Steese National Conservation Area, National Conservation Area in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska.
The Steese National Conservation Area is a protected region northeast of Fairbanks that features mountain ranges, flowing rivers, and dense forests across its expanses. The territory is divided into two distinct units, each offering different terrain and ecosystems to explore.
The area was designated as protected land in 1980 through federal legislation aimed at preserving Alaska's natural spaces. This designation came to safeguard the wilderness and its wildlife for future generations.
The conservation area contains evidence of Native Alaskan settlements and gold mining operations dating back to the late nineteenth century.
The Steese Highway provides the main entry route with several starting points for hiking and camping in the region. Visitors should prepare for seasonal conditions and travel with proper gear and adequate supplies.
The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail winds through the North Unit and offers views of caribou mating grounds and habitats where Dall sheep gather seasonally. Hikers on this ridge path often encounter or spot signs of these animals moving across the landscape.
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