text:
North Pole, Alaska

North Pole is a small city in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, United States. Incorporated in 1953, it is part of the Fairbanks metropolitan statistical area. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 2,243, up from 2,117 in 2010. Despite its name, the city is about 1,700 miles (2,700 km) south of Earth's geographic North Pole and 125 miles (200 km) south of the Arctic Circle.

Description
The city is a summertime attraction for tourists visiting nearby Fairbanks and, due to its location on the Richardson Highway, those traveling to and from the Alaska Highway and Valdez. North Pole was home to two oil refineries, the town's major industry aside from tourism, but closed because of sulfolane contamination in groundwater. The larger refinery, operated by Flint Hills Resources, was a major source of jet fuel for Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Tanker car traffic on the Alaska Railroad, entering and leaving the refinery, frequently bisects the city.

North Pole's biggest attraction is a gift shop named Santa Claus House, the modern-day incarnation of a trading post (gift shop) established in the town's early days. The Santa Claus House is known for the world's largest fiberglass statue of Santa Claus outside. A small group of domesticated reindeer are just outside.

Before Christmas each year, the USPS post office in North Pole receives hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa Claus, and thousands more from people wanting the town's postmark on their Christmas greeting cards to their families. It advertises the ZIP code 99705 as the ZIP code of Santa. A community program also responds to letters addressed to 1 Santa Claus Lane.

Christmas-themed streets in North Pole include Santa Claus Lane, St. Nicholas Drive, Snowman Lane, and Kris Kringle Drive. Street lights in the city are decorated in a candy cane motif, and many local businesses have similar decorations. The city's firetrucks and ambulances are all red, while the police cars are green and white. The city also has an all-female flat-track Roller Derby league, the North Pole Babes in Toyland (NPBT), whose athletes have Christmas and North Pole-inspired Skater names.

North Pole has some of the least expensive residential real estate in Alaska; the median home price there is $211,184 in 2014.

History
The Richardson Highway south of Fairbanks led to an assortment of subdivided and unsubdivided homesteads between Ladd Field and 26 Mile Field in the 1940s and 1950s.

The area that formed the central city of North Pole was homesteaded in 1944 by Bon V. and Bernice Davis. Their son, T. Neil Davis, wrote Battling Against Success in 1997, a fictionalized account of homestead life. The Alaska Railroad established a siding on the Davis homestead as part of its branch line to Eielson Air Force Base, naming the siding Davis. This name temporarily became associated with the fledgling settlement.

In 1952, Dahl and Gaske Development Company purchased the Davis homestead, subdivided it, and renamed it North Pole, in hopes of attracting a toy manufacturer to the area. The City of North Pole was incorporated on January 15, 1953, from portions of the Davis homestead and the adjacent homestead of James Ford. Ford was named the first mayor, with Everett Dahl serving on the first city council.

Another member of that first council was Conrad B. Miller. Miller, who came to Fairbanks in 1949, opened a trading post along the highway in 1952. The business became known as the Santa Claus House, and has evolved over the years into the current roadside attraction. The business was also home to North Pole's first post office, serving in that capacity for almost 20 years. Another trading post in the community was operated by Lucius Cunningham and his family. The town's economy largely depended on these two businesses until the 1970s, when the current four-lane Richardson Highway was built, bypassing Davis Subdivision, which was effectively its downtown.

The Earth Resources refinery (now operated by Flint Hills Resources) began operations in August 1977. It is connected to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System by several feeder pipelines operated by Golden Valley Electric Association, mostly following along the Laurence Road section line. The years after its construction saw the construction of the North Pole Plaza, a large enclosed shopping mall along the Richardson Highway. A standalone high school and increased subdivision development in previously rural areas immediately outside the city followed before the real estate market temporarily collapsed during the 1980s.

An interchange was constructed along the Richardson, where the highway intersects with the eastern end of Badger Road and the northern end of Santa Claus Lane, during the early 1990s. In the late 2000s, the northern portion of Santa Claus Lane was rebuilt to accommodate three consecutive roundabouts, serving the interchange and a nearby frontage road intersection. Another interchange was constructed on the Richardson at Dawson Road, at the far eastern edge of city limits. These improvements eliminated a number of at-grade access points to the Richardson, which had accumulated a decades-long history of serious accidents.

On April 22, 2006, police arrested several students at North Pole Middle School for allegedly plotting a school shooting, much along the lines of the Columbine High School massacre. Death in Santaland, a TV documentary about the town and the foiled school shooting plot, was made by the British journalist Jon Ronson and broadcast on the television channel More 4 in 2007.

The city government has had an often contentious history. A past mayor, Jeff Jacobson, was criticized for maintaining his full-time mayor's job while at the same time working full-time as a teacher at North Pole Middle School. In 2004, he sent a letter (and a lump of coal) to U.S. Senator John McCain about a comment he made regarding why the city's "elves" needed money for a recreation project that he considered a pork barrel project.

The current mayor of North Pole is Michael Welch. The city council consists of six members serving staggered three-year terms, with municipal elections held each October. In 2022, the city council consists of Santa Claus (2019–2022), Aino Welch (2020–2023), DeJohn Cromer (2020–2023), David Skipps (2021–2024), and Anton Keller (2021–2024).

In 2014, Americans for Prosperity quickly pulled an ad campaign in Alaska after Koch Industries closed the Flint Hills Resources Refinery in North Pole.

Geography

North Pole is located at 64.75111°N, -147.35194°W (64.75111°N, -147.35194°W). It is 13 mi southeast of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway. The city is about 1700 mi south of Earth's geographic North Pole.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 4.2 sqmi, of which 4.2 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (0.47%) is water. The city is to the north and east of the Tanana River, though access to the river is not easy due to the extensive system of levees. Beaver Springs Slough meanders through the heart of the city, emptying into Chena Slough.

North Pole is the recommended city name for all of ZIP Code 99705, which stretches between Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base, and between the Chena River and the Tanana River, including the census-designated places of Badger, which spans subdivisions connecting the eastern edge of Fairbanks and North Pole, and Moose Creek.

Climate
North Pole has a subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc). Temperatures in North Pole are heavily affected by the amount of sunlight with almost no seasonal lag effect from solar radiation. North Pole's Santa Claus House is actually closed during the week in January and February due to extreme cold in those months. Due to being landlocked and protected by mountain ranges from marine influences, North Pole, much like the rest of the Alaskan Interior, sees little seasonal lag and much greater seasonal temperature swings than areas along the coast such as Anchorage, with winters that can dip to many tens of degrees below zero Fahrenheit with average lows remaining below 0 from November 5 to March 18, and summers that see many days in the 70s, 80s, and on occasion, even 90s F.

Extreme temperatures range from −67 °F on January 5–6, 1975 up to 95 °F on June 15, 1969, and June 25, 1983; the record cold daily maximum is -62 °F, set on January 6, 1975, while, conversely, the record warm daily minimum is 66 °F on June 22, 1987. The coldest day of the year averaged -40 F in the 2001 to 2020 normals, while the warmest night average was at 59 F. The coldest has been January 1971 with a mean temperature of -36.1 F, while the warmest month was June 2004 at 65.1 F; the annual mean temperature has ranged from 20.5 F in 1975 to 32.1 F in 2019. North Pole has about 238.8 days a year with nighttime temperatures below 32 F, and 114.7 days a year with nighttime temperatures below 0 F.

Demographics
North Pole first appeared on the 1960 U.S. Census as a city, 7 years after it formally incorporated in 1953. The census of 1960 reported a figure of 615, but the 1970 census reported the 1960 figure as 358.

As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 1,570 people, 605 households, and 381 families residing in the city. The population density was 373.6 PD/sqmi. There were 653 housing units at an average density of 155.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 81.0% White, 5.7% Black or African American, 3.6% Native American, 2.6% Asian, 0.5% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 5.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.8 % of the population.

