BC Hwy 99 to 97 from Vancouver and other passes

[SWharton]

We are planning a trip to Alaska next year and were thinking about taking Hwy 99 from Vancouver to Hwy 97. After doing some reading I am thinking this is not a hwy I want to take  with a 36' MH+toad. I have read about a lot of switch backs, 15% grades etc.

Has anyone gone this way and would you do it again?

Does anyone know how to find info on passes in BC and Alaska? I haven't looked for Alaska yet, but can't find much on the road grades and passes.

[dirtyboots]

I've only been as far as Horseshoe Bay, and it looks like it's the road to Whistler, so it's used a lot, at least that far.

Here's an interesting website (milebymile.com) that has some pictures and 'interesting' tid-bits:

http://www.milebymile.com/main/highway-95.html

 

[ALLOY]

The section from Pemberton - Lillooet is also know as the Duffy Lake Rd.

When we are doing a trip up North we take our time driving 99 North and come back on Hwy1 Fraser Canyon south. Both are scenic drives.  What the Duffy has in twists and turns makes up for in the lack of congestion (rat race) and commercial vehicles that Hwy#1 has.   

 

 

Edit: Added links

http://www.hellobc.com/british-columbia/transportation-maps/driving-routes.aspx

A side trip to Gold Bridge?

http://www.hellobc.com/british-columbia/transportation-maps/driving-routes/74/duffey-lake-hurley-river-road-loop.aspx

 

 

[SWharton]

Wow, thanks for all the sites. I guess I have a few days of researching to be done. I was hoping to find a site like Mountain Directory for the states which makes it simple to see the passes. I hadn't any concerns until I saw a picture for a 15% grade supposedly on Hwy 97, 4-5 km long. Don;t think I want to tackle that in a MH. 

[jwil1208]

We took Hwy 99 from Whistlee to Cache Creek... oi vey.  Never again.  We have a 30' fifth wheel and a 2500 diesel truck... not fun.  I suggest you revise your itinerary.

[SWharton]

jwil1208. Interesting comment. I contacted BC Tourism who contacted BC ??? and was told 18 wheelers use the road all the time. From everything I read it is basic mountain driving with the usual precautions. What are your concerns???

[hiljoball]

I RVed around BC for a number of years and word of mouth was to avoid Hwy 99 east of Whistler - so we took the advice and never went that way. I always took Hwy 1 up to 97. The route up 97 to the Alaska Hwy is a great drive, especially northern BC and Yukon. Very scenic and lots of wildlife.

John

[jwil1208]

On 9/7/2017 at 12:57 AM, SWharton said:

Wow, thanks for all the sites. I guess I have a few days of researching to be done. I was hoping to find a site like Mountain Directory for the states which makes it simple to see the passes. I hadn't any concerns until I saw a picture for a 15% grade supposedly on Hwy 97, 4-5 km long. Don;t think I want to tackle that in a MH. 

Yes, it is mountain driving.  Lots of switchbacks with very sharp immediate inclines once you turn the hairpin corner.  It was not fun.  Intense driving (and some cursing) made it a less than desirable route.  I'd avoid that experience in the future (including the cussing) and do a more relaxed less stressful route - that's all.  Probably personal preference.