The 2 of us flew up in 1992, Cherokee 140(150hp) & we started from MS. It was a GREAT trip. Many airports along the way are camping friendly. It would cut down some on those $140 hotel rooms & save a little $$ for the fill-ups. Some FBO's along the AL-Can have showers available, did then anyways. One can't look at it as comparing costs to flying up commercial, getting there is much of the fun.

I'd try to stay in the Northern USA until you have to cross, cheaper fuel & maybe fewer Canadian fees. We got customs in Medicine Hat & angled up to the AL-Can from there. There is plenty of fuel/airport options along the way. Altitude isn't that big of a factor along the Al-Can HWY. I'd always keep a divert airport in your back pocket & use it when conditions dictate. I'd like to do the flight again sometime.