Is the road to White Pass in Alaska difficult to drive?
Canada, north-america
34.4 km
1,010 m
moderate
Year-round
White Pass: Alaska meets Canada in an epic drive!
Way up high, straddling the border between Alaska and British Columbia, sits White Pass, a legendary route etched into history by the Klondike Gold Rush. This isn't just a road; it's a wild ride through some of Southeast Alaska's most breathtaking scenery.
Forget muddy trails; today, it's the Klondike Highway (Route 98), a well-maintained but still demanding 34.4 km (21.37 miles) stretch through the Boundary Ranges. Don't let the smooth surface fool you. This pass is STEEP, with grades that will test your brakes on the descent and your engine on the climb.
The real kicker? The WEATHER. Even in summer, fog, snow, and crazy winds can roll in fast. Ever heard of a whiteout? This is where White Pass got its name. Visibility can disappear in seconds.
Starting near Skagway at sea level, you'll climb to 1,010m (3,313ft) before reaching the Canadian customs station at Fraser, British Columbia. Get ready for an eco-zone buffet as you ascend from coastal rainforest to windswept alpine tundra. Pro-tip: Don't forget your passport – this IS an international border crossing!
The views are insane! Keep an eye out for the Moore Bridge (a suspension bridge with killer gorge views) and overlooks where you can spot the remnants of the infamous "Dead Horse Trail" from 1898. And of course, the parallel tracks of the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad. Just remember to focus on the road – between the tour buses and the seriously steep drop-offs, you'll need your wits about you!
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 34.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,010 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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