Unforgettable One-Way Road Trips from Seattle to Alaska (or Vice Versa)

A sponsored post with GoNorth Car & RV Rentals, June 2026

Picture this: Driving past snow-capped mountains, rushing turquoise rivers filled with glacial melt, and spotting the occasional bear, moose, bison and bald eagles. Linger wherever you love, and camp wherever you like as the pressures of real life fade away and you focus all your attention on the gorgeous wilderness around you.

That’s just the beginning of the magic when driving from Washington State to Alaska in the springtime or doing the reverse in the fall. It’s a long trip (2,300 miles from Seattle to Anchorage), but you don’t have to make it twice. You can soak up the beauty with a one-way rental camper or car, which is easier and more affordable than you may think when you go with GoNorth Car & RV Rental.

The Ultimate One-Way Road Trip

Most rental companies want their vehicles back where they started. GoNorth doesn’t think that way. They offer one-way rentals between all of their stations, stretching from Seattle all the way north through Whitehorse, Yukon to Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska. That means you can pick up a camper in Seattle, drive north through British Columbia and the Yukon, and drop it off in Alaska. Or reverse the route in fall, letting the turning leaves follow you south.

This flexibility is rare. The freedom to hand back the keys in a completely different city opens up itineraries that simply aren’t possible with most rental companies.

Even better, GoNorth offers special one-way deals every spring (Seattle to Alaska) and every fall (Alaska to Seattle), making these seasonal migrations genuinely affordable.

These deals typically include at least a 25% discount and a waived one-way fee (normally $550 between Seattle and Alaska). Outside of seasonal specials, GoNorth also runs last-minute deals and relocation specials on their website. GoNorth even rewards early bookers with a discount, so if you know your dates, locking in sooner pays off.

Seattle to Alaska (Or the Reverse!)

The drive from Seattle to Anchorage passes through some of the most dramatic scenery on the continent. You’ll cross into Canada through British Columbia, wind through the Coast Mountains, follow the Alaska Highway through the Yukon, and enter Alaska through the Interior. Since GoNorth allows driving on all public roads, you have the freedom to choose your route, whether it is a paved highway or not. Here are 3 unforgettable ways to go:

Alaska Highway Route

An ideal route for those looking to combine adventure with creature comforts, it begins in Dawson Creek at Mile 0 of the legendary Alaska Highway and travels north to Tok. This classic 1,387-mile highway passes through stunning wilderness, with frequent places to stop for gas, food, and restaurants. Along the way, you can soak in Liard River Hot Springs, spot bison roaming near the Northern Rockies, and check out the turquoise waters of Muncho Lake. Walk among thousands of street signs in Watson Lake and explore Whitehorse. From there, continue past Haines Junction and along Kluane Lake’s dramatic shoreline before crossing into Alaska and reaching Tok. From Tok you can continue your adventure in Alaska!

Cassiar Highway Route

For a quieter, more rugged journey than the Alaskan Highway, the Cassiar Highway delivers a remote alternative full of dramatic scenery. Running through northern British Columbia, this route trades convenience for solitude, with fewer services but far more intimate wildlife encounters (bears are a common sight). Detour to Stewart and Hyder to see glaciers spill into lush rainforest within the Tongass National Forest. Stops like Jade City and Boya Lake add character to the drive, while narrow, winding roads keep you engaged.

Gold Rush Route

Take a trip back through time, retracing the path of Klondike prospectors from Seattle to Dawson City. Start with cultural stops in Seattle and Vancouver, then venture north through British Columbia and the Yukon. If you have time, detours to Vancouver Island and the remote Campbell Highway are worth the effort. Along the way, discover relics of the Gold Rush era—from Skagway’s preserved streets to the historic SS Klondike in Whitehorse—and immerse yourself in the spirit of the Klondike Gold Rush in Dawson City. Your adventure then continues into Alaska via the remote and scenic Top of the World and Taylor Highways.

Choose Your Vehicle

GoNorth offers a wide range of vehicles for the Seattle-to-Alaska run. Here are your options:

Motorhomes & Truck Campers

These vehicles give you the freedom to camp anywhere. They’re available in different configurations with various amenities, but all come with a convenience kit—dishes, kitchen utensils, bed linen, and towels—so you’re road-ready the moment you pick up.

• 4×4 Truck Campers: GoNorth is the only rental company in Alaska that offers truck campers. These 4×4-capable rigs sleep up to three people and come equipped with a full bathroom, fridge, freezer, and stove/oven—perfect for getting deep into the backcountry.
• 4×4 Scout Adventure Truck Campers: Designed for two adults who want to go off-grid, these come with a cooler box and stove.
• Motorhome MC4: Comfortable and road-friendly, they sleep up to four people—ideal for two adults and two kids. It’s a great choice if you’re staying mostly on paved highways.
• Motorhome MC6: The largest option, these campers sleep up to five, with a full bathroom, fridge, freezer, and stove.

Vehicle Rentals

If you prefer to stay in hotels, cabins, or tent camp, choose one of these options:

4×4 SUVs (3 sizes), trucks, and maxi vans: These high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles come ready to take on gravel roads and unpredictable conditions.

Ready to Go?

Whether you’re heading north in spring or south in fall, GoNorth has been running these routes for more than 25 years. Their fleet is well-maintained, their vehicles are unrestricted on gravel roads, and their one-way rental model is built for exactly this kind of adventure.

One-way specials, when available, can be found here!

Prices and availability vary. Seasonal specials are available every spring (Seattle to Alaska) and fall (Alaska to Seattle). One-way rentals are available year-round between all GoNorth stations; standard one-way fees apply outside of special promotions.

GoNorth Car & RV Rental has locations in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Whitehorse, and Seattle. Learn more at gonorth-alaska.com.