At over 660-thousand square miles, the state of Alaska offers an array of terrain suited for just about any level of hiker. According to Alaska.org there are more than 750 trails in the 49^th state, many of which offer breathtaking vistas and opportunities to interact with wildlife. Hiking is a terrific way to lead an active, healthy lifestyle, while enjoying the outdoors. So let’s take a look at summer hiking, and what you need to do to ensure a safe hike.

The first rule of safety while preparing for a hike in Alaska is to not assume that you will have cell phone coverage. The vastness and rugged terrain of Alaska create huge ‘dead’ zones for cellular service. While most cellular coverage is focused around major cities, like Fairbanks, you may not have coverage even if relatively close (within 40 miles) to town.

It’s best to use the ‘buddy system’ when hiking. A hiking partner not only offers company, encouragement and support, but they can also be a life line should an accident or injury occur during the hike.  Also, be sure to let someone not on the hike know your planned location and return date or time. This will allow that person to be alerted if your return is delayed due to injury, if you have lost your way or any other circumstance arises.

When selecting a trail to hike, factor in location, distance and difficulty.  There are many great trails local to the Fairbanks North Star Borough that offer a wide range of distance and difficulty.  From the leisure of the Creamers Field Nature Trail, to the challenging Granite Tors trail in the Chena Recreation Area, there are local options for all levels of hikers. There is a slew of trails just down the Parks highway in and around Denali National Park, you can learn more about them here. Getting off the trails into the remote vastness of Alaska presents challenges for hikers of all levels, but can be extremely rewarding.  Learn more with these pro tips from the National Parks Service. 

The weather changes frequently in Alaska, so your clothing and equipment needs to be responsive to variations in temperature and moisture. Even the day-hiker should carry a lightweight jacket and basic raingear whilst hiking in the Last Frontier. Happy feet, happy hiker.  Look for hiking boots or shoes that offer durability, ankle support and effectiveness in keeping your feet dry.   Choose pants that are comfortable, lightweight and offer some form of weather proofing.  It’s not a bad idea to keep base layers in your pack, especially if you are hiking in elevation. Wearing lightweight, long sleeved tops not only offer warmth when the temperature dips, but can also offer protection from Alaska’s other “state bird”… the mosquito. 

Your equipment will vary depending upon the amount of time you plan to spend on (or off) the trail during your hike.   Standard equipment for both day and multi-day hikes include: hydration (including water purifier), bug spray, first aid and raingear. The amount of gear you will need to pack on a day trip, varies from that of a multi-day trip. (Info-graphic below)

Before you head out on your hike, be sure to get warmed up by performing a few stretches before you hit the trail.  Stretching before your hike (as well as after) grants you a greater range of motion and flexibility, while lessening the amount of soreness you experience after a hike. 

Whether you like it or not, chances are you will encounter wildlife along the trail. While the occasional grouse, hare or squirrel do not present much of an issue, some of Alaska’s larger critters can. Moose are very common along the trail, and there are not many situations more dangerous than getting between a cow moose and her calf. Also if a moose decides to take residence on the trail… you may have some waiting to do until it decides to move along. While they may not strike the fear in people that bears do, moose can become quite defensive and may deliver kicks that can cause severe injury.   Always keep your distance from moose and yield the trail to them when needed.

Bear encounters are less common than encounters with a moose. About the only thing more dangerous than getting between a cow moose and her calf, is getting between a sow bear and her cub.  Stay ‘bear aware’ whilst hiking in Alaska.   Stay aware of your surroundings while making plenty of noise along the trail with the occasional “hey bear!” shout. If you do encounter a bear along the trail, keep your distance but make sure it sees you.  Make yourself appear big and loud, while slowly backing away to give the bear space.   Carrying bear (pepper) spray or a firearm is a personal choice, which should be made on one’s own.

In summary, whether hiking in/around Fairbanks or remotely (on or off trail) take safety and preparation seriously.  Being prepared can not only make your trip more enjoyable, but can also help ensure a safe return home.  Remember, if you pack it in, pack it out. There’s no reason we should see trash and litter along Alaska’s trails. Happy hiking! 

Dr. Jennifer Ribar is one of six physicians in the TVC Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine clinic and one of eight physicians in the United States certified to teach seminars on the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM), which is a unique treatment that TVC OMM offers to our patients. FDM allows for effective manipulative treatment for pulled muscles, fractures and frozen shoulders. As one of the few, Dr. Ribar brings both experience as an osteopathic practitioner as well as a unique way of educating her patients about their bodies.