Watchable Wildlife Sites
For many visitors, Alaska's mystique is its wildlife. Travelers arrive expecting to see moose, caribou, bears, or wolves from the road, but often go home disappointed. This is no surprise when you realize that these animals are spread over an area the size of Texas, Montana, and California combined!
But don't give up. If you're traveling by road, you can actually increase your chances of seeing wild animals. Look for them from some of the better wildlife viewing stops along Alaska's road system. Use the map and table below to find proven viewing areas - and follow the tips listed here.
Stay Back - Most wild animals react with alarm when humans approach. Repeated disturbances may even cause animals to avoid popular viewing areas. Let animals approach you. Learn their behavior so you recognize signs that mean you're getting too close. Never use food to attract animals.
Time Your Visit - Watch for animals at dawn and dusk when they are most active.
Take Your Time - The more time you spend at these viewing sites, the more likely you are to see wildlife. Plan to stay awhile.
Blend In - Wear nature's colors, move slowly, and sit quietly. Avoid using scented soaps or perfumes.
Restrain Your Pet - While your dog may be a great travel companion, your pet can scare away wildlife and may even attract undesirable animals. It's best to leave all pets at home.
Wildlife Viewing Stops along Alaska's Highways
Species to look for | Map locator | Location | Highway/Milepost | Road Open |
Dall sheep | 1 | Slope Mountain | Dalton Highway/302 | June-Sept |
Dall sheep, grizzly bear, caribou | 2 | Atigun Pass | Dalton Highway/244 | June-Sept |
| Waterfowl and shore birds | 3 | Dietrich Lake | Dalton Highway/244 | June-Sept |
| Moose and waterfowl | 4 | Chapman Lake | Dalton Highway/161 | June-Sept |
| Moose and waterfowl | 5 | Grayling Lake | Dalton Highway/150 | June-Sept |
| Arctic grayling and salmon | 6 | Jim River | Dalton Highway/140 | June-Sept |
| Bald eagles, Trumpeter swans, beaver, moose, caribou, grizzly bear | 7 | Fiftymile Lake | Denali Highway/50 | May-Oct |
| Arctic grayling, Trumpeter swans, ducks, geese, moose, caribou, grizzly bear | 8 | Tangle Lakes/Tangle River | Denali Highway/21.5 | May-Oct |
| Bald eagles, Trumpeter swans, moose, Red Salmon | 9 | Mud Lake | Denali Highway/.5 | May-Oct |
| Moose, grouse, raptors, grizzly and black bears, coyote, lynx | 10 | Campbell Tract | Elmore Road (Anchorage) | All year |
>