Northern Alaska

Northern Alaska lies within the Arctic Circle so visiting in the summer months is the most common time. This region is largely inaccessible by road or any means other than flying; however the town of Coldbanks can be reached by the Dalton highway (approx 260 miles north of Fairbanks).

Coldbanks offers an excellent base for exploring the arctic north of Alaska, with beautiful mountains and national parks this area is even more remote than the rest of the state. The town of Barrow lies at the very far north of the state with the famous Barrow Point this area is the most northerly built up area in the United States (and one of the furthest north urban areas in the world). Barrow is an excellent place to visit with a rich heritage including one of the largest Eskimo settlements in the world, the town was previously (and still by the local Eskimos) known as Ukpeagvik. Barrow is a wildlife views paradise in the summer months with over 150 species of birds migrating there annually. Whale watching here is massively rewarding with several species travelling here every year.

Whale watching tours operate out of the towns harbour and offer unrivalled viewing and with the added bonus of far fewer people than other areas. Ice fishing also provides an activity that you rarely get the chance to experience and tours can be found locally.

 As mentioned before it is also the town’s local native Eskimos (Inupiat tribes) that add an authentic feel to this region, with their local culture arts and crafts this is a unique part of a unique state.

Prudhoe Bay is another town in the far north and the centre of Alaska’s rich oil industry, due to this being the largest oil field in the United States (over 15 miles long) this is not really a tourist destination but does have a few hotels if you will be visiting this area.

The far north of Alaska is also one of the best places to view the northern lights and one of the best if you want to experience 24 hour daylight in summer or 24 hour darkness in winter.

As mentioned the north of the state can be accessed by the famous Dalton highway which stretches 414 miles (666 km) from just north of Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay in the far north on the Arctic Ocean itself. This road follows the oil pipeline and should only be driven with extreme car and proper planning. The road is uneven and very narrow in places and with no major urban areas along it the Dalton highway is America’s remotest road. Only a couple of small villages line the route and there is nowhere to stock up on the essentials for the journey. Other complications include no mobile phone service once you have left Fairbanks and limited placed to stop for fuel. If you do decide to take this trip then it is highly recommended you take a four wheel drive vehicle.