Cape Krusenstern National Monument and Archaeological District in Alaska is Remote yet Breathtaking

One of the largest National Monument areas in the United States, Cape Krusenstern National Monument and Archaeological District sits in northwestern portion of Alaska above the Arctic Circle. This 650,000 acre park was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973 and received U.S. National Monument status in 1978. Close to the town of Kotzebue, Alaska, it is also one of the most remote National Monuments in the National Park system.

The ecosystem of the region consists mainly of coastal plains with large lagoons and limestone bluffs that border the Chukchi Sea, which is situated between Alaska and Siberia above the Bering Strait. The shoreline stretches for about 70 miles within the borders of the park. The co-located archaeological district contains 114 ancient beach ridges and evidence of 5,000 years of habitation. Trees are non-existent but wildflowers provide color in the summertime and migratory birds show more signs of life all year round.

Access to Cape Krusenstern National Monument is by small aircraft as there are no roads in the park. The Visitor Center and a small staff of park rangers are located in Kotzebue, which is where visitors will catch their air transport to the park. The landscape is wild and survival skills are essential, including backcountry experience and knowledge of bear safety. Cellular phones do not function within the park but many visitors carry satellite phones. Rangers at Kotzebue will document visitors' itinerary but are not stationed in the park to assist with emergencies.

Two very different groups of activities are carried on in the summer and in the winter at Cape Krusenstern. During the warmer months, when temperatures average in the mid 50s and can be as high as 70 degrees, outdoor recreation is a pleasure. The sun never sets between approximately June 3 and July 9 so visitors can enjoy the park 24 hours a day. Activities include sea kayaking along the pristine and breathtaking coast and fishing in the lagoons, either from the surf or from a boat. Hiking and backpacking are also enjoyed during the summer months though there are no designated trails and many private lands line the park, so trekkers must be diligent as to where they hike. Hunting (for reason of gathering food) is also permitted at the national monument area so care should be taken not to interfere with local residents' subsistence activities.

In the wintertime, skiing and dog mushing are popular sports. However, the extreme weather, which can reach as much as 50 below zero, demands close attention and knowledge of cold weather survival skills are a must. The Chukchi Sea is covered in ice from November until May, so water recreation is not possible during this time.