Top Ten Tips for Visiting Bering Land Bridge National Preserve

Ranger Katie looking at flowers in the tundra.

NPS / Sophie Chien

1) Start planning early.

With no roads or trails leading to or with in Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, trip planning and navigation can require time, patience, and attention to detail.

The biggest piece of the puzzle when trip planning is figuring out how to get here.
Learn more: Directions and Transportation

2) Mosquito Protection

Nothing will ruin a trip like being in a constant swarm of mosquitoes, especially if you plan on being in the tundra between June and July. Your biggest defense is to cover up.

• Wear loose fitting clothing to create a barrier between mosquitoes and your skin.

• Use a head-net or a bug jacket to keep them away from your face.
• Wear thin gloves if you plan to be working with your hands, such as taking photographs.
• Use bug repellent.

Learn more: Barbarians at the Gate: Biting Flies of Beringia

3) Dress the part.

In northwest Alaska, it means preparing for all types of weather. Even if you travel during the summer months, it is not uncommon to experience cold temperatures, fog, wind, and rain. Layers are your friend. Wear synthetic fibers or wool. Pack a cold weather hat, a ball cap, gloves, and a water resistant jacket.

Learn more: Weather

4) Wear sturdy shoes.

Caring for your feet is a vital part of a successful adventure. Make sure you have comfortable sturdy shoes that provide the level of support and protection you need.

5) Be Bear Aware

• Be visible and make noise.
• Travel in a group of at least two people.
• Store food in bear lockers (available at Serpentine Hot Springs and emergency cabin shelters) or use bear resistant food canisters if hiking or backpacking.
• When hiking, carry bear spray in an easy to reach location.
• Bear spray is not allowed on commercial flights, you will need to purchase it from the town you depart from.
• If chartering a small plane, always let the pilot know you are carrying bear spray.

Learn more: Brown Bears

6) Plan your meals and take extra.

Whether you are hiking or chartering a plane, mother nature often has her own plans. You may not be able to leave from your destination when planned.

7) Hike the ridges

The tundra can be a difficult place to hike. It is characterized by soft, lumpy, wet ground. It can take twice as long to hike on the tundra than on harder surfaces. When you can, hike on ridges.

Learn more: Hiking and Backpacking

8) Pack your patience.

You may be weathered out, delayed, and your plans may change. Plan with flexibility. Have alternate plans if you are unable to make it to your destination. Be prepared to wait if you are on a weather delay, either going in or coming out of your destination. If weight is not an issue, take a book, game, or a deck of cards. It helps with morale.

Learn More: Places to Go

9)Tread softly and visit with respect.

• Avoid dumping dishwater directly into rivers and streams.
• Pack out your trash.
• Give wildlife room.

• Please leave archeological artifacts where you find them. Northwest Alaska has been inhabited for more than 12,000 years. Archeological sites contain important geological and biological information that is impossible to find elsewhere. It is illegal to take archeologic material from a site. The best thing you can do is report it to an archeologist

10) Prepare Mentally

Keep this in mind when traveling to the preserve.

• Bering Land Bridge is one of the most remote park service units in the country and can be a challenging place to visit. Don't expect luxury.

• Emergency help can be several hours to days away. Evaluate your resources and abilities before attempting to travel to the preserve.

• NPS presence is sporadic as our headquarters and visitor center are located in Nome, AK, approximately 100 miles from the preserve.

Learn more: Bering Land Bridge Visitor Center