NW U.S. to Alaska

[Dan]

Starting to plan a self supported ride from Spokane, WA area up to Faribanks, Alaska for this summer.  Any route recommendations would be appreciated.  Would like to go off-road but this may not be as easily done as in the US on the Great Divide so will settle for pavement.  There looks to be a few different road options leading up to and then after Prince George.  Any suggestins which would be better.  

Miles between services/towns?

Also, any recommendations on side trips, sweet singletrack riding, off road portions, must see attractions, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

And one more thing...any possible suggestions on getting back to the Seattle/Spokane area after trip...fly ($$$), cruise ($$), hitchike, freighter??

Thanks in advance!

[JayH]

You do know about the "Milepost" It's big but can help in the pretrip planning as far as services and attractions as well as distances and the like.

As far as getting back to WA, you should look into the Alaska Marine Highway System (ferry), you can travel fairly inexpensively back to Bellingham, WA via the cities in and near the Inner Passage.   You can even typically travel cheaply by utilizing your tent and staying in your tent rather than a bunkroom...

Jay