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Nome, Alaska
The Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is one of the most remote national park areas. It sprawls across 2.7 million acres of the Seward Peninsula in northwest Alaska. Its western boundary lies 42 miles from the Bering Strait and the United States-Russia fishing boundary.
The Preserve is a remnant of the land bridge that connected Asia with North America more than 13,000 years ago. The majority of this land bridge, once thousands of miles wide, now lies beneath the waters of the Chukchi and Bering Seas.
During the glacial epoch this was part of a migration route for people, animals, and plants whenever ocean levels fell enough to expose the land bridge. Archeologists agree that it was across this Bering Land Bridge, also called Beringia, that humans first passed from Asia to populate the Americas. The Preserve's western boundary lies 42 miles from the Bering Strait and the fishing boundary between the United States and Russia.
Activities
Visit the park's visitor center in Nome, Alaska. Enjoy birdwatching. The preserve is home to raptors, waterfowl, and some rare Asiatic species. Fly out to Serpentine Hot Springs and spend a few nights in the bunkhouse while you hike among the huge granite tors which encircle the springs, sightsee, fish, and relax in the warmth of the hot springs.
Camping, hiking, backpacking, exploration, nature observation, photography, and coastal boating are among the many possible activities. Winter offers opportunities for snowmobiling, dog sledding, and some crosscountry skiing.
You can explore remains of the gold rush era and evidence of ancient Eskimo life. The Preserve and surrounding areas including Native villages, offer opportunities to observe and learn about traditional subsistence lifestyles and historic reindeer herding. Hunting and fishing are permitted under state regulations; Alaska hunting and fishing licences are required.
Operating Hours & Seasons
The park is open year-round. Highest visitation is in June and July; lowest in December, January and February.
Getting There
The Preserve is vast and access is limited. There are no roads that lead directly into it, and summer access is usually by bush planes and small boats. Winter access is mostly by small planes on skis, by snowmachine, or by dog sleds.
Getting Around
Very often you are absolutely on your own in the Preserve, with few if any links to the outside world. Hiking can be difficult and strenuous, especially across tussock tundra. You must be prepared for varied and changing weather conditions. Use only durable tested equipment and be experienced in its use before you set out.
Weather
Weather is a central concern in visiting the park. Summer temperatures on the coast are usually in the low 50's ° F, with mid 60's to 70's and an occasional 80's or 90's in the interior. Average January lows are -15 ° F on the coast and -50 ° F in the interior. Winds average 8 to 12 mph, but 50 to 70 mph winds commonly accompany storms and produce extremely low and dangerous chill factors. Averages are meaningless; summer can see snow, near freezing temperatures, and long periods of clouds, wind, and rain. Summer days are long, almost without darkness; winter days are short, with only a few hours of light.
Return to Alaska National Parks Index
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