Difference between revisions of "Prudhoe Bay"

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==Camping==
 
==Camping==
 
Since lodging is typically reserved for tour groups and workers, and the entirety of the terrain is boggy tundra, travelers are frequently seen car camping or sleeping in tents along the side of the road and the river. This seems to be tolerated and even encouraged.
 
Since lodging is typically reserved for tour groups and workers, and the entirety of the terrain is boggy tundra, travelers are frequently seen car camping or sleeping in tents along the side of the road and the river. This seems to be tolerated and even encouraged.
While a campfire is useful in deterring mosquitoes, there are no trees for firewood with the exception of occasional willow branches. [[user:thewindandrain]] was able to find abundant scrap wood in the work camps to keep a fire going most of the (sunlit) night.
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While a campfire is useful in deterring mosquitoes, there are no trees for firewood with the exception of occasional willow branches.  
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[[user:thewindandrain]] was able to find abundant scrap wood in the work camps to keep a fire going most of the (sunlit) night.

Revision as of 18:05, 23 March 2013

Overview

Prudhoe Bay is a work camp on the Arctic coast of Alaska. It is the furthest north reachable place by road in the western hemisphere and is therefore a popular destination for adventurers. Prudhoe is one of only a handful of places in the world accessible by road that lies within the tundra. It is quite a unique experience.

Be aware that there is no public ocean access and you may not go within eight miles of the shoreline without paying for an organized tour. These tours must be organized at least 24 hours in advance.

There are a couple places to buy food here; they are hidden away in unmarked aluminum buildings in the work camps. The selection of food is extremely limited and can be quite pricey, so it is recommended to bring all the food you will need. There are also several unmarked cafeterias which feed at designated times. These seem to be reserved for workers and organized tours.

Animals

Mosquitoes are in abundance here in the warm months and can be dangerous without proper attire or bug spray. Polar bears can be seen here close to the coast, but are uncommon. Grizzly bears are also occasionally seen in the tundra, but tend to stay further south towards the Brooks Range. Carribou and musk ox abound; both are tolerant of human presence and tend to be docile.

user:thewindandrain was woken up several times by curious musk oxen investigating his tent.

Camping

Since lodging is typically reserved for tour groups and workers, and the entirety of the terrain is boggy tundra, travelers are frequently seen car camping or sleeping in tents along the side of the road and the river. This seems to be tolerated and even encouraged. While a campfire is useful in deterring mosquitoes, there are no trees for firewood with the exception of occasional willow branches.

user:thewindandrain was able to find abundant scrap wood in the work camps to keep a fire going most of the (sunlit) night.