Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located on the northern coast of Alaska's North Slope, the Environmental Protection Area at Smith Bay encompasses a diverse and largely undisturbed Arctic ecosystem. It features a broad coastal plain, rugged tundra, and pristine marine waters along the Beaufort Sea. The area supports essential habitat for migratory birds, including shorebirds and waterfowl, as well as marine mammals such as seals and polar bears. The tundra is home to caribou herds during their seasonal movements. This area is critical for nesting and feeding grounds, especially during short Arctic summers when the ecosystem bursts with life. Smith Bay is also an important site for traditional subsistence activities of local Indigenous communities. Recreational access is limited, maintaining the area's ecological integrity, but visitors may experience hiking across tundra flats, birdwatching, and guided tours focused on wildlife and natural history. The landscape includes unique natural landmarks such as coastal bluffs and thermokarst lakes formed by thawing permafrost. The Environmental Protection Area was established to safeguard against industrial development pressures in this sensitive region while promoting research, education, and minimal-impact recreation. Visitor appeal centers on solitude, remote Arctic wilderness experience, and observing rare Arctic species in their natural environment. Seasonal variations create dramatic vistas, from continuous daylight in summer to snow-covered quiet in winter.
