One of the chief appeals of visiting Far North Alaska is the chance to discover vast swaths of scenery with barely any visibly human impact. Although many come here for this natural beauty, the towns and communities scattered throughout the region are equally enticing to the intrepid visitor. Ancient cultures remain beautifully preserved in towns that embrace the wildness of their natural surroundings.
Visit the settlements of Far North Alaska for insight into Inuit cultures, which are maintained by the communities who live within the Arctic Circle. Travel to Barrow, the farthest north town in the United States. The town’s Iñupiat Heritage Center features displays that document culture and art in Alaska through the centuries.
Embrace the rhythms of Alaskan life in Nome, a town famed as the end point of the Iditarod Trail dog sled race. Come to the town in March to watch teams of huskies arrive all the way from Anchorage. Learn about the town’s gold-mining history in the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum, which documents the lives of miners in the region.
Watch for wildlife in the Brooks Range sub-region. Trek through Cape Krusenstern, Kobuk Valley or Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and you could spot herds of migrating caribou. Head to Barrow in whaling season for the best chance of seeing polar bears.
Far North Alaska is one of the most remote places in the United States to reach. Fly from Fairbanks on private planes for access to the region or travel around the coast by ferry using the Alaska Marine Highway System.
The region also features some of the most spectacular roads in the nation. Make your way around the awe-inspiring Dalton Highway, which cuts through expansive plains and towering mountain ranges.
Take a trip to Far North Alaska in summer for the surreal experience of the midnight sun. The region is so far north that between May and August the sun never sets, creating a magical atmosphere at night.
