Selawik National Wildlife Refuge

Selawik National Wildlife Refuge is a large protected area in Alaska where boreal forests gradually shift into Arctic tundra landscapes. Lakes and wetlands spread throughout the terrain, creating a mosaic of water and land.

The refuge was established in 1980 through federal legislation to protect natural areas in Alaska. This action was part of a broader effort to conserve Arctic wilderness and its wildlife.

Indigenous communities in the region have practiced hunting and fishing here for generations as part of their daily lives. These activities remain central to how local people connect with and use the land today.

Access is only by charter aircraft from the nearby town of Kotzebue, with no roads reaching the refuge. Visitors should prepare for harsh weather conditions and remote conditions with few facilities.

One of the world's largest caribou herds migrates through this land each year, following ancient routes between summer breeding grounds and winter territories. This annual journey is one of nature's most visible large-scale movements.

Location: Alaska

Inception: December 2, 1980

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/selawik

GPS coordinates: 66.58330,-159.16700

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:44