers lodging, dining, fuel, and other traveler services in one location.
Cutman’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why I Recommend It
- Comfortable rooms
- On-site restaurant
- Laundry facilities
- Fuel available nearby
- Excellent stop before crossing into or returning from Alaska
🏍️ Cutman’s Tip
One thing I learned on this ride is that the best places to stay aren’t always the biggest hotels. Some of my favorite memories came from small, locally owned campgrounds and motels where I could relax, enjoy a good meal, do a load of laundry, and visit with other travelers who were chasing the same dream of riding the Alaska Highway.
As I continue building this Alaska guide, I’ll add more of the places I stayed along the route, along with my personal ratings, photos, and tips to help fellow riders plan their own adventure.
Crossing the Alcan Border into Alaska
There are moments on a motorcycle trip that you’ll never forget, and crossing the Alcan Border into Alaska was one of those moments for me.
After thousands of miles on the road, countless fuel stops, changing weather, and days spent riding through British Columbia and the Yukon, I finally reached the Alcan–Beaver Creek Border Crossing—the main year-round highway crossing into Alaska. This is the gateway where riders traveling the Alaska Highway officially enter the Last Frontier.
Seeing the “Welcome to Alaska” sign was far more than a photo opportunity.
It marked the completion of a lifelong goal.
Alaska was the 49th and final drivable U.S. state that I needed to ride to by motorcycle. Standing there, I reflected on every mile that had brought me to that moment. The long days in the saddle, the friendships made along the way, the incredible scenery, and the challenges of the journey all came together at that border crossing.
It wasn’t about checking another state off a map.
It was about proving to myself that with determination, preparation, and a passion for adventure, even the biggest dreams can become reality.
🏍️ Cutman’s Tip
Don’t rush through the border crossing.
Take time to stop safely, grab a photo at the Welcome to Alaska sign, and enjoy the moment. You’ve just ridden one of the most legendary highways in the world, and crossing into Alaska is an achievement you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
After clearing U.S. Customs, continue toward Tok, the first major town on the Alaska Highway in Alaska and a popular stop for fuel, food, and lodging before continuing to Fairbanks, Anchorage, or beyond.
This section will pair perfectly with your own border-crossing photo and will be one of the emotional highlights of your Alaska adventure page.
