Ironically I saw you posting about this trip over at 4wdtrips.net even though I hang out more here, lol. Anyway, I did this trip, albeit in the summer about 12 years ago. I was 17 at the time if you can believe that. I went to Alaska to make my fortune on fishing boats, ended up blowing most of my cash travelling around the Far North at the end up the season and eventually ended up with a totalled truck on the Washingon/Canadian border near a little town called Osoyoos in BC.
I did the trip in an 83 toyota long bed 2wd. I went through 2 tires just getting to Inuvik and back. I was on a shoestring budget running absolute junk equipment on a truck that was way overloaded, but the trip was great.
I stopped and caught grayling early on, the tundra has a lot of color to it surprisingly, although my pictures never were able to capture it. Eagle Plains has fuel and food, tire repair etc. I poked around Fort McPherson for a bit and toured their tent and canvas factory. It is a native settlement and was an interesting experience, especially for a wide eyed 17 year old. Getting to Inuvik felt like a real victory for me until I found out that I could get a flight to Tuk for cheap. So, off I went to Tuk for my dip in the arctic ocean. It was a great trip and I am very envious. I would LOVE to do it during the winter season, especially the ice road to Tuk. You may need permits to run that stretch, so check into that now.
The road was made of sharp slate and from my talks with locals is in neverending flux. It will be interesting to see how it is in winter. Misquitos won't be a problem this time a year, so that is good! :elkgrin:
If you want a partner in an Xterra, you let me know and I will start getting it ready for the trip!! Yes, I am dead serious. :smiley_drive:
Jack