Coldfoot Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to eat, stay, and shop in Coldfoot, Alaska, with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Coldfoot

Coldfoot is a remote Alaskan town located on the Dalton Highway in the Brooks Range, just north of the Arctic Circle. The town got its name from the miners who stayed here during the Klondike Gold Rush, as the area served as a popular rest stop due to its proximity to the Yukon River and the Chandalar Shelf. Today, visitors come to Coldfoot to experience the rugged beauty of the Arctic wilderness, as well as to learn about the region’s history and cultural significance.

List of Places to Visit in Coldfoot

If you’re planning a trip to Coldfoot, make sure to check out these must-see places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Arctic Interagency Visitor Center: This center is your one-stop-shop for information on local tours, wildlife, and natural history. Here you can also learn about the area’s traditional cultures and local community.
  • Coldfoot Camp Museum: Located at the Coldfoot Camp, this museum provides visitors with a glimpse into the town’s history, as well as how mining and natural resources have affected the region.
  • Finger Rock Cultural Interpretive Site: This site offers visitors the chance to learn about the traditional ways of life of the region’s Native peoples and the natural history of the area.
  • Coldfoot Cemetery: The final resting place of some early pioneers, including some who lost their lives to diseases like the Spanish Flu

Natural Attractions of Coldfoot: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Arctic Circle: Coldfoot is the gateway to the Arctic Circle, which is a popular stop for tourists. At this point, the sun never sets during the summer solstice and never rises during the winter solstice.
  • Brooks Range: The Brooks Range is part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to diverse wildlife, from grizzly bears and moose to caribou and muskoxen. Visitors can hike, bike, or take guided tours to explore this beautiful, rugged terrain.
  • Northern Lights: If you visit during the winter months, you may be lucky enough to see the stunning Northern Lights — one of the most beautiful natural phenomena on the planet.
  • Yukon River: The Yukon River is a lifeline of the region, and visitors can take a rafting or kayaking expedition to explore the wilderness and see some of the area’s wildlife.
  • Wiseman Boardwalk Trail: This trail is an easy and scenic walk through tundra and boreal forest, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Coldfoot

Coldfoot is a great spot for hiking and biking. Here are some routes you can explore:

  • Dalton Highway Scenic Drive: While it’s not a trail to hike, biking or walking alongside America’s most isolated highway allows you to see and marvel at all the beautiful landscapes of Alaska Arctic.
  • Franklin Bluffs Trail: This trail takes you through the beautiful boreal forest and offers stunning views of the Arctic landscape, including the Wiseman Mountains, the Chandalar Shelf, and the surrounding rivers.
  • Galbraith Lake Trail: This trail is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and four-wheeling. Along the way, you’ll see tundra hills, wildflowers carpeting the hillsides, and clear rushing streams.

Best Things to Do in Coldfoot: Activities and Tours

While hiking and biking remain quite popular in Alaska Arctic, there are plenty of other things to do!

  • Aurora Viewing: During winter, the Northern Lights illuminate the skies above Coldfoot, providing visitors with a spectacular natural show. Guided tours are available.
  • Visit the Arctic Ocean: It’s a long ride along Dalton Highway to get to the Arctic Ocean but it’s worth the effort. You can dip your toes, jump in or take some great pictures of the Arctic most distinctive feature, the Polar bear.
  • Dog sledding: This is arguably one of the best ways to explore and experience Alaska’s Arctic wilderness is to do it standing on a sled pulled by huskies.
  • Visit Local Festivals: From dog sled races to traditional winter festivals, there are plenty of events and activities to keep visitors entertained year-round.
  • Bird Watching: The Arctic region is home to a wide variety of beautiful birds, such as Gray Jay, Ravens, or Redpolls. Birding expeditions can be booked for a unique experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Coldfoot

Here’s a week-long itinerary to make the most of your time in Coldfoot:

Day 1: Arrive in Coldfoot and acclimate. Day 2: Explore Coldfoot history at the Coldfoot Camp Museum and Finger Rock Cultural Interpretive Site. Day 3: Hike/mountain bike the Franklin Bluffs Trail or board the bus to Galbraith Lake. Day 4: Take a scenic flight tour over the Arctic Circle. Day 5: Go dog sledding to explore the region’s stunning natural wilderness. Day 6: Have a picnic along the Yukon River and take a rafting expedition downstream. Day 7: Depart from Coldfoot.

Food and Drink Scene of Coldfoot

Alaska Arctic’s cuisine is not something you’d experience anywhere else! Here are a few must-try items:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Freshly caught Arctic Char: Arctic Char is a type of fish that you can catch in the Arctic seas and then cook over an open fire.
  • Reindeer Sausages: Reindeer meat is a staple in Alaska cuisine. Sausages are made from it and sold at any food stop along the entire stretch on Dalton Highway.
  • Fresh Berries: Take the advantage of Alaska Arctic’s ‘midnight sun’ by tasting its locally grown berries like, highbush cranberry, crowberry, and blueberries.

