Always leave your itinerary with family/friends and notify them when you return.
Refuge lands are remote and may be inaccessible during inclement weather. Help could be hours or days away should something go wrong.
Pack a first aid kit and know common first aid techniques.
Carry emergency water, food, clothing, map, compass and signaling devices.
Be wildlife safe
Precautions should be taken to avoid unwanted encounters with bears and moose, particularly when they have offspring.
Avoid using well-worn bear and other wildlife trails.
Make lots of noise when hiking, especially on windy days, in dense vegetation and along noisy streams.
Keep campsites very clean and cook/store all food away from camp.
Keep tents, sleeping bags and all personal gear free of food odors.
Never bring food in your tent.
It’s important to store food so that it is not obtainable for bears and other animals. “Food” includes garbage, canned items and toiletries.
The use of bear-resistant storage containers is strongly recommended.
Do not bury garbage or debris because the enticing odors teach bears to associate food with humans, a very dangerous situation.
The weather changes quickly and without warning.
Adequate rain gear and warm clothing are essential. Hypothermia is always a possibility with wet conditions and cool temperatures.
Cold water kills! Use extreme caution and common sense when near rivers, lakes and coastal areas. The water is often murky and swift, and dangerous conditions may not be apparent. Watch out for quicksand.
Boil, filter or treat all water before drinking. Giardiasis, a water-borne parasite, is common in Alaska.
Biting insects are common.
Come prepared with repellent, headnets and a screened tent.
Medication should be carried if you are sensitive to bug bites.
