|
Description
The true beauty of Nome lies in the surrounding
countryside.
Although you must fly to access Nome (jet service daily from Anchorage or
Fairbanks), there are approximately 300 miles of well traveled and maintained
roads to explore once you are here. There are three main roads each extending about 75 miles into
the countryside.
Along each of them are remnants of the gold rush, abandoned
dredges, fish camps, excellent fishing, hiking, camping and the possibility of
seeing wildlife such as moose, bear, reindeer, musk oxen, or fox.
Visitors are encouraged to rent a
vehicle from one of our three rental agencies and spend one to three days
discovering the beauty of the last frontier.  There are no gas stations,
restaurants or main towns on these roads, so be sure to have a full tank of gas,
warm clothing, mosquito repellant, and food. If you should need assistance while
on the road system, you will find the local residents traveling the road system
more than willing to help.
photo: "Nome River" ©
Leslie Seamón
Automobile Rentals
Alaska Cab Garage
P.O. Box 967
Phone: 907-443-2939
Fax: 907-443-2739
|
Stampede Rent-A-Car
P.O. Box 633
Phone: 907-443-3838
Fax: 907-443-6830 |
Chauffer de Anvil City
(Limo service)
P.O. Box 715
Phone: 907-443-2083
|
|
Description of Each Road
a) NOME-TELLER ROAD
- Distance: 73 miles one way
This road leads northwest to the village of Teller, an
authentic, subsistence Eskimo village with a population of 247 people. The
scenery along the way is spectacular. The herd of reindeer you are likely to see
grazing in the tundra along the way is owned by a family in Teller and are part
of the 25,000 reindeer that roam the Seward Peninsula. In Teller, you will find
one small local store and gift shop. Native crafts are often available from the
local people. The drive to Teller will take approximately two hours one way.
b) NOME-TAYLOR ROAD
(also called Beam Rd. or
Kougarok Rd.) - Distance: 85 miles. one way
This road leads north past many of the old mining claims of
the gold rush. In the distance, along the side of the hills, look for straight
horizontal lines. These are ditches that were dug, by hand, to transport water
to the claims years ago. Some old railroad bridges and tracks are still visible.
Approximately 10 miles from Nome is the Dexter Roadhouse, rumored to have once
been owned by Wyatt Earp. If it is open, stop in for a cup of coffee, a cold
drink or just to visit! At mile 38 is beautiful Salmon Lake and Salmon Lake
Campground. Stop here to have lunch or camp overnight. Picnic tables, outhouses
and grills are provided. Once you have returned to the Nome-Taylor Road, you
will find the road ends at the Kougarok River Bridge. It is not possible to
drive into Taylor.
c) NOME-COUNCIL ROAD
- Distance: 72 miles one way
This road follows the coast of the Bering Sea northeast for
about thirty miles before turning inland towards the community of Council. Along
the way you will drive by Safety Sound, a prime area for birdwatching. Look for
the Safety Roadhouse and stop in for refreshments and to visit with the local
people.
In the summer, you will probably see dried fish hanging from driftwood
racks at many of the camps along the way.
Approximately 33 miles out you will
find the "Last Train to Nowhere", a remnant of the Council City and
Solomon River Railroad. These engines remain  in the tundra where they were
abandoned in 1907. There are many rivers that cross the road. Even if you are
not fishing, be sure to stop and enjoy the crystal clear view to the bottom of
the rivers.
photo: "Last
Train to Nowhere" © Nadja Demos
As you approach Council, you may notice one of the things
Nome residents like best about Council ... there are trees! Many Nomeites
collect their Christmas tree from this area before the road closes in the fall.
At the end of the road, you will find that a river crosses the entrance to
Council. If you turn to the right, you will come to an area from which local
residents cross in boats. You may be able to catch a ride from someone going
across by boat or car. Nome residents cross this river in their cars regularly,
but it is important to know the routing to avoid large holes. It is not
recommended that visitors attempt this crossing without assistance.
Very few families reside in Council year-round. However in
the summer months the population increases by 30-40 families. This quiet
community used to be a active gold rush town at the turn of the century. Several
remnants of the old log cabins are still there today.
d) Side
Road to Top of ANVIL MOUNTAIN - Distance: 4.5
miles one way
This road leads to the top of Anvil Mountain and the
abandoned White Alice Site (Early Distant Warning Site left after WWII). On a
clear day you will have an expansive view of the city of Nome, the Bering Sea,
Sledge Island and the surrounding tundra.
Things to do on Nome Road's System
DRIVE TO THE ESKIMO VILLAGE OF TELLER
72 miles - Population: 247 people. Authentic subsistence Native village,
beautiful scenery, friendly people, one local store.
PICNIC OR CAMP AT SALMON LAKE
CAMPGROUND
38 miles - Located
on the north end of picturesque Salmon Lake. Picnic tables, outhouses and grills
provided.
IDENTIFY WILDFLOWERS
-  Picture
Gallery
Over 200 varieties of miniature wildflowers can be found on
the Seward Peninsula. Best time for viewing is June through August.
SEE THE "LAST TRAIN TO
NOWHERE"
33 miles - A remnant of the Council City and Solomon Railroad, these
engines were built in 1881 and transported to Alaska in 1903. The were abandoned
in Nome in 1907 and remain on the open tundra as a reminder to Nome's golden
past.
LOOK FOR RARE SPECIES OF BIRDS
Birdwatchers from around the world travel to Nome to look for
Asiatic birds rarely seen in North America. Over 180 species of birds are found
on the Seward Peninsula including the Bristle-Thighed Curlew, Bluethroat, White
and Yellow Wagtail. The best time for birdwatching is May through July.
DRIVE THROUGH THE GHOST TOWN OF SOLOMON
36 miles - Several structures still mark this site of a once thriving
gold rush community.
VISIT THE COMMUNITY OF COUNCIL
73 miles - Once a prosperous gold rush town, this is now a scenic summer
home area for Nome residents. Remnants of a few old log cabins still remain.
Excellent fishing. (See section on "Nome-Council Road")
FISHING
Fish in the fourteen rivers that cross the Nome road system. A
three day fishing license for visitors is available for $15 and valid anywhere
in the State.
HUNTING
Hunting along the road system independently or with a guide. The
State Department of Fish and Game in Nome can provide information on regulations
and permits.
HIKING
Hike the surrounding countryside. Local businesses in Nome
are available to provide transportation to your drop off and pick up locations.
CAMPING
Camping on the beach of Nome or at Salmon
Lake Campground.
STOP
Stop at the Safety Roadhouse (on the Council Road) or the Dexter
Roadhouse (on the Taylor Road) for refreshments and to visit with the local
people. The roadhouses are open seasonally (usually June through October)
|
View
/ Sign our Guest Book