Point Barrow, Alaska - Review by Leslie Watson

Barrow, Alaska for Wildlife Watching... and more

Barrow is not only the northern most town in the U.S., but in the entire world. Barrow is situated on the arctic coast of Alaska at 71o18 North by 156o40 West. The population is about 4500, of which a majority (60%) is native Inupiat. Although many modern conveniences are available in Barrow, the subsistence life style is still much in evidence, and fishing, hunting, and whaling are a way of life and central to the culture. Barrow has been continuously occupied for 5,000 years by people who have learned how to live in the harsh arctic climate. A new museum, the Inupiat Heritage Center, opened in 1999, should be on the list of sites for every visitor.

Barrow is one of the top 100 birding spots in America. Although the diversity of birds is somewhat small, the annual (over 185 species) visitors are spectacular. All four species of Eider ducks migrate along the coast and nest in the tundra around Barrow. Numerous other ducks and waterfowl also nest in the millions of small puddles and lakes across the tundra. Barrow is also prime habitat for many shorebirds. Perhaps the most spectacular summer visitor and breeder is the snowy owl, from which comes the Inupiat name for Barrow, Ukpeagvik, which translates to place to hunt snowy owls. Now days, some local inhabitants occasionally shoot snowy owls, and all four types of eiders and leave them for dead. Recently nearly three dozen King Eiders were shot and left in a pile on the tundra.

Barrow is the only spot in America one can reliably expect to see the elusive Ross`s gull, which shows up, sometimes in great numbers during the last week of September through the first couple of weeks of October. For lodging, the King Eider Inn is recognized as Barrow`s finest hotel by repeat guests (www.kingeider.net).

Polar bears!

According to the local tour operators, the very best time to see polar bears is October and November. It is possible to see them up here at the Point anytime of the year. The bears seldom ever make it into town so you would need one of the local arctic wildlife tours to view them. Inupiat Eskimos hunt polar bears for their hide, claws, teeth, etc but seldom eat the meat so there is a lot of waste. Walrus are also hunted and a headless, carcass will be found on the beach from time to time. The heads and the ivory tusk are sold, while the meat usually is left along the shore.

Northern Lights

Your chances of seeing the northern lights will be much greater if you come late in the winter. The best environment for viewing the northern lights is when it is at its darkest, coldest and clearest - late in the evening. There would be little chance of seeing them with the amount of daylight from early April through early October. The sun does not rise between the end of November and the end of January. On the other end of the spectrum the amount of sun will increase until the sun stops setting for 82 days this summer from May through August.

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding tours hinge on the amount of snow cover, so October through May, will be the best period. Our coldest month (-30 to -50 degrees some days) tends to be February, which would be to cold for dog sledding, but great for viewing northern lights provided there is a clear sky.

Whale Watching

In late May and early October, the natives go whaling. You might get a chance to photograph a whale being brought in on the beach and butchered. Whaling season tends to encourage the polar bears to feast on the remains that are left out at the Point.

Barrow Alaska Information
Great Website at www.kingeider.net/king5.html





Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime