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Dog sled team races in Galena
Photo Credit: ATIA, Chris McLennan
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Western Interior

Western Interior

The Western Interior is a vast area dominated by four wildlife refuges and a scattering of remote bush villages. The Yukon River winds through the region providing a connection between many communities. The Koyukuk, Kanuti, Nowitna, and Innoko National Wildlife Refuges protect important nesting and breeding grounds for migratory birds and are part of the vast roadless region that makes up much of northern and western Alaska.

Galena is about 270 air miles west of Fairbanks and is a regional transport center for many of the surrounding villages as well as a staging area for trips into the surrounding wildlife refuges. The village of Ruby is a small Athabascan community on the western border of the Nowinta National Wildlife Refuge and is a jumping off point for Yukon River trips. Galena and Ruby are both checkpoints on the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Western Interior: Cities & Towns

Western Interior: Parks

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Local Climate & Weather

For Alaska's day-to-day weather, it’s best to plan for a bit of everything. Learn more about weather in this area.

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