Far North-Alaska

Above the Yukon River, beyond the vast Brooks Range, the summer tundra unrolls a carpet of delicate wildflowers to meet the Arctic coast. This is the home of the Inupiat Eskimos, the land of Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun. Traditional Eskimo lifestyle, modern oil field technology and immense herds of wild caribou coexist in an environment that is spectacular wilderness. Migratory birds and marine mammals abound and some of America’s finest wilderness parklands are found in this area.

Alaska’s two largest Eskimo communities, Kotzebue and Barrow, and gold rush historic Nome, are the major towns in this region. The only road access into the Far North is the Dalton Highway, a gravel service road that links the North Slope oil facilities to the state’s public highway systems. Access to the rest of the area is via commercial or charter air service.

Barrow, Alaska

Barrow is the focal point of a large Eskimo settlement, the 88,000-square mile North Slope Borough. It’s located near the northernmost point in Alaska-and North America-on the shores of the Arctic Ocean.

Whales are a large part of the Barrow way of life. Bowhead, gray, killer and beluga whales migrate near Barrow every summer. Continuing an ancient Inupiat tradition, an annual bowhead whale hunt and festival is held every spring.

Nome, Alaska

Nome is located on the southern coast of the Seward Peninsula, approximately 540 air miles northwest of Anchorage. There are no roads connecting Nome to any major city. Jet service is available daily from Anchorage with a flight time of 80 minutes. Half of the 4,000 population are Native Alaskan Eskimos.

Nome has a unique combination of traditional Eskimo culture and a gold rush past. Rent a vehicle and tour the 300-plus miles of road system surrounding Nome. Drive to the Eskimo village of Teller, see the many remnants of Nome’s gold rush past, and look for wildlife such as moose, bear, reindeer, or musk oxen. Visitors can have a picnic at Salmon Lake Campground, go on a walking tour of the town and visit the museum, shop for Native arts and crafts, or visit with the friendly residents.