Riding Salmon Glacier Road from Hyder, AK

At the southern tip of the Alaska Panhandle is a tiny town where law enforcement seems to be non-existent, where anything and everything goes, and people are largely left to their own devices.

But as it turns out, Hyder, AK is one of the most friendliest towns you'll ever ride into. And it stands to reason why, their economy is almost entirely dependent on tourism.

The main attraction to Hyder lies about 20 miles north, just over the border into British Columbia, Salmon Glacier, one the largest chunks of ancient ice in all of North America.

Getting there is a gravel road that roughly follows the Salmon River. Within the town of Hyder, it's called "Hyder Road". But outside, it changes names to "Salmon Glacier Road". On Google maps, it's denoted as "NF-88".

The road is well maintained, hard packed, and is suitable for motorcycles with street tires. Assuming the rider has some experience riding off-pavement, there shouldn't be any problems.

Along the way, just outside of town limits, stop at the Fish Creek Salmon Beds. In July of each year, as glacial ice melts, the Salmon River rises allowing Salmon to enter from Portland Canal. From the safety of the viewing decks, you can watch Grizzly Bear snatching up fish in an all-you-can-eat feast.

Moving along, you'll find several waterfalls filling up rocky pools by the roadway. Park your bike, ditch your clothes, and bask in the cool waters under the warm Summer weather.

When you get to the Salmon Glacier viewpoint, the first thing you'll notice is the 15-20 degree F temperature drop. But then the view of the massive ice field is awesome!

Back in Hyder, it's worth staying overnight. I did two nights, enjoying the nightlife at Sealaska Inn, where all the locals hangout. They do karaoke, shoot pool, and there's even free Wi-Fi. For lunch, check out Seafood Express, an old school bus that was converted into a kitchen. It's a husband and wife team where he does all the fishing and she does all the cooking. The clam chowder is to die for!

Plan your visit during the Summer Solstice. The entire town of Hyder gets together for one massive party, where they roast a pig, drink home brewed beer, and a guy trucks in watermelon all the way from North Carolina.

Lodging in Hyder is sparse. The Sealaska Inn does have a few rooms, but I opted to pitch a tent in their backyard. They have showers and restrooms. Just don't leave food in your bike, or else bears will sniff it out.

For more photos of Salmon Glacier and Salmon Glacier Road, visit...

http://www.motorcyclephilosophy.org/2013/02/salmon-glacier-road-british-columbia.html