Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge
Park Alaskan refuge for migratory birds and moose
In eastern Alaska, Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge comprises wetlands and boreal forest along the Alaska Highway; birdwatchers and anglers visit for migratory waterfowl, moose and remote fly-in access.
Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in eastern interior Alaska that conserves boreal forest, wetlands and riverine habitats. It is managed as a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge for wildlife conservation and subsistence uses.
The refuge encompasses a large area of tundra, marsh and forest that supports migratory birds, moose, bears and other northern species; it is especially important for waterfowl staging and breeding. Public uses include wildlife observation, hunting and subsistence access under refuge management rules.
Tetlin was established as part of broader land-conservation actions for Alaska and is administered for long-term habitat protection. Management has balanced wildlife conservation with traditional subsistence activities by local indigenous communities.
The refuge lies in eastern interior Alaska near the Alaska-Canada border region and is accessible from regional highways and small airstrips; the nearest sizeable service towns are in interior Alaska along main transport routes.
- Wildlife importance: Covers an extensive area of interior Alaska wetlands and boreal habitats and is an important stopover and breeding area for migratory waterfowl and other birds.
How to Get to Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge #
Access is typically by car from Tok or Northway on the Alaska highway network; some areas require floatplane or boat. Check the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website for specific access points and seasonal advisories.
Tips for Visiting Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge #
- Plan travel through Tok or Fairbanks; many refuge access points are remote and require long drives on gravel roads.
- Bring binoculars - Tetlin is a major migratory stopover for waterfowl and shorebirds, and sightings can be excellent.
- Check the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website for seasonal road conditions and visitor guidance.
Best Time to Visit Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge #
Best in late spring and summer for bird migration and wildlife viewing; be prepared for mosquitoes in summer.
Weather & Climate near Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge #
Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Winter) - Subarctic (Dry Winter) climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -31°C to 21°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -22°C and lows of -31°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -27°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -21°C. The driest month with just 8 mm.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 6°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 71 mm of rain.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -22°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -20°C and lows of -28°C. Light rainfall.
