Hi, my wife and I are making plans to potentially move to Alaska. We would likely be near Anchorage. I really like the idea of moving to a free state instead of IL and we loved it when we visited.

My question is about wheeling spots. Where do you go up there? Are there dedicated private paid 'parks', federal or state land with trails, or you just wait for winter? My Jeep is built moderately for some fairly tough trails and mud.

Thanks for the info....

Matt

 

I can tell you I love life here in AK and the freedom involved. It's alomst like we are are own little nook in the world and I can't even tell you the last time I even watched the news. I live in Anchorage and if you're planning on moving in this area, I would also suggest maybe living out in the valley, i.e. Eagle River which is a little north or maybe even Palmer or Wasilla which is a little further but the cost of living is dan near cut in half. Depends what you do for a living and where you're working since the commute is the only bitch about working in Anchorage and living in the valley. Me and a couple of others can talk more about that if you're interested in that aspect.

As far as wheeling, hope you like mud couple of places nearby are Jim Creek and some old mine trails. Jim Creek is full of silt that'll destroy componants so I went there once. Buffalo Mine Trail wasn't too bad but short. There's no dedicated ORV parks, per say or none that I've heard of. The locals that have been here for a long time are more than happy to take newcomers out and show them the real trails but I've interacted with some of them and most of their rigs are trailer-queens and at the very least, not a DD. Winter's not too bad in this neck of the woods but there's more snowmachining than wheeling when the snow hits the ground. If that's your thing you'll be in heaven.

 

falconfixer - fantastic response! Thank you so much.

 

I am in the military, living in the UK right now just got orders to PCS to Elmendorf Airbase!!!!! I am So excited, it was my first choice on my "dream sheet"! I was also looking at housing in the Eagle River area! Hopefully the cost of living isent to high out there in AnchorTown! Anyway I should be there NLT the beginning of July the weather should be great for some Outdoor wheelin festivities! Hope to join a local club if I can! See you around!


Brandon
-2xcapeIN-

 

Good luck with your move to Anchorage. Housing is super expensive there, especially in Eagle River. You will pay out of your ass for something decent. And far as wheeling spots, good luck with that also. There are places to go, but you wheel encounter cement type mud that will stick to your jeep forever and likely destroy something under your hood. Ask falconfixer about that. Also good luck with joining a jeep club up there, as there are none. The only offroading clubs they have are for extremely modded blazers and broncos that have 50in Super Swampers. Most of the owners are pricks and will likely laugh at you if you show up to wheel with them. Alaska is a beautiful place but don't get your hopes up. Cheers.

 

I don't know how long you lived up here but it totally depends on where you go. I will admit tho that most times you will run into lots and lots of swamp. Still.....there are a few great places to wheel......you just have to find them.

Oh.....and btw.....Falconfixer loved AK so much that he moved....!!!......lol. I just thought of somethin......I forgot to ask if he took his old lady with him. For some reason, I don't think so....???

 

I was up there for 4 years. Lot of places to go, but your exactly right, lots of swamp. Better off owning a boat up there in my opinion.

 

I was only up there for a very short year. What I did see as far as wheelin' sucked compared to the lower 48....sorry its not Jeep country as the terrain requires Suburbans on 50 superswampers. I mean it couldn't be that the majority of "wheelers" over the years have completely tore up every piece of available trail Seriously, there are a couple of groups there but try and get into an itelligent conversation with them concerning tread lightly. Best bet, find a long-timer that will take you on some local only hunting trails that the jerkoffs haven't destroyed yet.

It's not all bad there tho. Hell, I missed the fishing as soon as I knew I had to relocate for a job. There is tons of other things to do besides wheel there that it will take a backseat. Sightseeing alone and traveling could burn up all your leave time while you are stationed in AK. Good luck and welcome to Alaska.

Oh and Dave, I did leave Angie there till her AF commitment is done and she'll join up with me here.

 

To tell the truth, from the way you were talking for awhile, I didn't know if you two split the sheets or not. Glad you worked it out.

BTW........Where in "Atlantis" are you.....above or below water...???.....lol (I say above because some believe that the Azores are the only thing left above water of the continent of Atlantis.)

 

I'm still above water but living in my own world for the time being. When things are settled and stable I should be able to not be so seclusive.