Iditarod

BLM

The Iditarod Race is held at the end of February through the first week of March

The Iditarod National Historic Trail History
In the early 1900s, settlers had come to Alaska following the gold strike. During the rush, miners used the trail to connect interior Alaska with important sea ports along the coast. The trail became the main mail and supply route from the coastal towns of Seward and Knik to the mining camps at Flat, Ohir, Ruby, all the way to the west coast communities of Unalakleet, Elim, Golovin, White Mountain, and Nome.

In 1925, part of the trail became a life saving highway for epidemic-stricken Nome. Diptheria threatened the town and medicine was brought in by sled dogs.

Along with the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, other races are held along the trail including; the Gold Rush Classic Snowmachine Race and the Iditasport Competition

Alaska DNR

Iditarod Trail near Knik Lake

Experience the Iditarod National Historic Trail
Today, the Iditarod National Historic Trail encompasses 2,300 miles of winter routes, stretching from Seward to Nome. With most of the trail located in remote areas with sparse populations.

The trail is primarily a winter trail, but there are segments of the trail available for hiking during the summer:

The first several miles of the trail north of Seward
approximately 30 miles of the trail from Girdwood to Eagle River, near Anchorage
Visitors to Nome can also follow the trail for approximately 30 miles along the Bering Sea coast

For more information about the Iditarod National Historic Trail visit: the Alaska BLM Iditarod National Historic Trail website

The Iditarod Sled Dog Race
Known as "The Last Great Race on Earth" occurs the during the last week of February and the first week of March. The Race stretches 1,150 miles, from Anchorage to Nome, with race teams taking 10 to 17 days to finish. To learn more about the Iditarod Sled Dog Race visit the official website at http://www.iditarod.com

During the Gold Rush, thousands of Americans came north seeking wealth and adventure. Many returned home with Iditarod-era memorabilia like postcards, journals, photos, books, and other relics of the day. Over the years, these relics have been handed down from generation to generation, sometimes cherished and protected, other times forgotten and left to the elements in basements, attics, and garages across the nation. The USDA Forest Service and US Bureau of Land Management, federal managers for the Iditarod National Historic Trail, would like to help protect these relics and better tell the story of historic Iditarod Trail to the nation.

If you are interested in sharing your bit of Iditarod Trail history, we would consider it for use in the development of education and interpretive materials such as signs, brochures, and trail guides. We can also help you find a permanent public archive for your items.

If you have questions, would like more information or would like to contribute an item, please contact:

Annette Heckart
Interpretive Specialist
Chugach National Forest
3301 'C' Street, Suite 300
Anchorage, AK 99503
907-743/9502
aheckart@fs.fed.us