Walker Lake

Summer view of Walker Lake, a National Natural Landmark that feeds the Wild and Scenic Kobuk River

NPS/Ron Karpilo

Quick Facts

Location:

Gates of the Arctic National Park, Brooks Range, Alaska

Significance:

A striking example of the geographical and biological relationship of a mountain lake at the northern limit of forest growth.

Designation:

National Natural Landmark

Amenities

1 listed

Scenic View/Photo Spot

Walker Lake, on the south slope of the Brooks Range, provides a striking example of the geographical and biological relationship of a mountain lake at the northern limit of forest growth. It is typical of the many glacial lakes formed in rock basins or behind moraine dams along both flanks of the Brooks Range. The plant assemblages around Walker Lake illustrate a wide range of environmental controls that emphasize the harshness of the subarctic climate. A full range of ecological communities from dense white spruce forest on its shores to the barren talus slopes 2,000 feet above the lake document the rapid biological change in a markedly compressed linear distance.

Learn more about Walker Lake