Arctic Circle Blm Wayside – AlaskaHikes.com

Overview

The Arctic Circle BLM Wayside is a unique and remote campground located in the vast Alaskan wilderness. Situated at the latitude of 66°33’44” N, this campground marks the boundary between the Northern Hemisphere and the Arctic Circle. The setting is breathtaking, with rolling hills, vast tundras, and the Brooks Range mountains in the distance. The scenery is dotted with wildflowers, including lupines, fireweed, and gentians, which bloom in mid-summer. One of the unique features of this campground is the opportunity to experience the Midnight Sun, where the sun remains visible at midnight during the summer solstice.

The campground is surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, including caribou, moose, bears, and birds of prey. The area is also home to several species of fish, including grayling, char, and trout, which can be found in the nearby streams and rivers. With its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and unique features, the Arctic Circle BLM Wayside is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Location & Directions

The Arctic Circle BLM Wayside is located at GPS coordinates 66.5622° N, 152.7269° W, and can be found at Highway mile marker 115 on the Dalton Highway. The nearest city is Coldfoot, which is approximately 60 miles south of the campground. To get to the campground from Coldfoot, drive north on the Dalton Highway for about an hour, and look for the sign indicating the Arctic Circle BLM Wayside.

The road conditions on the Dalton Highway can be challenging, especially during the spring and fall seasons when the road is not maintained. It is recommended to drive a high-clearance vehicle, such as a 4×4 truck or SUV, and to be prepared for possible delays due to road closures or construction. The driving distance from Fairbanks, the nearest major city, is approximately 200 miles, and takes around 4-5 hours, depending on road conditions.

Campground Details

The Arctic Circle BLM Wayside has 22 campsites, including 10 RV sites, 5 tent sites, and 7 walk-in sites. The RV sites have gravel pads and can accommodate vehicles up to 30 feet in length. There are no hookups available, but there is a dump station and potable water available. The fees for camping are $10 per night, and reservations can be made through reserve.gov or on a first-come, first-served basis.

The check-in time is 12 pm, and check-out time is 11 am. The campground is open from May 15 to September 15, and is closed during the winter months due to extreme cold and snow. It is recommended to bring a portable toilet, as the restrooms are vault-style and may not be available during the winter months.

The campground also has a few amenities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground, but it is recommended to bring your own, as the supply may be limited.

Facilities & Amenities

The Arctic Circle BLM Wayside has basic facilities, including restrooms, potable water, and a dump station. The restrooms are vault-style, and there are no flush toilets available. The potable water is available from a hand pump, and there is a dump station for RVs.

Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground, but it is recommended to bring your own, as the supply may be limited. There is no boat launch or fishing pier, but there are several nearby streams and rivers that offer excellent fishing opportunities.

Facility Details

Restrooms: vault-style
Potable water: available from a hand pump
Dump station: available
Picnic tables: available at each site
Fire rings: available at each site
Bear boxes: available at each site
Firewood: available for purchase

Hiking & Activities Nearby

There are several hiking trails nearby, including the Arctic Circle Trail, which is a 10-mile trail that takes you through the beautiful Alaskan wilderness. The trail is considered moderate to difficult, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Other activities in the area include fishing, boating, and berry picking. The nearby streams and rivers offer excellent fishing opportunities for grayling, char, and trout. There are also several lakes in the area that offer boating and kayaking opportunities.

Berry picking is a popular activity in the area, with several species of berries, including blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, available for picking. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with several species of animals, including caribou, moose, and bears, available for viewing.

Nearby Trails and Activities

Arctic Circle Trail: 10 miles, moderate to difficult
Fishing: grayling, char, and trout available in nearby streams and rivers
Boating: several lakes in the area offer boating and kayaking opportunities
Berry picking: several species of berries available for picking
Wildlife viewing: caribou, moose, and bears available for viewing

Fishing Opportunities

The Arctic Circle BLM Wayside offers excellent fishing opportunities for several species of fish, including grayling, char, and trout. The nearby streams and rivers offer a variety of fishing experiences, from easy to challenging, and the lakes in the area offer boating and kayaking opportunities.

The best time to fish is during the summer months, when the fish are most active. The most effective techniques for fishing in the area include fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling. It is recommended to bring a variety of lures and bait, as the fish can be picky.

Regulations for fishing in the area include a daily catch limit of 5 fish per person, and a minimum size limit of 14 inches for grayling and char. It is recommended to check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for up-to-date regulations and fishing reports.

