I’ve been in the state of Alaska for seven weeks and I can see why people move here for the summer. The weather has been stellar, the bugs aren’t as bad as everyone makes them out to be, and there is endless opportunity for adventure. Thus far, I’ve done everything from surfing the bore tide to rock climbing to trail running to mountaineering to waterfall hikes and so dang much more. The list of activities just seems endless and it is always growing as I explore new corners. Road tripping around Alaska has been incredible, the biodiversity and ecosystems are diverse, and everything is just bigger! So, what has seven weeks in Alaska looked like? Check it out below:

how to drive to Alaska — A roadside view while driving to Stewart, British Columbia on our Father-Son drive to Alaska. Photo by Dalton Johnson

It’s a Father-Son Road Trip

To get here, my Dad graciously joined the adventurous road trip north from California. Together, we did our best to go on adventures along the way, to break up the driving. Also, I needed to continue my training for Mount Denali. During our drive, we hiked, dipped in rivers, checked out glacier, and gawked at wildlife. Our schedule was tight, so we didn’t get to do all that much, but the time together is what counts.

Where are good places to stop for adventures on a California to Alaska Road Trip?

Figuring out where to stop on a road can be overwhelming, especially if the trip is long. Maybe you could guess, but a road trip from California to Anchorage, Alaska, is a long drive, roughly 3,000 miles. So, where are some good places to stop between Lake Tahoe and Anchorage?

Hike and drive around Crater Lake National Park in Oregon
Hike and drive around Mount Rainier National Park near Seattle, Washington
Sightsee Bear Glacier in Stewart, British Columbia
Hike the backside of the Chief in Squamish, British Columbia
Dip in roadside lakes in the Yukon Province of Canada, the water is SUPER clean!
Check out some frozen lakes if you are making the drive in spring, or fall
Visit the Kenai Peninsula for hiking, sightseeing, and so much more!
Surf the bore tide on the Turnagain Arm, just outside of Anchorage, AK
Trail Run… everywhere (make sure to bring Bear Spray)

Where are good places to sleep while road tripping from California to Alaska?

Night 1: Portland, Oregon
Night 2: Seattle, Washington
Night 3: Seattle, Washington
Night 4: Squamish, British Columbia
Night 5: Prince George, British Columbia
Night 6: Stewart, British Columbia
Night 7: Whitehorse, Yukon
Night 8: Tok, Alaska
Night 9: Anchorage, Alaska
Night 10: Seward, Alaska

how to drive to Alaska from California — While driving to Alaska from California, make sure to stop along the way and go on hikes! This was one of the many ways my Dad and I had a successful road trip to Alaska. Photo by Dalton Johnson

7 Tips for a Successful Father-Son Road Trip

Embarking on a father-son road trip is a fantastic way to bond, create lasting memories, and strengthen your relationship. It's an adventure filled with excitement and opportunities for growth. To make the most of this journey, consider these seven tips that will help ensure a successful and memorable road trip with your son.

1) Challenge Yourselves Daily:

Road trips are the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zones and try new things. Whether it's tackling a challenging hiking trail, attempting a daring water sport, or exploring an unfamiliar city, doing something out of the ordinary together can create shared experiences that strengthen your connection.

2) Reflect on Past Memories:

Take time during the trip to reminisce about your favorite memories together. Sharing stories from the past can be a heartwarming way to connect with your son and remind him of your special bond. Reflecting on these moments can bring you closer and make the road trip even more meaningful.

3) Explore Each Other's Interests:

Show genuine interest in your son's hobbies and aspirations. Ask him about his current interests and what he envisions for his future. Being curious about his passions and goals will not only help you understand him better but also show your support for his dreams.

4) Yoga with the Mosquitoes (Half Kidding!):

Road trips often mean spending time outdoors, and sometimes, that includes encounters with pesky mosquitoes. While it might not be yoga, consider turning these moments into opportunities for laughter and bonding. Sharing a funny mosquito-avoidance dance can create a unique memory.

5) Document the Journey with Photos:

Capture the beauty and essence of your road trip by taking lots of photos. Whether it's the stunning landscapes, quirky roadside attractions, or candid shots of each other, these photos will become cherished mementos of your adventure. Plus, it's a fun way to relive the trip when you're back home.

6) Embrace the Power of Silence:

Road trips often involve long stretches of driving where conversation naturally ebbs and flows. Embrace these moments of silence and use them as an opportunity to reflect, relax, and simply enjoy each other's presence. It's during these quiet times that profound conversations may arise.

7) Listen to Podcasts and Discuss Them:

Make your road trip educational and engaging by listening to podcasts together. Choose a variety of topics that interest both of you, from history and science to pop culture and personal development. Afterward, have discussions about the podcasts, sharing your thoughts and insights. It's a great way to stimulate conversation and exchange ideas.

A father-son road trip can be an incredible bonding experience that strengthens your relationship and creates lasting memories. By challenging yourselves, cherishing past memories, showing curiosity about each other's interests, and embracing the moments of silence, you'll build a deeper connection with your son. And don't forget to document your journey with photos and engage in thought-provoking discussions through podcasts. Enjoy the adventure together and cherish the time spent on the open road.

Goodbye Dad, Hello Mount Denali

Saying goodbye to my Dad, I had about 24 hours alone to repack all of my stuff, grab some much needed battery backup systems, and get ready to attempt climbing Denali. The turnaround was quick, but fun. Picking Bill Bradley, a climbing teammate, up, we started to grab our food and double check our gear needs before heading to Talkeetna to catch our air taxi to climb Mount Denali.

Now, I am working on a in-depth write up about attempting to climb Mount Denali, so I will hold off on the details here. Stay tuned!

A view of Mount Forker from basecamp of Mount Denali. Photo by Dalton Johnson

Mount Denali Depression and Kristin Arrives

Sadly, we did not reach the summit of Mount Denali for safety reasons. At a certain point, I was okay with it, but still disappointed. In the back of my mind, climbing the seven summits has always been there. It seems like a cool experience to have, especially if doing it is “work”. As I spent a few days alone, I wandered around, a bit aimlessly. I had to prepare and catch up on the month of editing, marketing, and emails that I had not been able to attend while on Mount Denali.

During my week alone, I took the time for myself and stayed under the radar in terms of socializing. I stuck to myself, journaling, and hiking. I needed to clear my head and process the blurred line between work and life. For the last three years, the line has been very blurry. If you go back five years, the line didn’t exist. Now, however, I do have a line that is often washed away in the sand (let me know if there are to many analogies floating around here). So, I did what I know best, put your head down and get some work done.

This time, the work was internal.

Journaling Prompts I’ve found helpful:

If you could do anything and not fail, what would it be?
What are you doing in your daily life that is causing resistance?
When do you find your mood to change? Can you draw a link between the last five mood changes?
What work truly needs to get done and what is vanity work? Make a list of each, if you are doing vanity work, figure out a way to stop yourself.

A week alone goes by fast… like really fast! Before I knew it, I was scrambling at the grocery store to pick Kristin up in a timely manner! It also didn’t help that her plane was about 30 minutes early.