White Mountain AlaskaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near White Mountain, Alaska.
1. White Mountains National Recreation Area
MILLION-ACRE OUTDOOR PARADISE
The White Mountains National Recreation Area offers one million acres of outdoor adventure just an hour's drive from Fairbanks. Visitors can enjoy activities year-round, including skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, dog sledding, and snowmobiling in winter, while summer brings opportunities for fly-fishing, floating on Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River, hiking, and bird-watching. The area features stunning scenery, peaceful solitude, and over 240 miles of maintained winter trails through boreal forest and tundra landscapes.
2. Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River flows through the White Mountains Recreation Area, offering excellent fly-fishing opportunities for Arctic grayling and Northern pike. The river provides a peaceful floating experience through pristine Alaskan wilderness with chances to observe local wildlife. Visitors can access the river for day trips or multi-day adventures, making it a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in the region.
3. White Mountains Public Use Cabins
RUSTIC WILDERNESS ACCOMMODATIONS
The White Mountains Recreation Area features 13 public use cabins available for visitors seeking adventure in both summer and winter. Each cabin is equipped with a cooking area, table, bunks, outhouse, propane cookstove and lantern, and basic tools for comfort and safety in the wilderness. Reservations must be made in advance through the Bureau of Land Management, providing travelers with a unique opportunity to experience Alaska's Interior in comfort.
4. Quartz Creek Trail
MULTI-USE ADVENTURE PATH
Quartz Creek Trail in the White Mountains offers opportunities for biking, hiking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) exploration. The trail winds through the diverse landscape of the White Mountains, providing access to spectacular views and wilderness experiences. Visitors can enjoy the trail during different seasons, with each offering a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the area.
5. Northern Lights Viewing
CELESTIAL LIGHT SHOW
The White Mountains Recreation Area is an excellent location for viewing the shimmering northern lights against a star-studded sky. The area's distance from major light pollution and its northern latitude make it ideal for aurora borealis observation during the darker months. Winter visitors to the cabins and trails often report spectacular light shows as a highlight of their wilderness experience.
6. White Mountains Winter Trail System
EXTENSIVE SNOW RECREATION NETWORK
The White Mountains Recreation Area boasts over 240 miles of maintained winter trails that are shared by various winter sports enthusiasts. These trails are marked with tripods for navigation in the mostly treeless landscape, ensuring safety while exploring the vast wilderness. The trail system is accessible from October through April, with specific sections designated for non-motorized use to accommodate different recreation preferences.
7. Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
DIVERSE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
The White Mountains area is home to diverse wildlife including moose, black and brown bears, bald eagles, grouse, sandhill cranes, and marmots. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitat while hiking, fishing, or exploring the recreation area's various trails. The changing seasons offer different wildlife viewing opportunities, with each providing unique glimpses into Alaska's rich ecosystem.
8. Artist-in-Residency Program
CREATIVE WILDERNESS INSPIRATION
The White Mountains Recreation Area hosts an Artist-in-Residency program that allows artists to capture and depict the beauty of this unique landscape in various media. Participants in the program spend time immersed in the wilderness, creating works inspired by the natural surroundings. Visitors may have opportunities to view exhibitions of artwork created during these residencies, offering a different perspective on the recreation area's significance.
9. Wickersham Dome Trail
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Wickersham Dome Trail offers hikers a challenging but rewarding trek within the White Mountains Recreation Area. The trail leads to impressive panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and distant mountain ranges. Accessible year-round, this trail transforms with the seasons, offering wildflowers in summer and pristine snow-covered landscapes in winter.
10. Nome Creek Valley
GOLD RUSH HERITAGE SITE
Nome Creek Valley in the southern portion of the White Mountains Recreation Area features remnants of Alaska's gold mining history. Visitors can explore former mining operations while enjoying the valley's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The area now serves as both a historical site and outdoor recreation destination with camping facilities available nearby.
11. White Mountain Native Store
LOCAL GOODS AND NECESSITIES
The White Mountain Native Store serves as the community's primary retail establishment, offering essential supplies, groceries, and locally made items. Travelers can find necessary provisions for outdoor adventures as well as authentic Alaska Native crafts and souvenirs. The store provides a glimpse into daily life in this remote Alaskan community while serving as an important resource for both residents and visitors.
12. Bering Sea Restaurant
AUTHENTIC ALASKAN CUISINE
The Bering Sea Restaurant offers hearty meals featuring local ingredients and traditional Alaskan dishes. Visitors can enjoy fresh-caught seafood and game meats prepared with regional cooking techniques. The restaurant provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere where travelers can refuel after outdoor adventures while experiencing authentic local cuisine.
13. White Mountain Cultural Center
INDIGENOUS HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The White Mountain Cultural Center preserves and celebrates the rich heritage of the Indigenous peoples of the region. Visitors can learn about traditional practices, art forms, and the history of Native communities in the area through exhibits and cultural programs. The center offers insight into the deep connection between the Indigenous population and the surrounding landscape that has endured for thousands of years.
14. Elemental Hot Springs
NATURAL THERMAL RELAXATION
Elemental Hot Springs offers a natural geothermal soaking experience near the White Mountains Recreation Area. Visitors can relax in the healing mineral waters while surrounded by the pristine Alaskan wilderness. The hot springs provide a perfect way to rejuvenate after hiking or winter activities in the nearby recreation areas.
15. Chatanika Gold Camp
HISTORIC MINING ATTRACTION
The Chatanika Gold Camp preserves the history of gold mining that shaped the development of interior Alaska. Visitors can explore historic dredges, equipment, and buildings that tell the story of the region's gold rush era. The camp offers guided tours that provide insight into the challenging lives of early miners and the technological innovations they employed to extract gold from the Alaskan wilderness.