There were 605 households, of which 38.5% had children under 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.9% were non-families. 26.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.6% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.8% under the age of 18, 13.2% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 18.5% from 45 to 64, and 5.2% who were 65 or older. The median age was 29. For every 100 females, there were 110.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $44,583, and the median income for a family was $54,583. Males had a median income of $32,917 versus $27,240 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,426. About 6.2% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.0% of those under 18 and 22.6% of those 65 or over.

Politics
North Pole is the most Republican-leaning area in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. In 2008 House District 11, which comprises the North Pole area, gave John McCain 7,736 votes (78.4% of the total) to Barack Obama's 1,924 (19.5%). In the 2010 gubernatorial election, Republican Sean Parnell received 5,727 votes (76.8%) to Democrat Ethan Berkowitz's 1,451 (19.5%). Republican Joe Miller received 57.3% of North Pole's vote in his failed bid against incumbent U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski's write-in campaign.

Education
The city is in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. North Pole Elementary School, North Pole Middle School, and North Pole High School are within the city limits. The middle and high schools also share an attendance area with students from Midnight Sun Elementary, Ticasuk Brown Elementary, and Two Rivers Elementary.

Notable people

 * Daryn Colledge (born 1982), NFL guard, was raised in North Pole and graduated from North Pole High School
 * Pheonix Copley (born 1992), goaltender for the Los Angeles Kings and formerly the Washington Capitals.
 * Terry Miller (1942–1989), entered politics at age 20, serving on the first Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly. He eventually became president of the Alaska Senate as well as Lieutenant Governor of Alaska from 1978 to 1982 under Governor Jay Hammond
 * Mike W. Miller (born 1951), brother of Terry Miller, was also involved in politics, serving for 18 years in the Alaska Legislature and also serving as Alaska's Commissioner of Administration under Governor Frank Murkowski
 * Bob Ross (1942–1995), TV painter, stated numerous times during his show that he lived in North Pole for over a decade and that the scenery surrounding the town was of great inspiration for his work
 * Lee Shaner (born 1981), better known by his stage name Intuition, American rapper
 * Gene Therriault (born 1960), Mike Miller's successor in both the Alaska House of Representatives and the Alaska Senate, Therriault and Miller both served as president of the Alaska Senate
 * Santa Claus (born Thomas Patrick O'Connor, 1947), current mayor pro tem and former congressional candidate, known for his likeness and imitation of the legendary figure

In popular culture

 * In the Marvel Comics series New Avengers, the town was depicted as destroyed in "the Collective" story arc published over the course of the spring of 2006.
 * The ABC reality show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition built a new house for a local family in one week in July 2006. The episode of the show was used as a premiere to the show's season, and as a kickoff point for the show's plans to rebuild a home in each state.
 * In 2007, artist David Choe made North Pole, Alaska his final destination of Thumbs Up!, Season 2.
 * Jon Ronson's book, Lost at Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries documents the author's journey through the town as he interviews residents about the April 2006 botched middle school shooting.

title: North Pole, Alaska


text:
Pleasant Valley, Alaska

Pleasant Valley is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, United States. It is part of the Fairbanks, Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 725 at the 2010 census, up from 623 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Pleasant Valley is located at 64.87722°N, -146.88389°W (64.877256, -146.884023), in the valley of the Chena River 28 mi east of Fairbanks. It is placed between the hills and is accessible by Chena Hot Springs Road.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 80.6 km2, all of it land. Pleasant Valley gets 15 in of rain per year.

Demographics
Pleasant Valley first appeared on the 1990 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 623 people, 219 households, and 162 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 7.9 /km2. There were 246 housing units at an average density of 3.1 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 87.96% White, 4.82% Native American, 2.09% Asian, 0.32% Pacific Islander, 0.16% from other races, and 4.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.57% of the population.

There were 219 households, out of which 41.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.3% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.6% were non-families. 19.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.29.

In the CDP the population was spread out, with 31.0% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 30.8% from 45 to 64, and 2.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 109.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $49,464, and the median income for a family was $41,719. Males had a median income of $50,750 versus $22,969 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,633. About 10.1% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.4% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Pleasant Valley, Alaska


text:
Salcha, Alaska

Salcha (Tanana: Soł Chaget, Tanacross: Saagescheeg) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fairbanks North Star Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is part of the Fairbanks, Alaska Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,095 at the 2010 census, up from 854 in 2000.

Geography
Salcha is located at 64.52056°N, -147.01139°W (64.520455, -147.011452). The village was first reported in 1898 by the U.S. Geological Survey as "Salchaket", deriving from the Tanana name Soł Chaget meaning "the mouth of Salcha". It is about 40 mi south of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway. It is next to the Salcha River, a popular fishing destination. It is also next to the Tanana River. Salcha has its own post office. The ZIP code for Salcha is 99714. The Salcha Seismic Zone underlies the community.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 196.7 km2, of which 191.6 km2 is land and 5.1 km2, or 2.59%, is water.

Climate
Salcha has a dry-winter continental subarctic climate (Köppen Dwc).

Demographics
Salcha first appeared on the 1980 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 854 people, 317 households, and 224 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 11.9 PD/sqmi. There were 388 housing units at an average density of 5.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 87.82% White, 1.64% Black or African American, 3.86% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.23% Pacific Islander, 1.29% from other races, and 4.22% from two or more races. 2.81% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 317 households, out of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.3% were non-families. 21.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 29.6% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 6.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $54,063, and the median income for a family was $61,563. Males had a median income of $42,863 versus $26,071 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,616. None of the families and 3.9% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Salcha, Alaska


text:
Two Rivers, Alaska

Two Rivers is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, United States. It lies between mile 13 (the Little Chena River) and mile 25 (the Chena River) on the Chena Hot Springs Road, northeast of Fairbanks. As of the 2010 United States Census, the CDP had a population of 719, up from 482 in 2000.

Geography and climate
Two Rivers is located at 64.8625°N, -147.09889°W (64.862366, -147.098884).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 28.5 sqmi, all of it land.

Two Rivers has a subarctic climate (Dfc) showing signs of seasonal lead, with June being warmer than August and May being warmer than September. Summers are warm and rainy, coupled with cool nights, while winters are severely cold and snowy, with annual snowfall averaging 62 inches (157 cm).

Demographics
Two Rivers first appeared on the 1980 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 482 people, 177 households, and 124 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 16.9 PD/sqmi. There were 192 housing units at an average density of 6.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 88.59% White, 0.21% Black or African American, 2.70% Native American, 2.49% Asian, 0.83% from other races, and 5.19% from two or more races. 1.24% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 177 households, out of which 40.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.9% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.9% were non-families. 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 1.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the CDP the population was spread out, with 31.1% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 34.6% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 1.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 120.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 119.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $58,571, and the median income for a family was $58,661. Males had a median income of $45,500 versus $21,736 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $24,351. None of the families and none of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Economy
Most Two Rivers residents who are not self-employed work in Fairbanks, North Pole or the area's military installations, Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright. Businesses in Two Rivers include one general store, restaurants, a post office, a laundromat and the former HIPAS Observatory, which closed in 2011.

Most people who move to Two Rivers are attracted by the rural nature of the community and the extensive network of trails in the area. The trail system is popular with dog sled mushers, horseback, snowmachine, motorcycle and ATV riders, hunters, hikers, and others. Two Rivers borders the extensive Chena River State Recreation Area.

Two Rivers is especially popular with both recreational and professional dog sled mushers. Sled dogs outnumber humans in Two Rivers by about 4 to 1. Notable Two Rivers mushers include 5-time Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Champion Rick Swenson, the first Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race champion, Sonny Lindner, and only woman to win that race, Aliy Zirkle (2000) and her husband Allen Moore who won the 2013 Yukon Quest making them the only husband and wife team to have both won the race. In February, Two Rivers hosts a checkpoint for the Yukon Quest.

title: Two Rivers, Alaska


text:
Covenant Life, Alaska

Covenant Life is a census-designated place (CDP) in Haines Borough, Alaska, United States. At the 2020 census the population was 25, down from 86 at the 2010 census.

