Journey Ends on Alaska’s Ice River

Forest Wagner and a companion pushed their bikes up a snowy slope onto Front Street after nine days of riding 265 miles across Alaska’s biggest frozen river. They finally left the icy water behind, feeling a mix of relief and affection for the long stretch they had conquered. The last day on the river was tough: snow, rain and a flat light made it feel like living inside a ping‑pong ball. Wind piled up the snow, turning drifts into obstacles that pushed their tires sideways and left them tired. While riding, a friend named Chris Carlson from Fairbanks followed their progress via satellite. Near the river’s edge, Forest sent a text asking for two pizzas and some soda from a local store. Chris arranged it, and they ate the food together later that day, giving them a quick energy boost after many days of eating dehydrated snacks and jerky.Now they are off the quiet Yukon River, heading toward a trail that leads from the river to the Bering Sea coast and the village of Unalakleet. The path goes through a vegetated fault line between mountains, a route people have used for ages on this large peninsula. Even in early April the trails stay solid, though weather forecasts now mention rain, so they no longer need super‑cold sleeping bags. They thank friends who hosted them along the way, including people in Galena and Tanana who offered food and a stove. They note how hard it is to find white gas in remote villages these days.