IgoUgo

Wiseman Journals

Three Villages in Alaska

Best of IgoUgo

An October 1998 trip to Wiseman by david

Gas Station Photo - Wiseman, Alaska More Photos
Quote: Those who venture beyond Anchorage and Fairbanks often find Alaska to be surprisingly true to its reputation as The Last Frontier, and it is in the villages, with the Alaskans, that the visitors can get a formal introduction to the spirit of the wild.
  • Cheer!
  • Flag
  • Print

Three Villages in Alaska Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Quote:
While the Outdoors in Alaska are only open to exploration during favorable weather conditions, the villages are accessable year-round, and offer a glimpse into a way of life closer to 1800 than 2000.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Wiseman Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Wolf and Wolverine pelts Photo - Wiseman, Alaska
Quote:
Wiseman alone is worth the trip to Alaska. The village was founded in the Klondike Goldrush times of 1888, 99 by prospectors and has always had mostly whites and some Indians and Eskimos living there. Bob Marshall, a leader in the wilderness movement in America, lived in Wiseman for a year in the 30's. He wrote a book, "Arctic Village" about life in Wiseman. The character of the village remains largely unchanged and most visitors will be surprised at the extent to which it fits the ideal image of a frontier settlement. The population (around 22) relies largely on the land for food, and scattered about the area are tower-like structures used as bear-proof meat (caribou, moose) storage. Some families su...Read More

Allakaket Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Accommodation, Allakaket Photo - Wiseman, Alaska
Quote:
Allakaket, population roughly 200, is an isolated Indian village along the famed Koyukuk river (read Shadows on the Koyukuk, an Alaskan Native's Life by Sidney Huntington). The surrounding area is relatively flat, and is extremely cold in winter, often remaining below minus 40 degrees F for weeks on end. There are no roads in or out, and, except on the river (boats in summer, snow machines in the frozen winter), most visitors and goods must be flown in. The planes land on average four times per day, and always greeted by a group of regulars curious about what and who the cargo may be. For the most part dwellings are log cabins, outside of which dog teams can sometimes be seen tied (each dog to a dog-h...Read More

Anaktuvuk Pass Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Upturned Antlers, Anaktuvuk Photo - Wiseman, Alaska
Quote:
Anaktuvuk Pass is a small Eskimo village a couple hundred miles into the Arctic Circle. It is set in the Brooks Mountain Range and is surrounded by the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. The park itself is classified as a wilderness area and has nothing as convenient as a hiking trail. The conditions in the park, even in summer, are difficult for a number of reasons, but the experience will be memorable guaranteed. There are no trees growing in the area, making it easier to spot, especially with good binoculars, wild animals. The park ranger at the time (Mike) reported seeing an average of 30 Grizzly bears each summer, occasionaly at heart-stopping (close) range, but more often from a com...Read More