It is a community of people with common religious beliefs, with a panel of church elders who set policy for the community's common church, K-12 school, and private 4-year university, and a loose form of self- (municipal) government. An emphasis on community living is a key value in their lifestyle, such as taking most meals together in a common meeting place. The community was established during a Christian religious movement in the 1960s and 1970s, where many such communities were established in Alaska and Canada, with emphasis on self-sufficiency and at least partial agricultural independence. The latter lends to the term often used by outsiders as "The Farm", in reference to a single such community. Modern technology is not forbidden, nor discouraged, but due to remoteness and complete lack of public utilities, it is present much less so than in American and Canadian culture.

Geography
Covenant Life is located in northern Haines Borough at 59.4°N, -136.07639°W (59.400046, -136.076433), between the Klehini River to the north and the Tsirku River to the south. The eastern end of the CDP is at the Chilkat River. Covenant Life is bordered by the Mosquito Lake CDP to the north and by the community of Klukwan to the east. The turnoff to Covenant Life from Alaska Route 7 is 25 mi northwest of Haines.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 70.5 km2, of which 70.1 km2 are land and 0.5 km2, or 0.64%, are water.

Demographics
Covenant Life first appeared on the 1990 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 102 people, 25 households, and 22 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 3.9 /sqmi. There were 38 housing units at an average density of 1.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 94.12% White, 0.98% Native American, 3.92% Asian, and 0.98% from two or more races.

There were 25 households, out of which 44.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 84.0% were married couples living together, 4.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.0% were non-families. 4.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.08 and the average family size was 3.59.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 15.7% from 18 to 24, 18.6% from 25 to 44, 32.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 75.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 63.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $34,167, and the median income for a family was $41,250. Males had a median income of $36,875 versus $22,083 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $14,326. There were 4.5% of families and 15.2% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 12.5% of those over 64.

title: Covenant Life, Alaska


text:
Excursion Inlet, Alaska

Excursion Inlet (Lingít: Ḵuyeiḵ’ L’e.aan) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Haines Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. The population was 40 at the 2020 census, up from 12 in 2010.

Geography
The community of Excursion Inlet is located in southern Haines Borough at 58.41139°N, -135.40861°W (58.411303, -135.408740), on the east side of Excursion Inlet, an arm of the Icy Strait. The CDP extends north to the boundary of Glacier Bay National Park near the head of Excursion Inlet, south to the mouth of Excursion Inlet, and east to the crest of the Chilkat Range.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 143.5 km2, of which 143.2 km2 are land and 0.4 km2, or 0.25%, are water.

Demographics
Excursion Inlet first appeared on the 1940 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village. It did not reappear until the 2000 U.S. Census when it was made a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 10 people, 8 households, and 2 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 0.2 PD/sqmi. There were 85 housing units at an average density of 1.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 100.00% White.

There were 8 households, out of which none had children under the age of 18 living with them, 25.0% were married couples living together, and 75.0% were non-families. 75.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.25 and the average family size was 2.00.

In the CDP, the population age groups were spread out, with 30.0% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 50.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 60 years. For every 100 females, there were 400.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 400.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $16,250, and the median income for a family was $10,000. Males had a median income of $38,750 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,188. Below the poverty line were 25.0% of the population, 50.0% of families, none of those under 18 and 40.0% of those over 64.

History
Excursion Inlet was originally an Alaska Native settlement, one of several locations where the Huna Tlingit dispersed around 1750 (Little Ice Age) when the glaciers of present day Glacier Bay Basin advanced into Icy Strait. Excursion Inlet has had a fishing cannery since 1891. The current plant, constructed in 1918, still functions to this day. It mostly processes pink and chum salmon, as well as salmon roe, salmon caviar, halibut and sablefish. It is located near the mouth of the inlet, about 40 mi west of Juneau. Its seasons run from late June to mid-September. Excursion Inlet Cannery is one of the largest fish canneries in the world and was acquired by Ocean Beauty Seafoods in 2003.

During the early stages of American involvement in World War II, the United States Army built a major barge terminal at Excursion Inlet. Capable of handling large ocean-going cargo ships and intended to be manned by thousands of soldiers, the terminal was built to serve as a logistics base for the Army's efforts to liberate the Aleutian Islands from their Japanese invaders. However, by the time the terminal was completed in late 1943, the Aleutian Campaign was effectively over, and the terminal had no evident future purpose. When the facility's existence became public knowledge in early 1945, newspapers decried it as a wasteful boondoggle, and the Army opted to quietly shut it down. German prisoners of war were later brought in to dismantle the base and salvage usable materials. The docks and some of the buildings were sold to the cannery and remain standing today.

title: Excursion Inlet, Alaska


text:
Haines, Alaska

Haines (Tlingit: Deishú) is a census-designated place located in Haines Borough, Alaska, United States. It is in the northern part of the Alaska Panhandle and near Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. As of the 2020 census, the population of the Haines CDP was 1,657, down from 1,713 in 2010; it has 79.6% of Haines Borough's total population.

History

The original Native name for Haines was Deishú, meaning "end of the trail"; it was named by the Chilkat group of the Tlingit. The name is derived from the fact that they could portage (carry) their canoes from the trail they used to trade with the interior. The trail began at the outlet of the Chilkat River and went to Dtehshuh; portaging saved 20 mi of rowing around the Chilkat Peninsula.

The first European, George Dickinson, an agent for the North West Trading Company, settled at Dtehshuh in 1879. In 1881, the Chilkat asked Sheldon Jackson to send missionaries to the area.

John Muir and Samuel Hall Young, a Presbyterian minister, were sent. Jackson built the Chilkat Mission and school at Dtehshuh in 1881, on land given to the church by the Chilkat. The Mission was renamed "Haines" in 1884 in honor of Francina E. Haines, the chairwoman of the committee that raised funds for its construction. Haines is the only town in Southeast Alaska to have been named after a woman. At the time, the boundary between Canada and the U.S. was disputed and vaguely defined. There were overlapping land claims from the United States' purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867 and British claims along the coast.

The Klondike Gold Rush of 1896–1899 changed the region greatly. Haines became a supply center for the Dalton Trail from Chilkat Inlet offered a route to the Yukon for prospectors. Gold was discovered 36 mi from Haines in 1899 at the Porcupine District. The sudden importance of the region increased the urgency of fixing an exact boundary. There were reports that Canadian citizens were harassed by the U.S. as a deterrent to making any land claims. In 1898 the national governments agreed on a compromise, but the government of British Columbia rejected it. U.S. President McKinley proposed a permanent lease of a port near Haines, but Canada rejected that compromise.

The economy continued to grow and diversify. Four canneries were constructed around the mission by 1900. However, the completion of the White Pass and Yukon Route railway in neighboring Skagway that same year led to the Dalton Trail's eventual abandonment and Haines' economic decline. In 1903, the Hay-Herbert Treaty entrusted the border decision to arbitration by a mixed tribunal of six members, three American and three Canadian–British, who determined in favor of the United States, resulting in the present-day border.

Fort William H. Seward, a United States Army installation, was constructed south of Haines and completed by 1904, on property donated by the mission from its holdings. In 1922, the fort was renamed Chilkoot Barracks. It was the only United States Army post in Alaska before World War II. During World War II, it was used as a supply point for some U.S. Army activities in Alaska. The fort was deactivated in 1946 and sold as surplus property to a group of investors (Ted Gregg, Carl Heinmiller, Marty Cordes, Clarence Mattson, and Steve Homer) who called it "Port Chilkoot", thus forming the Port Chilkoot Company. Port Chilkoot was incorporated as a city in 1956. In 1970, Port Chilkoot merged with Haines into one municipality. Heinmiller was Port Chilkoot's mayor for the majority of its existence as a separate city. In 1972, the fort was designated a National Historic Landmark and the name, Fort William H. Seward, was restored.

