Point Barrow
Cape Northernmost point of the United States, Arctic headland
Point Barrow marks the northern edge of Alaska’s Arctic coast near Utqiagvik; visitors travel for polar landscapes, spring whale migrations, walrus sightings and to learn about Iñupiat culture.
Point Barrow is a headland on Alaska’s North Slope and represents the northernmost point of the United States mainland. It projects into the Arctic Ocean and sits close to the city of Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow).
The cape is notable for its Arctic location and coastal environment characterized by sea ice, tundra and short summer season when the sun does not set. It has served historically as a landmark for Arctic navigation and local subsistence use.
The cape was named in the 19th century, and the nearby settlement grew as a whaling and trading location before developing into the modern community of Utqiagvik. The area has also been used for scientific and meteorological observations related to Arctic conditions.
Point Barrow sits on Alaska’s North Slope at high Arctic latitude, immediately north of the community of Utqiagvik and on the shore of the Arctic Ocean.
- Northernmost point: It is the northernmost point on the mainland of the United States and a common reference for Arctic coordinates and limits.
How to Get to Point Barrow #
Fly to Utqiaġvik (Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport, BRW) from Anchorage (scheduled flights operated by Alaska Airlines). There is no year‑round road link from the Alaska road system to Point Barrow; reaching the actual point from Utqiaġvik typically requires local off‑road transport (4x4), a guided tour, or seasonal boat/ice‑road travel arranged locally.
Tips for Visiting Point Barrow #
- Plan your visit in the Arctic summer (late June-August) when sea ice is minimal and local operators in Utqiagvik run day trips - you'll get long daylight and safer, more reliable access than in shoulder seasons.
- Arrange transport and/or a guided outing from Utqiagvik rather than attempting overland navigation alone; local guides know tundra routes, cultural sensitivities, and current safety conditions for reaching the point.
- Take time to view and photograph the rapidly changing coastline and exposed geology from the designated visitor areas - many visitors go only to the signpost and miss the expansive shoreline and wildlife viewing opportunities accessible from higher ground.
Best Time to Visit Point Barrow #
Best visited in mid-summer (June-August) when temperatures are least severe, daylight is longest, and access and wildlife-viewing opportunities are at their peak.
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