The Binocular Site
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park is centrally located in Alaska, and is home to Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, the tallest mountain in North America at approximately 20,320 feet above sea level. The park is one of the largest in the country, covering more than six million acres. Originally established as Mount McKinley National Park on February 26, 1917, to preserve the Dall sheep, which is native to the area. It was renamed Denali National Park and Preserve on December 2, 1980, by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.
The park is comprised of forest, tundra, rock, glaciers, and snowy areas. It can snow at any time of year because of its elevation. More than 400,000 people visit the park each year, mostly between late May and early September when the weather is more comfortable. They take part in the many activities the park has to offer such as backpacking, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing, mountain climbing, and snowmobiling in certain areas where it's permitted. There are six campgrounds within Denali Park, none of which offer electrical or water hookups. Campgrounds outside the park do offer these amenities.
Pets are permitted in the campgrounds but not on the hiking trails or in the wilderness areas.
A few large animals can be found roaming free in the park. It is not uncommon to see moose, wolves, and a few species of bears, including grizzlies. It is highly recommended that anyone planning to visit the park read the safety precautions regarding encounters with wildlife, particularly predators. Many smaller mammals also make their homes in the park, and opportunities for wildlife viewing abound.
Several species of birds live in and migrate through the park, including the harlequin duck, black-capped chickadees, northern hawk owl, trumpeter swan, peregrine falcon, and the golden eagle.
See the Denali National Park website for more information.
The state bird of Alaska is the Willow Ptarmigan and you can view a birding checklist for Alaska here.
Photo credit to Alaskan Dude, used with permission under the creative commons license.
If you've visited the Denali National Park, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Alaska birding location below.
Check out more birdwatching spots.
