Bering Land Bridge
National Preserve

During the glacial epoch this was part of a migration route for people, animals, and plants whenever ocean levels fell enough to expose the land bridge. Archeologists agree that it was across this Bering Land Bridge, also called Beringia, that humans first passed from Asia to populate the Americas.

ACREAGE:

Total: 2,784,960
Federal: 2,690,179
NonFederal: 94,781

VISITATION:

Highest in June and July; lowest in December, January and February.

ADDRESS:

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
P.O. Box 220
Nome, AK 99762

TELEPHONE:

(907) 443-2522

Other ways to contact the preserve.

OPERATING HOURS AND SEASONS:

The Preserve is open year-round.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Weather in the preserve is variable. Summer temperatures on the coast are usually in the low 50's ° F, with mid 60's to 70's and an occasional 80 or 90 in the interior. Average January lows are -15 on the coast and -50 in the interior. Winds average 8 to 12 mph, but 50 to 70 mph winds commonly accompany storms and produce extremely low and dangerous chill factors.

Though generally useful, these averages cannot account for the wide variance in temperature, wind and precipitation in the preserve. Even in summer, one can see snow, near freezing temperatures, and long periods of clouds, wind, and rain. Summer days are long, almost without darkness; winter days are short, with only a few hours of light. Exposure and hypothermia are real threats throughout the year.

DIRECTIONS:

The Preserve is located on the Seward Peninsula in northwest Alaska. It is accessible via small bush planes and boat in the summer months, and by snowmachine, dog sleds, or small plane on skis.

FACILITIES:

The visitor center is located at 240 Front Street in Nome, Alaska. There are limited federal facilities within the Preserve. Six shelter cabins, and a bunkhouse style cabin at Serpentine Hot Springs.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES / PARK USE:

Camping, hiking, backpacking, exploration, nature observation, photography, and coastal boating are among the many possible activities. Winter offers opportunities for snowmobiling, dog sledding, and some crosscountry skiing.

You can explore remains of the gold rush era and observe evidence of ancient Eskimo life. The preserve and surroundings (including nearby Native villages), offer opportunities to observe and learn about traditional subsistence lifestyles and historic reindeer herding.

Hunting and fishing are permitted under state regulations; Alaska hunting and fishing licences are required.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Visit our visitor center in Nome, Alaska. Enjoy birdwatching. The preserve is home to raptors, waterfowl, and some rare Asiatic species. Fly out to Serpentine Hot Springs and spend a few nights in the bunkhouse while you hike, sightsee, fish, and relax in the hot springs' hot tub.

SPECIAL EVENTS / PROGRAMS:

Contact the visitor center for more information.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

There are no roads that lead into the Preserve, therefore no automobile access to the Preserve. Four-wheelers are prohibited, but snow machines are permitted in the winter months.

Visit the historical city of Nome.

Visit Northwest Alaska Areas (includes Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Noatak National Preserve.

You are visitor to this site since 05/02/97.

Last Updated:Tuesday, 13-Apr-99 14:15:02
http://www.nps.gov/bela/