Southcentral Community: Chistochina
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Chistochina is located at Mile 32.7 on the Tok Cut-off Road near the base of Mount Sanford and was originally an Athabascan fish camp along the Copper River. Later, during the Gold Rush to the Eagle area, the miners at Chistochina made a trail from Valdez to Eagle. A lodge was constructed to provide services to travelers heading to and from the gold fields. Prospectors also mined in the hills around the Chistochina area and found gold along the Upper Chistochina River and it's runoff creeks. Chistochina Lodge has since burned down, but the small community hosts a cafe, bar, campground, bed and breakfast and gas station.
The inhabitants are about 60 percent Athabascan and hunting, trapping, berry picking, and subsistence fishing from the Copper River are important activities for many of the residents. Traditions have been passed down through time and Chistochina still boasts skilled skin sewers who make beautiful beaded moccasins, hats, and gloves.
The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is nearby with the North entrance only 35 miles down the road. One of the tallest peaks in the park, Mt. Sanford at 16,237 feet, presents an incredible backdrop for this small community.
On the wild side, caribou cross here each year during their spring and fall migrations. Moose and bear inhabit the area and are often seen by the observant person. Trumpeter swans nest on area lakes during the summer months and can be seen in large flocks during their preparation for their migration in the spring and fall. Great Horned Owls and Bald Eagles nest in the area and can often be viewed with their young.
Details
Photo By: Dept Fish & Game - John Hyde
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An Athabascans woman prepares fish to be dried
Population: 104
Location: Chistochina is located at mile 32.7 on the Tok Cutoff to the Glenn Highway, 42 miles northeast of Glennallen.
Access: By road via the Tok Cutoff to the Glenn Highway.
Accommodations: One bed and breakfast, one hostel, one campground, one café.
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