Hitchiking in Alaska

[rotorhead]

One tip, wear bright clothes, reflective if possible.

If you're here in the summer only it's not so much of an issue, but the snow stays on the roadways pretty far into spring in some places and it gets pretty narrow at times. You don't want to get accidentally hit by a car, especially when hitching around dawn or dusk when the sun angle is low and there can be a lot of glare on the road. Also keep in mind that it rains a lot in some spots, so you want to be prepared for both the rain and the road spray.

I'll second the pepper spray, after all, bears use the roadsides too. Keep in mind that if you have to spray someone inside a car you're both gonna be blind for a while, not such a good deal at highway speeds. Also, it doesn't hurt to try and look at least marginally presentable, it increases your chances of getting picked up versus the "crazed-never-takes-a-shower-mountain-man" look.

[coffeehound]

My husband picks them up all the time, especially if the hiker looks either very young, innocent, and cash-strapped or very elderly.

I'm more wary, esp. with the kids riding in the backseat. Mostly just years of horror stories from the lower 48, but we've got our own scary people, too.

Hope you enjoy your trip!

[RAMFEB31]

For most of the older set, I think thumbing in the 40s and 50s were relative safe in the lower 48. Just a little after the Korean flareup, I remember hitch hiking all the way from Florida to California. A military uniforn was respected in those days. But now, most drivers are very leery on any pickup. But, personally, I still do selectively. I've did it a few times both in Canada and Alaska in recent years. It is nice to have company when driving alone.

[travelmate38]

Originally Posted by PNWhike

Is it a bad idea to hitch in Alaska? I realize that hitching is inherently risky anywhere you go, Alaska included. Reason I ask is a friend of mine here in Oregon was raised in Seward, Alaska. He mentioned that compared to hitching anywhere in the lower 48, hitchiking in Alaska relatively safe. Is there any truth to that? I am thrilled to say I will be coming to Alaska this summer for the first time! I don't plan on hitching too much while in Alaska, but I wonder if it is a feesable alternative to the expensive train, bus, etc. I'm so excited to visit your wonderful state! Thanks for your opinions

No offense, but this is like asking if Russian Roulette is safe. Sure it is at 5-1 odds. But why play those odds? In a nut shell, I would say hitching is dangerous. And Alaska is no different then anyplace else. We have lots of good folks, with a few bad apples in between. Get picked up by one of those bad apples, and all bets are off.

[rossi]

Well Id like to thank all the friendly locals that picked me up last time I was in AK thumbing it. I still pick up folks down here every once in a while to help out. Yes as the years go by, times do change and its hard to read a safe bet.

[PNWhike]

Thank you everybody for your opinions. I'm so excited to be coming to stay a while in Alaska! Thanks. See you alll come May.

[minorHits]

Hey, I am 23 and I just hitched from the capitol of Canada 1100 miles to Iowa City (home!). It wasn't bad at all, the worst I had was a woman who was extremely religious and tried to convert me to some religion that sounded like Dragon Worshipping. I met some cool people including a professional hockey player in Canada. I couldn't believe it. Anyway, I would do it in a heart beat and the longest I had to wait for a ride was 45minutes. I also had a big 'University of Iowa' sweatshirt on so people could tell I was a student...dunno if any of that helps, but hope it does. Have fun in Ak, I hope to be moving up there in March/April!