Haines was the southern terminal of the Haines-Fairbanks Pipeline (not connected or related to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System), which provided refined petroleum products to Fort Greely, Eielson Air Force Base, and Ladd Air Force Base (transferred to the Army as Fort Wainwright in 1961). The 626 mi, 8 in pipeline carried diesel, automotive gas, jet fuel, and aviation gas from Haines to Fairbanks from 1955 until it was retired by the U.S. Army in 1973, due to deterioration and prohibitive repair costs. An Army facility with storage tanks existed alongside the Haines Terminal, which was maintained by the Army for another decade. The construction and maintenance of the terminal and storage facility were a significant factor in the Haines economy for four decades. All but one of the canneries closed by 1972 due to declining fish stocks leaving Haines Packing Co. as the sole remaining cannery located in Haines. Nonetheless, commercial fishing remained an important part of the local economy.

In October 2002, voters approved a measure consolidating the city of Haines and Haines Borough into a home rule borough.

Geography and climate
Haines has a dry-summer humid continental climate with warm summers (Köppen: Dsb), although featuring nearly double the precipitation of nearby Skagway.

The Haines CDP is located in the north-central part of Haines Borough at 59.2338°N, -135.44701°W. The CDP is situated on the Chilkat Peninsula at a narrow spot called the Deshu Isthmus. The community is bounded by Portage Cove of Chilkoot Inlet to the east and by the Chilkat River at its mouth into the Chilkat Inlet to the west. To the south, down the Chilkat Peninsula, Haines is bordered by the CDP of Mud Bay, and, to the north, it is bordered by the Lutak CDP. Alaska Route 7, the Haines Highway, terminates at Haines and leads northwest 39 mi to the Canadian border near Pleasant Camp, British Columbia. The Haines Highway continues north to a junction with the Alaska Highway at Haines Junction, Yukon, 147 mi from Haines.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Haines CDP has a total area of 53.4 km2, of which 34.2 sqkm are land and 19.3 sqkm, or 36.02%, are water. Winters are mild by Alaskan standards, with an average January high temperature around 30 °F, and the average low around 20 °F. Summers are cool to mild, with an average July high temperature of 65 °F, and an average low of 51 °F. Various days in the summer surpass 77 °F, with highest recorded temperature being 98 °F on July 31, 1976, and the record low is −18 °F on January 3, 1998.

During the 21st century, Haines has twice set a local record for snowfall: for the 2006−2007 season it received 309 in of snow, a record broken during the 2011−2012 season, when it received 360 in.

Demographics
Haines first appeared on the 1900 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village. It formally incorporated in 1910. It disincorporated in 2002 and became a census-designated place (CDP).

2010 Census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,474 people and 1,087 households. The racial makeup of the city was 79.7% White, 10.5% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 7.74% from other races, and 8.2% from two or more races, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.27.

In the city the age distribution of the population shows 26.7% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 28.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.7 males. The median income for a household in the city was $39,926, and the median income for a family was $51,316. Males had a median income of $41,103 versus $30,278 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,505. About 5.8% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 2.4% of those age 65 or over.

Attractions

Many tourists visit during when there is an annual appearance of bald eagles in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve between October and February. Haines has the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world at that time. Each May, Haines holds Alaska's longest running beer festival with over 1,500 visitors and breweries from Alaska and Yukon.

Haines is the host of the Southeast Alaska State Fair, with four days of festivities on the last weekend of July. Vendors, games, rides, and a music festival bring people from all over Alaska for this event. The community and surrounding area are popular for outdoor recreation. Rafting in the Chilkat River and hiking in the Takshanuk Mountains (Mount Ripinsky and other peaks) are both popular. Growing winter recreational opportunities are available at and around Chilkat Pass, for which Haines serves as a gateway with the Haines Highway. In recent years, Haines has continued to receive quite a bit of attention as a heli-skiing site. The Davidson Glacier, due to its relatively accessible nature, is a popular attraction.

Lutak Inlet and Chilkoot Lake are easily accessible and popular fishing sites. Lutak Inlet is frequented by numerous sea lions, seals, and orcas. Fort William H. Seward is a nationally recognized historic site (declared a National Historic Landmark in 1978) where a number of barracks, officer housing, and the parade grounds are maintained in private ownership today. Some of the structures are open to the public as businesses and restaurants. The fort is also referred to as "Port Chilkoot", a leftover term from the Port Chilkoot Company, which was formed after World War II by a group of investors who purchased the fort from the federal government.

Haines has a number of cultural offerings. Alaska Indian Arts offers demonstrations by traditional craftsmen. History of the town of Haines and the local Tlingit people are featured in the Sheldon Museum & Cultural Center. The Hammer Museum is dedicated to the history of the hammer in human society. The Tsirku Canning Company Museum offers a glimpse of Haines' historic salmon canneries. The American Bald Eagle Foundation offers visitors a chance to tour the Natural History Museum, full of items from Southeast Alaska, and meet 9 raptor ambassadors. The ambassadors include 3 bald eagles (Bella, Arden, and Vega), 2 red-tailed hawks (Sitka and Warrior), one Eurasian eagle owl (Hans), one Eastern screech owl (Dylan), one Northern hawk owl (Cirrus), and one Peregrin falcon (Ole).

Haines is the location for the Southeast Alaskan State Fair, held annually each July. Among other attractions, the fairgrounds incorporate a portion of the set from Walt Disney's White Fang film, filmed in Haines in 1990. The surviving set includes a dozen small structures common to a mining town of the period of Jack London's book of the same name.

Education
Haines is home to the Haines Borough Public Library and the Haines Borough School District, which consists of a K-12 and three divisions in a single building: Haines Elementary (K-6) Haines Middle/High School (7-12) The Haines Home School is also in operation. As of October 2018, the district's student enrollment was 258.

Transportation
Haines is more accessible than most other southeast Alaskan communities of its size, as it is connected to the North American highway system by the Haines Highway, which passes through British Columbia on its way to the junction with the Alaska Highway at Haines Junction, Yukon. However, snow and ice conditions in the winter and the long driving times can often make this route less feasible, and at times results in closure of the portion of the highway in the Chilkat Pass, just north of the Canada–US border. Haines is one of only three cities in southeast Alaska which are accessible by road to another city, the other two being Skagway and Hyder. The primary mode of intra-Alaskan transportation is by the Alaska Marine Highway. The Lynn Canal route of the ferry system (Juneau-Haines-Skagway) is the only profitable route in the entire system and often receives a large amount of ferry traffic, especially in the summer.

The Haines Airport receives a large amount of traffic, with one air carrier (Alaska Seaplanes) providing services to Skagway and Juneau. Haines became a port-of-call to several cruise ship operators including Princess Cruises and the Holland-America Line. As of summer 2009, the cruise ship visiting frequency was about 18 per season, according to local residents. Between 2010 and 2012, an average of 30,000 cruise ship passengers visited annually. The cruise ship berth is very near Fort William H. Seward.

Health care
Haines is served by Haines Health Center, the only primary health clinic in the area. The facility is part of the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, or SEARHC, a non-profit tribal health consortium of 18 Native communities. The area is also served continuously by local emergency medical services. Individuals in need of dire medical attention are transported by air via helicopter or air ambulance to Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau (approximately 35 minutes away by plane). Whitehorse General Hospital in Whitehorse, Yukon is the nearest hospital to Haines that is accessible by road (approximately 4.5 hours away).

The difficulties in accessing health care for rural dwellers in general were examined in a short black-and-white documentary set and filmed in and around Haines in 1956, documenting and dramatizing a stop on the travels of a public health nurse and doctor (both female) aboard a travelling clinic boat, Hygiene. According to the voiceover narration, the film was cast with local non-actors.

Media
Haines is served by a weekly newspaper, the Chilkat Valley News, as well as the public radio station KHNS which serves upper Lynn Canal (Haines, Skagway, and Klukwan); its studios are in Haines.

In popular culture
At the conclusion of El Camino, which is the 2019 epilogue film to the series Breaking Bad, Jesse Pinkman obtains a new identity, escapes Albuquerque, New Mexico and moves to Haines.

Notable people

 * Florence Shotridge, Tlingit ethnographer, museum educator, and weaver
 * Jennie Thlunaut, Tlingit master weaver
 * Bill Thomas, commercial fisherman and former member of the Alaska House of Representatives

title: Haines, Alaska


text:
Lutak, Alaska

Lutak (Lingít: Lḵoot ) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Haines Borough, Alaska, United States. The population was 49 at the 2010 census, up from 39 in 2000.

