My husband drove the Alcan in 71 to get to his Army station in Anchorage. Then it was 1200 unpaved miles and they drove it in a Corvair. Crazy young guys. Then he drove to visit me in Fairbanks which was another 400 unpaved miles and lost at least one tire per trip. Still crazy.
Even though cold and dark, we visited one year in February for the Fur Rendevouz. It was amazing.
Road Scholar is the new name for Elderhostel for the poster who asked. They have great and well arranged trips to Alaska.