Southcentral Community: Skwentna
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Skwentna was founded in 1923 when Max and Belle Shellabarger homesteaded and started a guide service, and later a flying service and weather station. After World War II Morrison-Knudson built an airstrip, and in 1950 the Army established a radar station at Skwentna and a recreation camp at Shell Lake, 15 air miles away. The airstrip is now maintained by the state.
Only about 75 people live in Skwentna, but the surrounding area contains about 200 more. There are several fishing lodges in the area, most located on the Talachulitna River, Lake Creek and Fish Creek. Skwentna is an official checkpoint on the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race from Anchorage to Nome each March, as well as a gas stop for the Anchorage to Nome Gold Rush Classic snow machine race in February. It is also the turnaround point for the 200-mile Iditasport, a combination of skiing, mountain biking and snowshoeing. It’s a popular spot for weekend snowmachiners and cross-country skiers.
The area drained by the Skwentna and Yentna rivers has many lakes and small streams. Five species of salmon are found in season as well as rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, grayling, whitefish and pike.
Details
Photo By: Frank Flavin
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A moose stands in a green pasture, looking for food
Population: 75
Location: Skwentna lies on the south bank of the Skwentna River at its junction with Eight Mile Creek, 70 air miles northwest of Anchorage in the Mat-Su Valley.
Access: Daily commuter service or air charter service from Anchorage, riverboat in summer, snowmachine or dog sled in winter.
Accommodations: Four lodges in area, most services.
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