Into the Wild has inspired readers for years, but it’s not a travel guide! Some have lost their lives looking for the infamous bus.
Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild captures the imagination with the story of Chris McCandless’s trek into the wilds of Alaska. It’s inspired countless people to dream about ditching the daily grind for the freedom of the wilderness. But it’s important to remember that McCandless’s adventure, which ended tragically in an old bus known as “Bus 142,” isn’t a guide for our own wilderness getaways. It’s more of a reminder of how unforgiving nature can be.
Into the Wild and the pull of McCandless’s story has lured many adventurers to the Stampede Trail despite its dangerous conditions. This isn’t just a challenging hike; it’s a serious wilderness expedition with hazards like the fast-moving (or iced-over) Teklanika River. Unfortunately, this has led to some real tragedies. Claire Ackermann from Switzerland and Veranika Nikanava from Belarus drowned in separate attempts to cross the river in 2010 and 2019, respectively.
Dive deeper into the story of Chris McCandless and Into the Wild and learn how the compelling book has influenced its readers, sometimes with heartbreaking consequences:
