Anchorage to Juneau Road Trip Guide

Now that you are exiting Canada and nearing the States again, you’ll come across an iconic working railroad and a landmark in Skagway, AK. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad has a lot of history and serves as an important connection between Canada and the US. However, the region is also breathtakingly scenic.

The railroad was built in 1898 and is considered an engineering marvel considering its challenging geographical and weather conditions. Today, this railroad offers stunning and mind-blowing panoramic views of the great Alaskan wilderness including snow-capped mountains, gorges, tunnels, waterfalls, and trestles.

In only 20 miles, you’ll be able to elevate 3,000 feet high. As you are enjoying the great view outside, the historic commentary along the trail will remind you of its difficult inception. The coaches carry a vintage theme and make you feel all comfy as you whiz past White Pass Summit, Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch.

Miles Canyon Basalt is one of the most theatrical natural features in Whitehorse. Miles Canyon’s beauty is magnified by the fact that the Yukon River has made its way through the canyon, via a flow of basaltic lava.

This site is even more ironic because the last thing Yukon is known for is its heat. This basaltic lava flowed and spread over a pre-glacial landscape nine million years ago, just a few kilometers from (now) downtown Whitehorse.

From atop the canyon, you can see a beautiful ribbon of the fast-flowing Yukon river, zigzagging through cliffs that have resisted erosion even after millions of years. If you are fortunate, you can end up here during the summer months and get to attend Created.

Created is an event organized near the suspension bridge where a handful of artists spend the weekend here and create music and art that is inspired by their surroundings.

Just 42 miles from Anchorage, Palmer serves as your gateway to the Mat-Su Valley. The Palmer Museum captures Alaska's agricultural heritage inside a historic log cabin, with rotating exhibits from local artists. Don't miss the flower garden out back—perfect for that first-day-of-adventure photo. The museum's café serves locally roasted coffee to fuel your journey. Palmer is Alaska's farming heart, and you might catch the Alaska State Fairgrounds if visiting late August through early September.

Make Palmer your first overnight stop at Willow Creek Campground, offering riverside sites with mountain views about 90 minutes north of Anchorage.

Dog sledding is a major sport in Yukon and if you are a dog lover, then you can choose these backwoods dog sledding adventures in Ibex Valley; one of the most beautiful places in the world.

There are several rooms and cabins here for an overnight stay. You can also choose to stay in your RV to spend the night. Either way, we would highly suggest staying in this off-the-grid location at night to witness one of the most beautiful sights in the world – the Northern Lights.

One of the reasons why this remote adventure is so popular amongst the road trippers is because it offers an almost magical experience with cute husky dogs, the aurora, snow-covered mountain tops, pink fireweed, home-cooked meals, and the midnight sun. You can even go canoeing in the summers or be mesmerized by golden forests in the months of fall.

This small community at the junction of the Glenn Highway and Richardson Highway offers your last major services before Tok. Fill up on fuel, stock the RV pantry, and grab a hot meal at the local café. The Copper River Valley Visitor Center provides current road conditions and wildlife viewing tips. If you have time, detour south 35 miles to Squirrel Creek State Recreation Site for peaceful camping beside the Tonsina River.

Kluane Museum of History, in Burwash Landing, is a popular museum admired for its wildlife exhibits. The museum also showcases various displays on the history and culture of the Southern Tutchone people.

Do not let the exterior of the museum fool you into thinking that it’s a regular one. The museum holds quite a remarkable collection of extremely realistic wildlife diorama of more than 70 animals, birds and native fish of Yukon, including a massive stuffed moose.

The history of the indigenous tribe is equally fascinating and extremely eye-opening with the displays of artifacts, clothing, and tools used by the Southern Tutchone tribe. The museum also has a video theatre that plays northern-themed shows.

The museum delves into the history of plant species that are native to Kluane National Park and Reserve. At the end of your enlightening visit, make sure to head to the gift shop that features the artwork of local Yukon artists.

Tok sits at the crossroads of the Alaska Highway and Glenn Highway, making it a natural overnight stop 327 miles from Anchorage. This tiny town (population 1,200) punches above its weight with full RV services, restaurants, and the massive Mainstreet Visitors Center. Dog mushing demonstrations happen regularly in summer—don't miss experiencing Alaska's official sport. The nearby Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge shelters over 180 bird species and offers exceptional wildlife photography opportunities.

Camp at Tok River State Recreation Site with 27 RV-friendly sites along the river, or try Moon Lake State Recreation Site 15 miles northwest for sandy beaches and float plane watching.

Say farewell to Anchorage by paying homage to the culture and heritage of Alaska at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The center imparts the knowledge of Alaska’s 11 major cultures. People from all over the USA can experience these cultures via the dances, stories, languages, art, culture, and exhibitions that are presented here with perfect accuracy.

Alaska Native Heritage Center is unlike your regular museum. In addition to all the visual representation, you can actively participate in the learning experience by interacting with the experts and asking questions.

You’ll find yourself in awe of the life and culture that is so different from ours, as you expand your knowledge about the contemporary ways of the indigenous Alaskans. Learning about different cultures will open your mind to new possibilities and teach respect and acceptance of other ways of life. If you have young ones with you, this can be quite a learning experience for them.

At Haines Junction (156 miles from the Alaska border), you'll choose your ferry terminal. The Haines Highway leads back into Alaska through Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, where 3,000-4,000 eagles gather each fall. The route delivers stunning mountain and river views. Alternatively, the Klondike Highway to Skagway follows gold rush history through spectacular coastal mountains. Both routes are equally scenic—your choice depends on ferry schedules and whether you want to explore Skagway's historic downtown.

This charming fishing village at the road's end offers the final taste of authentic Alaska before your ferry departure. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve draws photographers year-round, though fall provides the most dramatic congregations. Downtown Haines features local art galleries, fresh seafood restaurants, and the Sheldon Museum documenting Tlingit culture and pioneer history. The ferry terminal sits about 5 miles from town—arrive 2 hours before departure for vehicle loading.

For your pre-ferry overnight, note that Haines RV rentals are also available if you're considering a one-way rental and returning via air.

The Ferry Experience to Juneau

The 4-6 hour Alaska Marine Highway crossing transforms transportation into a destination. From the heated observation deck or outdoor solarium, scan for humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and porpoises. Bald eagles perch on passing shorelines, and the forested islands of the Inside Passage create an ever-changing panorama. The ferry's cafeteria serves hot meals and snacks. Some travelers bring small tents to set up on the upper deck for overnight crossings—it's allowed and provides a unique camping experience. Your RV remains on the vehicle deck throughout the journey, inaccessible until docking in Juneau.

Alaska's capital welcomes you with a blend of government hub efficiency and wilderness adventure gateway. Though isolated by mountains and sea, Juneau packs serious attractions into its compact downtown. The Alaska State Museum chronicles indigenous cultures and gold rush history, while the Mount Roberts Tramway whisks visitors 1,800 feet up for panoramic views. But the real star is Mendenhall Glacier—just 13 miles from downtown, this massive river of ice calves icebergs into its namesake lake. Hiking trails range from easy lakeside strolls to challenging climbs for closer glacier views.

Camp at Mendenhall Campground right on the lake with glacier views, or stay at Auk Village Campground just 1.5 miles from the ferry terminal—perfect for early departures if you're catching a return ferry. For full hookups and amenities, Glacier Nalu Campground Resort offers 50+ sites with WiFi and mountain views.