Snake River

Snake River is a waterway near Nome that winds through tundra landscape and drains into Norton Sound in the Bering Sea. The river flows gently through flat terrain with sparse vegetation fringing its banks.

During the Nome Gold Rush between 1899 and 1909, prospectors intensively mined the river banks for placer gold. This period of resource extraction left lasting marks on the surrounding area.

The river holds deep meaning for Alaska Native peoples who have depended on it for food and resources across generations. Walking along its banks, you see how this waterway remains central to the way locals live.

Visitors can access the river at several points for fishing or exploring the landscape. Summer is the best season when the waterway is ice-free and the surrounding terrain is easy to walk through.

In winter, sections of the river freeze solid and create natural ice bridges that locals use for travel. This seasonal transformation offers a glimpse into how people adapt to the extreme Arctic conditions.

Location: Nome

GPS coordinates: 64.63632,-165.46505

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:42