Geography
Lutak is located at 59.33056°N, -135.62611°W (59.330461, -135.626107) in northern Haines Borough. The CDP surrounds the Lutak Inlet, an arm of the Chilkoot Inlet. It is bordered to the south by the Haines CDP, to the east by the Ferebee River, and to the west by the crest of the Takshanuk Mountains. The Lutak CDP surrounds the valley of the Chilkoot River and Chilkoot Lake. A single road (Lutak Road) leads 10 mi from the mouth of Chilkoot Lake southeast along the south side of Lutak Inlet and the west side of Chilkoot Inlet to Haines.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Lutak CDP has a total area of 345.1 km2, of which 328.8 km2 are land and 16.3 km2, or 4.73%, are water.

Demographics
Lutak first reported on the 1990 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP). Within Lutak was the former Tlingit village of Chilkoot.

As of the census of 2000, there were 39 people, 19 households, and 12 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 0.3 PD/sqmi. There were 39 housing units at an average density of 0.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 89.74% White, 7.69% Native American, and 2.56% from two or more races. 2.56% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 19 households, out of which 21.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.9% were married couples living together, and 31.6% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.05 and the average family size was 2.46.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 15.4% under the age of 18, 2.6% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 41.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 143.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 175.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $61,250, and the median income for a family was $26,250. Males had a median income of $80,488 versus $50,000 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,928. There were no families and none of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Lutak, Alaska


text:
Mosquito Lake, Alaska

Mosquito Lake (Lingít: Xunt’i Áa ) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Haines Borough, Alaska, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 309, up from 221 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Mosquito Lake is located in northern Haines Borough at 59.42778°N, -136.16333°W (59.427723, -136.163435). It is bordered to the south by the Klehini River, to the west by the Canada–United States border from the Pleasant Camp, British Columbia border crossing north to Rozaunt Creek, to the north by Rozaunt Creek, Nataga Creek, and the Kelsall River, and to the east by the Chilkat River. To the south across the Klehini River is the Covenant Life CDP, and to the west is the Canadian province of British Columbia. Alaska Route 7, the Haines Highway, runs through the southern part of the CDP in the Klehini River valley, leading southeast 25 mi to Haines and northwest 120 mi to Haines Junction, Yukon Territory.

The CDP takes its name from Mosquito Lake, a small water body next to the Chilkat River in the eastern part of the community, accessible by Mosquito Lake Road from the Haines Highway.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 198.1 sqkm, of which 197.6 sqkm are land and 0.5 sqkm, or 0.27%, are water.

Demographics
Mosquito Lake first reported on the 1990 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 221 people, 86 households, and 55 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2.8 PD/sqmi. There were 126 housing units at an average density of 1.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.40% White, 5.43% Native American, and 3.17% from two or more races.

There were 86 households, out of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.5% were married couples living together, 1.2% had a male householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 23.1% from 25 to 44, 39.8% from 45 to 64, and 4.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 125.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 130.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $34,688, and the median income for a family was $37,500. Males had a median income of $42,917 versus $35,000 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $16,415. About 30.0% of families and 33.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 62.3% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

title: Mosquito Lake, Alaska


text:
Mud Bay, Alaska

Mud Bay (Lingít: Ḵutlkw G̱eeyí ) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Haines Borough, Alaska, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 212, up from 137 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Mud Bay is located in central Haines Borough at 59.14833°N, -135.35333°W (59.148234, -135.353359), on the Chilkat Peninsula. It is bordered to the east by the Chilkoot Inlet and to the west by the Chilkat Inlet, and extends south to the end of the peninsula at Seduction Point, where the two inlets join to form the Lynn Canal. To the north the CDP is bordered by the community of Haines. Chilkat State Park occupies the southern end of the peninsula.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 31.4 km2, of which 0.06 km2, or 0.20%, are water.

Demographics
Mud Bay first appeared on the 2000 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP). This is not to be confused with another Mud Bay, which is a suburb to the northwest of Ketchikan, which reported on the 1960-70 censuses.

As of the census of 2000, there were 137 people, 66 households, and 35 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 11.0 PD/sqmi. There were 110 housing units at an average density of 8.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.97% White, 2.19% Native American, 0.73% from other races, and 5.11% from two or more races. 2.19% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 66 households, out of which 21.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 3.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.5% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.61.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 16.1% under the age of 18, 2.2% from 18 to 24, 43.1% from 25 to 44, 32.8% from 45 to 64, and 5.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $44,750, and the median income for a family was $56,250. Males had a median income of $53,750 versus $19,583 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $24,720. There were none of the families and 9.7% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Mud Bay, Alaska


text:
Anchor Point, Alaska

Anchor Point (Dena'ina: K’kaq’) is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Kenai Peninsula Borough, in the U.S. state of Alaska. As of the 2010 census the population was 1,930, up from 1,845 in 2000. The community is located along the Sterling Highway, part of Alaska State Route 1. Anchor Point is the westernmost point in the North American highway system.

History
The name "Anchor Point" comes from a legend that when Captain James Cook discovered the area, he lost an anchor. Settlers came beginning in the early 1900s.

Geography
Anchor Point is located at 59.7775°N, -151.77028°W (59.777468, -151.770220) on the eastern shore of Cook Inlet. It is bordered to the north by Happy Valley, to the northeast by Nikolaevsk, and to the south by Diamond Ridge. The Anchor River runs through the southern part of the CDP, entering Cook Inlet just west of the town center.

The town is the furthest west on the U.S. highway system. Alaska Route 1 runs southeast from Anchor Bay 15 mi to Homer and northeast 59 mi to Soldotna. Anchorage is 206 mi to the northeast via Route 1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Anchor Bay CDP has a total area of 238.2 km2, of which 237.7 km2 are land and 0.5 km2, or 0.23%, are water.

Economy
A large portion of the Anchor Point economy relies on the Anchor River. Tourists come to fish the river during salmon runs in the summer. The river is also a source of coal. Along the coast, there are good spots for clam-digging, which draws tourists.

Education
Anchor Point is in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. The Chapman School is a pre-kindergarten through eighth grade school off the main highway. Older students generally attend Homer High School.

The Anchor Point Public Library has one employee, and its collection includes approximately 12,000 items.

Demographics
Anchor Point first appeared on the 1880 U.S. Census as the Tinneh village of Laida. It was listed as the Anchor Point Mining Camp on the 1890 census, but along with Laida, was combined with the population of nearby Ninilchik, which had 81 residents in total. It did not report again until the 1940 U.S. Census, then as Anchor Point Settlement. From 1950-onwards, it has reported as Anchor Point. It became a census-designated place (CDP) in 1980.

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,845 people, 711 households, and 467 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 20.3 PD/sqmi. There were 979 housing units at an average density of 10.8 /sqmi.

The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.82% White, 3.36% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.11% Black or African American, 0.60% from other races, and 3.79% from two or more races. 1.73% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 711 households, out of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.3% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 29.3% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 31.3% from 45 to 64, and 7.0[% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 115.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $41,094, and the median income for a family was $49,821. Males had a median income of $39,688 versus $26,731 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,668. About 8.2% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.9% of those under age 18 and 1.5% of those age 65 or over.

Parks
There are two Alaska State Parks units in the area around Anchor Point. Anchor River State Recreation Area stretches along the banks of the river and down to the beach. Five miles north of Anchor Point is the Stariski State Recreation Site, a small park with a campground on a bluff overlooking Cook Inlet.

title: Anchor Point, Alaska


text:
Bear Creek, Alaska

Bear Creek is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States. At the 2020 census the population was 2,129 up from 1,956 in 2010. Bear Creek is a few miles north of Seward near the stream of the same name and its source, Bear Lake.

Geography
Bear Creek is located at 60.17611°N, -149.395°W (60.176060, -149.395066). It is bordered to the south by the city of Seward and to the north by Primrose. The CDP includes the unincorporated community of Woodrow, located at the south end of Bear Lake.

