Plan Like a Park Ranger: 10 Tips for Visiting Alaska's National Parks

Going into Alaska's backcountry carries built-in risk. The parks are remote and isolated, visitors have to be self-sufficient, and search and rescue may be delayed or unavailable for a long time. Preparation can separate the trip of a lifetime from a tragedy, and visitors must be ready to take responsibility for their own actions. National Park Service rangers in Alaska share their ten insider tips — #PlanLikeAParkRanger.

1. Ask a ranger. Research, and contact the park before booking anything. Rangers can help plan your trip and ask the questions that clarify it. Alaska's parks differ from one another, so know your options before settling on a plan.
2. Fly with care. Alaska is roughly twice the size of Texas, and many of its parks are spread out, rugged and far from any road. Small planes are often the best way in, but flying has its own risks. Learn the details of your trip and ask your pilot questions — safe flying takes everyone, not just the pilot.
3. Err on the side of caution at rivers. Crossing any Alaskan river demands skill, a careful read of conditions and a calm head, even for experienced travellers. The water is extremely cold even on warm days, and most backcountry routes cross many creeks and rivers. Be ready to turn back if a river looks too high or fast. If boating, choose rivers that match your skill. Build extra time into the trip so you can wait for water to drop or weather to clear.
4. Be flexible. Expect sudden weather changes and routes that are harder and slower than planned. Be ready to spend the night out even on a day trip. You may need to find your own route: carry a map, a compass and the other backcountry essentials.
5. Dress the part. Well-researched, tested gear greatly lowers the chance of a serious incident. The Alaska backcountry is no place to try out new gear, clothing or equipment. Choose clothes, gear and food carefully — weather often changes travel speed, routes and pickup times.
6. Keep wildlife wild. Alaska offers rich chances to see animals in their natural setting, and with them a duty to keep both you and them safe. Keep a clean camp and keep your distance.
7. Watch the weather. It changes fast. Expect sun, wind, rain and cloud — all in one day. Snow can fall in any month, especially in the mountains, and in parts of the state the land funnels fierce winds, with gusts of 30–50 mph not unusual.
8. Phone home. Satellite phones and satellite texting devices are the only way to communicate from the backcountry. Bring one to keep in touch with family and friends and, if needed, emergency responders — but don't let it lull you. In an emergency help will not be immediate and depends on many factors; your safety is still your responsibility.
9. Prepare mentally. A positive attitude is essential. In a group, talk through possible scenarios and how you would handle them, and make sure everyone is on the same page. Know and respect your limits; moderation makes for a better trip.
10. Leave only footprints. Protecting the parks' natural, cultural and historical resources is central to the Park Service's mission, and Alaska's parks are among the wildest, most pristine protected places on Earth. Follow each park's rules and guidelines and the Leave No Trace principles.

Sources

• National Park Service, Alaska Region, "10 Tips for Visiting Alaska National Parks." https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/10-tips-for-visiting-ak-national-parks.htm
• Photo: NPS / Neal Herbert.
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.