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Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge

Tok, AK U.S.A.

P.O. Box 779
Tok, AK 99780
U.S.A.

907-883-5312

Open Year-Round

No Entry Fee Charged

State Park Information

In the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, wildland fires have created a diversity of habitats in interior Alaska.

After a fire, grasses and herbs are the first to revegetate the area. Within a few years, shrubs and tree saplings begin growing. This shrub stage may dominate the site for 10 to 30 years.

Eventually birch, willow and aspen grow to shade out shrubs and the understory is replaced with shade tolerant spruce.

This successional stage, known as the young tree stage, may last for decades. However 70 to 100 years following a fire, birch and aspen are slowly replaced by spruce trees in the climax stage of the boreal forest. In this later stage of succession, the forest floor is covered with moss layer and berry producing plants. Accumulated litter and a thick understory make these forest susceptible to fire once again.

Moose, caribou, black and grizzly bears, ptarmigan, grouse, wolves, coyotes and red foxes find food and shelter in the semi-open shrub areas adjacent to woodlands.

Boreal forest, wetland and tundra are the main habitats. There are also lakes, snowcapped mountains and rolling hills interspersed throughout the area.

The refuge provides habitat to more than 115 nesting species of birds and 71 migrant species. Sandhill cranes and trumpeter swans stop at the refuge during spring and fall migrations. The refuge hosts a rapidly growing population of nesting trumpeter swans. Other notable birds include arctic and common loons, ospreys, peregrine falcons and bald eagles.

Wildlife viewing, camping and photography are popular activites. Moose, caribou, sheep, and waterfowl hunting, trapping and fishing also occur on the refuge.

Common fish species include northern pike, grayling, whitefish and burbot.

Tetlin is one of two road-accessible refuges in Alaska. The Alaska Highway borders the refuge for nearly 70 miles. The refuge's rustic log Visitor Center, eight miles from the Alaska-Canada border, offers natural history and cultural exhibits and programs, along with wildlife exhibits and a spectacular view from its deck.