Fishing Regulations and Tips

Daily catch limit: 5 fish per person
Minimum size limit: 14 inches for grayling and char
Best time to fish: summer months
Best techniques: fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling
Lures and bait: bring a variety, as the fish can be picky

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Arctic Circle BLM Wayside is during the summer months, from May 15 to September 15. The weather during this time is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The days are long, with up to 20 hours of daylight, and the wildlife is most active.

The peak tourist season is from June 15 to August 15, and it is recommended to avoid this time if you prefer fewer crowds. The mosquito season is also during this time, and it is recommended to bring insect repellent and protective clothing.

The winter months, from October to April, are extremely cold, with temperatures often below -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The road is not maintained during this time, and it is not recommended to visit the campground.

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Summer: May 15 to September 15, mild temperatures, long days
Peak tourist season: June 15 to August 15, crowds, mosquitoes
Winter: October to April, extremely cold, road not maintained

Wildlife & Bear Safety

The Arctic Circle BLM Wayside is located in an area with an abundance of wildlife, including bears, moose, and caribou. It is essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, including proper food storage, bear spray, and knowledge of what to do in case of an encounter.

Bears in the area include black bears, brown bears, and grizzly bears. It is recommended to store food and trash in airtight containers and to keep a clean campsite. Bear spray is also recommended, and it is essential to know how to use it properly.

In case of a bear encounter, it is recommended to stay calm, speak in a calm voice, and back away slowly. Do not run, as this can trigger the bear to chase you. If the bear approaches, use bear spray or other deterrents.

Bear Safety Tips

Proper food storage: store food and trash in airtight containers
Bear spray: recommended, know how to use it properly
Clean campsite: keep a clean campsite, free of food and trash
What to do in case of an encounter: stay calm, speak in a calm voice, back away slowly

What to Bring

When visiting the Arctic Circle BLM Wayside, it is essential to bring the necessary gear and supplies to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. The following items are recommended:

Clothing: layers for cold weather, rain gear, insect repellent
Food and water: enough for the duration of your trip, plus extra in case of emergencies
Shelter: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
First aid kit: basic first aid supplies, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers
Fire starters: matches, lighter, firestarters
Lighting: headlamp, flashlight, extra batteries
Personal hygiene items: toilet paper, hand sanitizer, biodegradable soap
Bear spray: recommended, know how to use it properly

It is also recommended to bring a portable toilet, as the restrooms are vault-style and may not be available during the winter months.

Nearby Attractions & Towns

The nearest town to the Arctic Circle BLM Wayside is Coldfoot, which is approximately 60 miles south of the campground. Coldfoot has a few amenities, including a gas station, restaurant, and general store. The town of Wiseman is also nearby, and offers a few amenities, including a post office and a few shops.

Other campgrounds in the area include the Coldfoot Campground and the Wiseman Campground. The Coldfoot Campground has 20 campsites, including RV sites and tent sites, and offers basic amenities, including restrooms and potable water. The Wiseman Campground has 10 campsites, including RV sites and tent sites, and offers basic amenities, including restrooms and potable water.

Day trip ideas from the Arctic Circle BLM Wayside include visiting the Atigun Pass, which is the highest point on the Dalton Highway, and the Toolik Lake, which offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities.

Nearby Towns and Attractions

Coldfoot: 60 miles south, gas station, restaurant, general store
Wiseman: post office, a few shops
Coldfoot Campground: 20 campsites, RV sites, tent sites, basic amenities
Wiseman Campground: 10 campsites, RV sites, tent sites, basic amenities
Atigun Pass: highest point on the Dalton Highway
Toolik Lake: excellent fishing and boating opportunities

Tips from Experienced Campers

Experienced campers recommend the following tips when visiting the Arctic Circle BLM Wayside:

Best campsites: sites 1-5 have the best views of the surrounding mountains
Insider tip: bring a portable toilet, as the restrooms are vault-style and may not be available during the winter months
Cell service: limited cell service available, plan accordingly
Noise considerations: be mindful of noise levels, as the campground is located in a remote area
Sunrise/sunset recommendations: wake up early to watch the sunrise, and stay up late to watch the sunset

It is also recommended to bring a camera, as the scenery and wildlife in the area are truly breathtaking. Additionally, be prepared for changing weather conditions, and bring layers and rain gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.