Alaska Route 9, the Seward Highway, runs the length of the Bear Creek community, leading south 4 mi to the center of Seward and north 31 mi to Alaska Route 1 at Tern Lake. Anchorage is 122 mi north of Bear Creek.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 102.2 km2, of which 99.0 km2 are land and 3.3 km2, or 3.21%, are water. The southern border of the CDP is the Resurrection River to its outlet in Resurrection Bay. Bear Lake is in the center, draining south to the Resurrection. The CDP is bordered to the northeast by the South Fork of the Snow River, which flows north to Kenai Lake and is part of the Kenai River watershed flowing west to Cook Inlet.

Demographics
Bear Creek first appeared on the 2000 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

At the 2020 census, there was an aggregate of 1,287 people, 557 households, and 362 families within Bear Creek. Of the 362 families, 322 were married couples, 11 were male householders without a spouse, and 29 were female householders without a spouse.

The population density was 41.7 inhabitants per square mile (16.1/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP in 2021 was 84.1% White, 7.5% Native American, 1.8% Hispanic, 0.8% Asian, and 5.8% two or more other races. The median household income was $63,320. Males had a median income of $48,456 and females $47,188. The per capita income was $30,808. About 6.90% of families and 14.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.5% of those under age 18 and none of those aged 65 or over. The employment to total population rate is 62.60%. The median property value was $230,100 in 2020, 14.9% more than 2019’s median of $200,200. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.32.

Since 2020 the median age of Bear Creek CDP has decreased by 1.5 years for both males and females, 1.1 years for males, and 4.9 years for females, for a total of 44.7 years, 45.9 years, and 38.9 years. From 2017 to 2021 the male and female population for 0-9 year-olds has increased by 74.26% and decreased by 63.5%, increased by 131.08% and 90.87% for 10-19 year-olds, decreased by 210.61% and increased by 121.16% for 20-29 year-olds, decreased by 4.92% and increased by 44.6% for 30-39 year-olds, increased by 71.79% and 35.25% for 40-49 year-olds, decreased by 69.62% and 56.83% for 50-59 year-olds, increased by 21.58% and 70.69% for 60-69 year-olds, and increased by 32.02% and decreased by 35.77% for 70 years and older. For every 100 females, there were 119.0 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 122.6 males.

The most common job groups, by the number of people living in Bear Creek, are Construction & Extraction Occupations with 115 employees, Management Occupations with 97 employees, and Office & Administrative Support Occupations with 90 employees.

title: Bear Creek, Alaska


text:
Beluga, Alaska

Beluga is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States. The population was 20 at the 2010 census, down from 32 in 2000.

Geography
Beluga is located in the northern part of Kenai Peninsula Borough at 61.13389°N, -151.16472°W (61.133962, -151.164741), on the northwest side of Cook Inlet. The community is on the Alaskan mainland rather than the Kenai Peninsula proper. It is bordered to the north by Matanuska-Susitna Borough and to the south by the Tyonek CDP. Access is by air or by water, as the road network is local only.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 261.1 km2, of which 259.2 km2 are land and 1.9 km2, or 0.72%, are water. The southern border of the CDP is the Chuitna River, and the Beluga River flows through the northern part of the CDP.

Demographics
Beluga first appeared on the 2000 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 32 people, 13 households, and 7 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 0.3 PD/sqmi. There were 54 housing units at an average density of 0.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 75.00% White and 25.00% Native American.

There were 13 households, out of which 38.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% were married couples living together, and 38.5% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 34.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 128.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 140.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $0, and the median income for a family was $0. Males had a median income of $0 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $0. There were no families and none of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Two prominent features are a small general store and the Chugach Electric power plant, which powers about half of Anchorage. The plant is situated on a gas reserve, which allows for on-site extraction of the gas to be used to fuel the plant.

Fishing
There are three main fishing rivers: the Beluga in the north (king salmon, silver salmon, and sockeye salmon), the Chuitna in the south (king salmon and silver salmon), and Three Mile Creek in the middle (silver salmon). Two other rivers, the Theodore and the Lewis (both with king salmon and silver salmon), are a short distance northeast of the CDP. There are countless freshwater lakes in the Beluga area. A record pike caught in one was 49 in and was caught using ice fishing gear.

Many set net fishers also fish from shore commercially to make a living. A good catch is about 100 salmon.

title: Beluga, Alaska


text:
Clam Gulch, Alaska

Clam Gulch (Dena'ina: Qałnigi D’nazludt) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 207.

Geography
Clam Gulch is located on the west side of the Kenai Peninsula at 60.22778°N, -151.39389°W (60.227786, -151.393907) on the shores of Cook Inlet. It is bordered to the north by Cohoe and to the south by Ninilchik. The only road access is via the Sterling Highway (Alaska Route 1), which leads northeast 22 mi to Soldotna and south 53 mi to Homer.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 34.6 km2, of which 0.02 sqkm, or 0.06%, are water.

Demographics
Clam Gulch first appeared as an unincorporated village on the 1970 U.S. Census. It was made a census-designated place (CDP) in 1980. As of the census of 2000, there were 173 people, 67 households, and 42 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 12.6 PD/sqmi. There were 115 housing units at an average density of 8.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.49% White, 2.89% Native American, 1.16% Asian, and 3.47% from two or more races.

There were 67 households, out of which 40.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.3% were non-families. 28.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 31.8% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65–84 years of age. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.0 males. For every 100 females age 16 and over, there were 103.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $37,500, and the median income for a family was $44,375. Males had a median income of $25,625 versus $27,083 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,983. About 7.0% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.2% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

Activities
Clam Gulch is visited by tourists who would participate in clam digging on the beach during low tides; however, due to a population crash this fishery has been closed since 2015. In the winter there are many "poker runs" by snow-machine enthusiasts, and in the past Clam Gulch has been the half-way point for the Tustumena 200 Sled Dog Race.

Clam Gulch State Recreation Area is a 495 acre park on the bluffs on Cook Inlet. It has over 100 campsites, a rough beach access road, and a staircase down the bluff to the beach. The bluff features views of the Aleutian Range, including the volcanoes Mount Iliamna, Mount Redoubt, and Mount Spurr.

title: Clam Gulch, Alaska


text:
Cohoe, Alaska

Cohoe (Dena'ina: Qughuhnaz’ut) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 1,364, up from 1,168 in 2000.

Geography
Cohoe is located on the western side of the Kenai Peninsula at 60.30139°N, -151.29583°W (60.301277, -151.295952). It is bordered to the west by Cook Inlet, to the south by Clam Gulch and Ninilchik, to the east by the outlet of Tustumena Lake, and to the northeast by the Kasilof River and the communities of Kasilof and Kalifornsky.

Alaska Route 1 (Sterling Highway) passes through Cohoe, leading northeast 15 mi to Soldotna and south 59 mi to Homer.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 189.9 km2, of which 180.9 km2 are land and 9.0 km2, or 4.73%, are water.

Demographics
Cohoe first appeared on the 1960 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village. It did not appear again until 1990 when it was made a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,168 people, 445 households, and 295 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 16.7 PD/sqmi. There were 630 housing units at an average density of 9.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 90.15% White, 0.26% Black or African American, 4.54% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 0.60% from other races, and 3.68% from two or more races. 1.71% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 445 households, out of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.4% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.7% were non-families. 26.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 31.3% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 7.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 117.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $38,542, and the median income for a family was $44,167. Males had a median income of $40,125 versus $26,154 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,059. About 8.0% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.9% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Cohoe, Alaska


text:
Cooper Landing, Alaska

Cooper Landing is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States, about 100 mi south of Anchorage, at the outlet of Kenai Lake into the Kenai River. The town was first settled in the 19th century by gold and mineral prospectors, and has become a popular summer tourist destination thanks to its scenic location and proximity to the salmon fishery of the Kenai River and Russian River. As of the 2010 census, the population in Cooper Landing was 289, down from 369 in 2000.