Local Beverages

  • Dandelion Wine: This wine is brewed from dandelions and is famous in the Arctic region for its unique taste.
  • Fireweed Tea: Made from the locally grown purple-hued Flowering plant, Fireweed tea is a must-try.
  • Mosquito Juice: A uniquely-named inspired beverage made with arctic berries. Don’t worry. It doesn’t contain any mosquitoes!

Where to Stay in Coldfoot: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Accommodations in Coldfoot are not plenty but worth the experience. Here are some places to stay:

  • Northern Alaska Tour Company: This tour company operates a camp in Coldfoot, which offers visitors clean, comfortable rooms and a memorable opportunity to stay in Alaska’s wilderness.

What to Buy in Coldfoot: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

After a trip to Alaska Arctic, take your memories and buy these local products to bring home and share with friends and family:

  • Caribou Antlers: Antlers make perfect souvenirs from Alaska. Caribou antler’s, often referred to as elf boots, are a unique and once-in-a-lifetime item.
  • Handmade Gold Pans: Mining was a huge part of the Alaskan north’s past, and you can not only learn about it but take home a piece of history with a handmade gold pan.
  • Northern Light Paintings: Bring home beautiful paintings of the Northern Lights from one of the area’s galleries.

Local Culture and Customs of Coldfoot

The people of Coldfoot take pride in their cultural heritage, and visitors are encouraged to explore the region’s Native cultural history. Respect and learn from traditions.

Best Time to Visit Coldfoot

Alaska Arctic’s late Spring, Summer, and early Autumn are the best times to visit. You can have a chance to view wildlife roaming in nature reserve and witness the long sunshine moments. However, if you want to experience an aurora, the winter months between late November and early January ensure the best conditions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Coldfoot

Do:

  • Keep food securely stored and away from any wildlife.
  • Check and follow the Dalton Highway conditions before you set out on your trip.
  • Respect the natural habitat and avoid littering while traveling.

Don’t:

  • Don’t wander off-trail, or unbearably steep paths.
  • Don’t approach wildlife too close and avoid disturbing their space.
  • Don’t attempt to catch live fish or hunt without obtaining required licenses and know the season and harvest conditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Coldfoot

The cold environment and wildlife are always a concern in Alaska Arctic. Be mindful of these safety tips:

  • Dress warmly and in layers.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes appropriate for the outdoors.
  • Stay alert to wildlife and other hazards while hiking or driving.
  • Follow the guidelines provided by your tour guide, especially in case of an emergency.

Health in Coldfoot

The nearest medical assistance may be far away, and cellular connection also could be a concern. Make sure to:

  • Bring warm clothes and hand warmers
  • Keep sufficient food and drinking water in your inventory.
  • Carry an equipped first aid kit and emergency radio.

Getting to Coldfoot: Transportation Options and Logistics

The Dalton Highway is the only road to get to Coldfoot. You have a few transportation options to reach here:

Airports Near Coldfoot

  • Coldfoot Airport: Located minutes away from the town, the Coldfoot airport is well connected with several airlines in Alaska.

Bus Stations Near Coldfoot

  • Fairbanks Bus Terminal: The best way to get to Coldfoot is by bus from Fairbanks. There are several bus services that operate regularly from there.

Other Options

  • Drive to Coldfoot: While not for the faint of heart, you can rent a car and drive the Dalton Highway right to Coldfoot. Make sure to prepare for rough terrain and plan your route carefully.

How to Get Around in Coldfoot

Dalton Highway is the only road in and out of Coldfoot; the best ways to get around once you are here:

  • Charter a Flight: Chartering a flight is an excellent option for travelers looking to explore the wilderness surrounding Coldfoot. Scenic flights and day trips are available.
  • Rent a car: Alternatively, you can rent a car for short distance travel around Coldfoot.

Where to Go Next from Coldfoot: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Prudhoe Bay: At the end of Dalton Highway is Prudhoe Bay, home to the Arctic Circle oilfield. It’s also a hub for other tours and outdoor activities.
  • The Arctic Ocean: several tours offer travelers with a chance to travel further north and reach the Arctic Ocean where the tundra turns into polar ice.
  • The Trans-Alaska Pipeline: a few miles from Coldfoot, the pipeline attracts visitors to know more about the history and significance. Tour buses are available from Coldfoot.

Conclusion

With stunning scenery and unique cultural experiences, Coldfoot is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an adventure in the Alaskan wilderness. From hiking and biking to experiencing northern lights, dog sledding and more, the town offers a wealth of activities to inspire and excite visitors. Whether you’re interested in nature, culture, history, or outdoor adventure, Coldfoot is a destination like no other.

The salvaged sign from the time Coldfoot was a construction camp. The salvaged sign from the time Coldfoot was a construction camp. Coldfoot is the only location besides Deadhorse that sells fuel year-round. Coldfoot is the only location besides Deadhorse that sells fuel year-round.