Safety

Carrying plenty of supplies and dressing in layers are essential tasks when traveling in the Alaska backcountry.

NPS Photo

Backcountry Safety

What To Wear

There may be very little information about current weather conditions in the preserve, and sunny 70-degree days can rapidly turn into bone-chilling 40-degree rains. It is important to pack rain gear as well as cold weather gear, even if the forecast in Nome is calling for clear skies and warm temperatures during your trip.

Pack Extra Food

In addition to proper clothing, you should pack at least 3 days of extra food for your backcountry trip. Due to rapid shifts in weather, pickup could be delayed several days. Rain, fog, and low clouds can remain near the Serpentine Hot Springs valley for several days, causing your trip to last longer than expected.

Bring a Medical Kit

It is important to realize you are more than 80 miles from the nearest hospital and 540 miles from the nearest major medical facility in Anchorage. If you get injured in optimal conditions, you are looking at a 3 to 4 hour wait. It is important to bring a well-stocked medical kit. If you require any daily medication, it is a good practice to pack enough to last a week longer than your expected stay.

Communication

Due to its remote location, there is no cell phone service in the preserve. The only means of communication is by personal satellite phone. For another way to be covered in case of medical emergency, take a satellite tracking device or an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).

Leave an Itinerary

Let friends and family know when and where you are going, how long you'll be gone, and some idea of your plans. Be sure to include your satellite phone number and the name of the pilot and tail number of the plane you are taking. Call when you arrive back from the backcountry so friends and family know you are okay. Rescue will be delayed if others don't know your planned route or when you are returning.

Contact Us

While no backcountry permit is needed to visit Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, it is a good idea to contact park staff for information on cabin conditions and weather hazards as well as information about the preserve's features.

Wildlife Safety

Brown bears, wolves, foxes, and wolverines live in and around the preserve. It's always a good idea to carry bear spray while traveling through brown bear country. If backpacking, use a bear-proof container and cook and store food 100 yards and upwind from your sleeping area. Willows provide shade and shelter for bears and can reduce visibility. To avoid surprising a bear, make noise. Talk, sing, or clap loudly while in dense brush, near rushing water, or on windy days. The noises you make are often enough to keep bears away. Never approach a cub or get between a mother and a cub.

It is important to keep your distance from muskoxen and caribou as well. These animals can overheat if frightened. They can also decide to charge you. The powerful horns and antlers of muskoxen, moose, and caribou can be just as deadly as a predator when they feel threatened.

 

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  Bear Safety

  All of Alaska is bear country. Respecting bears and learning proper behavior can help you avoid a human-bear conflict

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  Plan Your Visit

  With proper planning and equipment, a trip into the preserve can be rewarding.

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  Iyat (Serpentine Hot Springs)

  Planning a trip to Serpentine Hot Springs? Here is what you need to know.