History
Cooper Landing was named for Joseph Cooper, a miner who discovered gold there in 1884. However, Peter Doroshin, a Russian engineer, had identified gold prospects as far back as 1848 when the territory was still part of Russian America.

Cooper Creek was first recorded in 1898 by the U.S. Geological Survey. In 1900, the Census found 21 miners and 1 wife living at Cooper Creek. The Riddiford Post Office began operations in 1924, and the Riddiford School opened in 1928.

In 1938, a road was constructed east to Seward. In 1948, a road west to Kenai was opened, and by 1951, residents could drive north to Anchorage. The Cooper Landing Community Club was first formed in 1949. The Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Facility was constructed in 1959-60.

In 1946, Pat and Helen Gwin arrived in Cooper Landing which had about 100 residents then. The Gwins eked out a living by operating a small packaged goods store out of a tent. That same year, construction began on the highway from Cooper Landing to Homer. The Sterling Highway, the road that is the artery of the Kenai Peninsula, opened in 1950, and subsequently the Seward Highway opened in 1951. Gwin's Lodge was built from spruce logs harvested from the surrounding Chugach National Forest. Cutting, hauling and hand-peeling the logs, Pat and Helen Gwin completed and opened the lodge on January 1, 1952. Pat and Helen parted ways in 1959, but Helen stayed to run the lodge and retired in 1976. The historic Gwin's Lodge is one of the oldest log roadhouses in Alaska and is still in operation today.

The Cooper Landing Post Office is the oldest building in the area that is still used and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
Cooper Landing is located in the north-central part of the Kenai Peninsula at 60.49056°N, -149.79444°W (60.490529, -149.794519). The center of the community is at the west end of Kenai Lake, where the lake flows into the Kenai River. The CDP extends east up Kenai Lake beyond the mouth of Quartz Creek from the north. To the south the CDP reaches Cooper Lake, and Cooper Creek, the lake's outlet, forms a portion of the CDP's southern border. The CDP reaches west down the Kenai River as far as the mouth of the Russian River, and to the north the CDP extends up the valley of Juneau Creek as far as Trout Lake. Elevations in the CDP range from approximately 330 ft above sea level at the mouth of the Russian River, to 436 ft at Kenai Lake, to 4576 ft at the summit of Cecil Rhode Mountain between Kenai Lake and Cooper Creek.

Alaska Route 1, the Sterling Highway, passes through the community, leading north 102 mi to Anchorage and southwest 120 mi to Homer. Soldotna, the Kenai Peninsula Borough seat, is 45 mi to the west on AK-1, and Seward is 47 mi to the southeast via routes 1 and 9.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Cooper Landing CDP has a total area of 180.9 km2, of which 170.3 km2 are land, and 10.6 km2, or 5.85%, are water.

Climate
Cooper Landing has a subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc).

Demographics
Cooper Landing first appeared on the 1950 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village. It was made a census-designated place (CDP) in 1980.

As of the census of 2000, there were 369 people, 162 households, and 96 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 5.6 PD/sqmi. There were 379 housing units at an average density of 5.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 91.60% White, 0.27% Black or African American, 2.98% Native American, 1.63% Asian, 0.27% from other races, and 3.25% from two or more races. 1.08% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 162 households, out of which 21.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 4.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.7% were non-families. 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.74.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 18.2% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 32.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 117.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 120.4 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $34,844, and the median income for a family was $51,250. Males had a median income of $46,319 versus $34,276 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $24,795. None of the families and 2.2% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Cooper Landing, Alaska


text:
Crown Point, Alaska

Crown Point is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States. The population was 74 at the 2010 census. Land access to this area is by either the Alaska Railroad or the Seward Highway.

Geography
Crown Point is located in the north-central part of the Kenai Peninsula at 60.41889°N, -149.35528°W (60.418833, -149.355340), near the confluence of the Trail River and Kenai Lake. It is bordered to the north by Moose Pass and to the south by Primrose. Alaska Route 9, the Seward Highway, leads north from Crown Point 12 mi to Alaska Route 1 at Tern Lake, and south 24 mi to Seward. Portions of this CDP were once the settlement known as Lawing, which was centered around Alaska Nellie's Homestead.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Crown Point CDP has a total area of 9.3 km2, all of it land.

Demographics
Crown Point first appeared on the 1990 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 75 people, 28 households, and 19 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 21.1 PD/sqmi. There were 38 housing units at an average density of 10.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 88.00% White, 4.00% Native American, 1.33% Asian, 1.33% from other races, and 5.33% from two or more races. 2.67% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 28 households, out of which 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.7% were married couples living together, 3.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.1% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 21.3% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 36.0% from 45 to 64, and 9.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 126.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $59,063, and the median income for a family was $59,063. Males had a median income of $36,250 versus $41,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,498. There were no families and 15.6% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 100.0% of those over 64.

title: Crown Point, Alaska


text:
Diamond Ridge, Alaska

Diamond Ridge (Dena'ina: Ch’aqiniggech’) is a census-designated place (CDP) just outside Homer in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 1,156, down from 1,802 in 2000.

Geography
Diamond Ridge is located at 59.66528°N, -151.57083°W (59.665391, -151.570826) and is bordered to the south by the city of Homer and to the southeast by the city of Kachemak. To the east is the Fritz Creek CDP, while to the north and west is the Anchor Point CDP. The farthest west part of the Diamond Ridge CDP borders Cook Inlet at the mouth of Kachemak Bay.

The area is named for the high ground, Diamond Ridge, on which it sits. The ridge reaches an elevation of 1202 ft above sea level and is in the southern part of the CDP. Parallel landforms to the north are Crossman Ridge in the center of the CDP and a ridge connecting 1513 ft Ohlson Mountain and 1622 ft Lookout Mountain in the north. The terrain slopes north from the ridges to the Anchor River, which forms the northern boundary of the CDP.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Diamond Ridge CDP has a total area of 109.8 km2, of which 0.01 km2, or 0.01%, are water. The main access is via Diamond Ridge Road, which runs across the top of the 5 mi ridge and connects to feeder roads on either side.

Demographics
Diamond Ridge first appeared on the 2000 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,802 people, 683 households, and 471 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 37.8 PD/sqmi. There were 850 housing units at an average density of 17.8 /mi2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.29% White, 0.11% Black or African American, 3.16% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.89% from other races, and 3.11% from two or more races. 2.11% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 683 households, out of which 38.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.0% were non-families. 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 29.7% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 5.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $50,977, and the median income for a family was $61,813. Males had a median income of $51,964 versus $26,548 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $23,864. About 7.9% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 4.8% of those age 65 or over.

Parks and trails
Diamond Ridge is home to two park areas with trail systems. One is the Homer Demonstration Forest, a preserve on the slopes just below the actual ridge itself. It contains an arboretum, self-guided nature trails, and is one end of the Homestead Trail which crosses the demonstration forest, climbs up Diamond Ridge and across a deep valley to Crossman Ridge, eventually ending at the Homer Reservoir. In winter months there are extensive groomed trails for cross-country skiing, as well as a snowshoe trail. The other park in the area is the Diamond Creek State Recreation Area. This is a newer unit of Alaska State Parks and has little development. It is day-use only, camping is not permitted, and the access road is steep and extremely rough in places; vehicles over 25 ft are not permitted on the lower part of the road. The road leads to several parking areas for access to hiking and biking trails. The bike trails are constructed and maintained by a local cycling club.

title: Diamond Ridge, Alaska


text:
Fox River, Alaska

Fox River is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 685, up from 616 in 2000. It was first reported by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1895. The Fox River, which flows by the CDP, might have been named for Theodore Fox, a local mining magnate.

Geography
Fox River is located on the western side of the Kenai Peninsula at 59.8475°N, -150.92611°W (59.847372, -150.926178). It is at the head of Kachemak Bay, where the Fox River enters it. The CDP extends north from the bay to high ground north of Caribou Lake. It is bordered to the southwest by Falls Creek, which separates the community from the Fritz Creek CDP. Most of the current population of Fox River is in the southwest part of the CDP, on high ground overlooking Falls Creek, Swift Creek, and Moose Creek.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 332.2 km2, of which 324.8 km2 are land and 7.5 km2, or 2.25%, are water.

