Northern Alaska
Nov 15th, 2002 | 02:04 PM
#2
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Have driven to the Artic Circle -- is that far enough north?
The area north of Fairbanks is extremely desolate, which is part of the attraction (or NOT!). There's a bit of thrill knowing that you're fifty kilometers from the nearest phone. It's not spectacular scenery compared to other parts of Alaska, and you can see just as much wildlife elsewhere. So the only reason to go that far north is just the thrill of doing so, so you can say you've done so. In the summer you can see the midnight sun; in winter you are more likely to see the aurora.
There are tours of Prudhoe Bay, but it's just a large oil facility -- certainly no reason to make a special trip.
The area north of Fairbanks is extremely desolate, which is part of the attraction (or NOT!). There's a bit of thrill knowing that you're fifty kilometers from the nearest phone. It's not spectacular scenery compared to other parts of Alaska, and you can see just as much wildlife elsewhere. So the only reason to go that far north is just the thrill of doing so, so you can say you've done so. In the summer you can see the midnight sun; in winter you are more likely to see the aurora.
There are tours of Prudhoe Bay, but it's just a large oil facility -- certainly no reason to make a special trip.
Nov 15th, 2002 | 02:27 PM
#3
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Lots to see and do, but it's not easy to get there or get around.
The best suggestion I'd make is if you're really interested, book a tour flight to Barrow (through Alaska Airlines) and/or Nome and Kotzebue (same airline). These are interesting native communities (Kotzebue and Barrow above the Arctic Circle, Nome a little south) with fascinating historical, cultural, and natural settings, well worth your time.
More ambitious visits to the Arctic are possible, such as the Gates of the Arctic National Park (wow) or, as Paul said, to Prudhoe Bay, but these are very expensive and only for the dedicated. I'd recommend really studying up before heading out to these destinations.
The best suggestion I'd make is if you're really interested, book a tour flight to Barrow (through Alaska Airlines) and/or Nome and Kotzebue (same airline). These are interesting native communities (Kotzebue and Barrow above the Arctic Circle, Nome a little south) with fascinating historical, cultural, and natural settings, well worth your time.
More ambitious visits to the Arctic are possible, such as the Gates of the Arctic National Park (wow) or, as Paul said, to Prudhoe Bay, but these are very expensive and only for the dedicated. I'd recommend really studying up before heading out to these destinations.
Nov 15th, 2002 | 03:12 PM
#4
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Actually - I was asking about way up north - like Barrow. I know there are direct flights from Anchorage to Barrow. I was wondering if the flights afford a good view of the mountains and other scenery. Also - if you go - what I was curious about is what do you do and what can you see? Thanks for your input....I think I need to do a bit of studying up on the area.
Nov 15th, 2002 | 03:48 PM
#5
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Depending on weather you might see the Alaska Range (Denali et al), then again maybe something of the Brooks Range, but once you're in the Arctic things flatten out and there's not much to see from the plain except the tundra, rivers and trillions of ponds.
On the ground, the main attraction is the location and the educational value of visiting a large eskimo village. You can dip your toe in the Arctic Ocean, maybe see the "midnight sun," learn about Inupiat ways, whaling, polar bears, etc. I believe the locals put on dances or blanket tosses or some such hoohah, but the main attraction is the people.
On the ground, the main attraction is the location and the educational value of visiting a large eskimo village. You can dip your toe in the Arctic Ocean, maybe see the "midnight sun," learn about Inupiat ways, whaling, polar bears, etc. I believe the locals put on dances or blanket tosses or some such hoohah, but the main attraction is the people.
Nov 16th, 2002 | 07:02 PM
#6
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I just booked an Alaskan Airlines 2-day tour for July, 2003 from Fairbanks to Barrow--over the telephone. The rep assured me that I would have window seats on one side going and the other side returning--also, that I would have an Artic Sea view. The cost was $450 per person. The price includes airfare, hotel, transportation and tour of the area, tax, etc--no food. It seemed like the most efficient way to see the Artic area.