The populated area is known locally as "The Head of the (Kachemak) Bay". Its population resides for the most part in the three Russian Old Believer villages of Voznesenka, Kachemak Selo, and Razdolna. Most of the remainder of the CDP is inside the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and has no population.

Demographics
Fox River first appeared on the 1990 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 616 people, 122 households, and 103 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 4.9 PD/sqmi. There were 170 housing units at an average density of 1.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 99.68% White, 0.16% from other races, and 0.16% from two or more races. 0.16% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 122 households, out of which 73.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 81.1% were married couples living together, 4.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.8% were non-families. 13.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 5.05 and the average family size was 5.73.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 58.0% under the age of 18, 12.0% from 18 to 24, 17.0% from 25 to 44, 9.6% from 45 to 64, and 3.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 15 years. For every 100 females, there were 116.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $26,964, and the median income for a family was $40,938. Males had a median income of $39,063 versus $16,875 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $7,963. About 29.5% of families and 33.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.9% of those under age 18 and 22.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Fox River, Alaska


text:
Fritz Creek, Alaska

Fritz Creek is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States, northeast of Homer. At the 2020 census the population was 2,248, up from 1,932 in 2010.

Fritz Creek Community center and general store
In 1954, two acres of private land were designated by a local family for a Fritz Creek Civic and Social Center, intended to be an alternative to the rowdy bar scene in nearby Homer. A large stockade-style log building was built to house the center. Community events such as square dances were held in the building for years. The center was damaged by the 1964 Alaska earthquake and required major repairs to the foundation. Over time the building became less of a community center and was largely rented out for events.

In 1982 the property was sold and the building was converted into a general store and gas station, with a post office being added in 1983. Hot food and a small dining area were added later and the store returned to being something of a gathering spot for the surrounding community. Eventually a liqour store was added as well. In 2019, the store was told by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation that Stormy, a cat that had lived in the store for years, was in violation of state law and would need to be removed. Stormy was rehomed with a local resident. The building changed hands several more times before being badly damaged in a fire in July 2023. The cause of the fire is not known.

Geography
Fritz Creek is located at 59.73163°N, -151.25053°W, covering an area 6 to 20 mi northeast of Homer. It sits on the north side of Kachemak Bay and is bordered to the southwest by the city of Kachemak, to the west by the Diamond Ridge CDP, and to the northeast by the Fox River CDP.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 139.9 km2, all of it recorded as land.

Climbing from sea level to over 1500 ft, the community offers fantastic views of the Kenai Mountains and Kachemak Bay.

Demographics
Fritz Creek first appeared on the 1970 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village. In 1980 it was made a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,603 people, 661 households, and 413 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 29.5 PD/sqmi. There were 854 housing units at an average density of 15.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.0% White, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. 2.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 661 households, out of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 29.8% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 29.8% from 45 to 64, and 5.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $41,400, and the median income for a family was $49,881. Males had a median income of $42,083 versus $31,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,937. About 3.6% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.4% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Fritz Creek, Alaska


text:
Funny River, Alaska

Funny River is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 877, up from 636 in 2000.

It is best known for the Funny River Fire in May 2014.

Geography
Funny River is located on the northwestern side of the Kenai Peninsula at 60.49389°N, -150.78167°W (60.493952, -150.781743). It is bordered to the west by Soldotna and to the north by the Kenai River, across which is the CDP of Sterling. Road access to the community is only from Soldotna, as there are no bridges across the Kenai River between Funny River and Sterling. The Funny River, for which the community is named, enters the CDP from the south and joins the Kenai River 6 mi upstream from (east of) Soldotna. Browns Lake is in the eastern part of the CDP.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Funny River CDP has a total area of 75.0 km2, of which 69.2 km2 are land and 5.8 km2, or 7.70%, are water.

Demographics
Funny River first appeared on the 2000 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2010, there were 877 people, 278 households, and 182 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 23.4 PD/sqmi. There were 621 housing units at an average density of 22.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.71% White, 1.73% Native American, 1.10% Asian, 1.42% from other races, and 2.04% from two or more races. 0.47% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 278 households, out of which 22.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.9% were married couples living together, 3.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.5% were non-families. 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 20.1% under the age of 18, 3.8% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 38.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 119.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $43,047, and the median income for a family was $51,518. Males had a median income of $29,821 versus $21,875 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,648. About 3.2% of families and 3.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.9% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Funny River, Alaska


text:
Halibut Cove, Alaska

Halibut Cove is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States. The population was 76 at the 2010 census, up from 35 in 2000.

Originally a fishing village, Halibut Cove is now home to several artists and businesses. One of the only floating U.S. post offices is there. A popular tourist destination, the cove offers several lodges and cabins and the only way to get around the cove is by boat.

Geography
Halibut Cove is located in the southern part of the Kenai Peninsula at 59.5975°N, -151.23472°W (59.597549, -151.234607). It lies on the south side of Kachemak Bay, 10 mi southeast of Homer. The CDP is bordered to the east by Halibut Cove and to the west by China Poot Bay, both of which are arms of Kachemak Bay. The town center is on Ismailof Island, lying 500 ft off the main peninsula across a small narrows. Peterson Bay is an inlet west of Ismailof Island.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 29.8 km2, of which 21.5 km2 are land and 8.2 km2, or 27.60%, are water.

Visitors reach Halibut Cove by private boat from Homer; by the locally operated ferry, the Danny J.', 'Stormbird; or by float plane. There is no road access; the primary modes of transportation within the cove are by foot, skiff, or ATV. Areas open to the public around the lagoon are connected by boardwalks, and many homes and businesses are fully or partially constructed on pilings over the water.

Climate
Nabesna has a continental subarctic climate (Köppen Dsc).

Demographics
Halibut Cove first appeared on the 1940 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village. It did not appear on the 1950 census, but returned again in 1960, and in every successive census to date. It was made a census-designated place (CDP) in 1980.

As of the census of 2010, there were 76 people, 34 households, and 21 families residing in the CDP. There were 161 housing units, of which 127, or 78.9%, were vacant. 99 of the vacant housing units were for seasonal or vacation use. The racial makeup of the CDP was 86.8% white, 6.6% Alaska Native American, and 6.6% from two or more races.

Of the 34 households, 17.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were headed by married couples living together, and 38.2% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were individuals, and 14.7% were someone living alone age 65 years or older. The average household size was 2.24, and the average family size was 2.57.

In the CDP, 10.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 13.1% were from 18 to 24, 23.6% were from 25 to 44, 38.1% were from 45 to 64, and 14.5% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 117.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 119.4 males.

title: Halibut Cove, Alaska


text:
Happy Valley, Alaska

Happy Valley (Dena'ina: Shtuhtałent) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 593, up from 489 in 2000.

Geography
Happy Valley is located on the western side of the Kenai Peninsula at 59.94833°N, -151.71861°W (59.948424, -151.718711). It is bordered to the north by Ninilchik, to the south by Anchor Point and Nikolaevsk, and to the west by Cook Inlet. Alaska Route 1 (Sterling Highway) runs through the CDP close to the shore of Cook Inlet; it leads north 47 mi to Soldotna and south 27 mi to Homer.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Happy Valley CDP has a total area of 228.4 km2, of which 7802 sqm, or 0.003%, are water.

Demographics
Happy Valley first appeared on the 1990 U.S. Census as a census-designated place (CDP).

As of the census of 2000, there were 489 people, 196 households, and 131 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 5.5 PD/sqmi. There were 398 housing units at an average density of 4.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 88.34% White, 6.13% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.41% Pacific Islander, 0.82% from other races, and 3.89% from two or more races. 2.86% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 196 households, out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were married couples living together, 4.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.7% were non-families. 22.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.3% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 31.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 118.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 122.2 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $30,139, and the median income for a family was $40,156. Males had a median income of $47,917 versus $20,469 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,377. About 10.9% of families and 17.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.2% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Happy Valley, Alaska