Location and Climate

Allakaket is located on the south bank of the Koyukuk River, southwest of its junction with the Alatna River, approximately 190 air miles northwest of Fairbanks , 57 miles upriver from Hughes and directly across the river from the v illage o f Alatna . The community lies at approximately 66.562610° North Latitude and -152.647560° (West) Longitude (Sec. 14, T020N, R024W, Fairbanks Meridian ). The area encompasses 3.6 sq. miles of land and 0.7 sq. miles of water. New Allakaket is adjacent to and south of the City of Allakaket . The community lies at approximately 66.542680° North Latitude and -152.647690° (West) Longitude (Sec. 23, T020N, R024W, Fairbanks Meridian ). The area encompasses 2.2 sq. miles of land and 0.5 sq. miles of water. Allakaket is located in the Fairbanks Recording District.

The area has a cold, continental climate with extreme temperature differences. The average high temperature during July is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The average low temperature during January is well below zero and extended periods of -40 degrees Fahrenheit are common. The highest temperature ever recorded was 94 degrees Fahrenheit and the lowest was -75 degrees Fahrenheit. Average precipitation is 13 inches and annual snowfall is 72 inches. The Koyukuk River is ice-free from June through October.

History and Culture

Several Native groups have lived in the area, including Koyukon Athabascans and Kobuk, Selawik, and Nunamiut Eskimos from the north and northwest. The Koyukon lived in several camps throughout the year, moving as the seasons changed, following the wild game and fish. The various bands established joint settlements after 1851. The old site of Alatna was a traditional trading center for Athabascans and Eskimos. The first mission on the Koyukuk River, St. John's-in-the-Wilderness Episcopal Mission, was established in 1906. A post office was opened in 1925. In 1938, the name of the community was changed to Allakaket (the old name for the mission), and the name Alatna was assumed by the small Eskimo community across the river.  

The first public school was established in 1957. A flood caused by ice jamming inundated 85% of the community in the spring of 1964. In 1975, the community incorporated as a city, including both Allakaket and Alatna. A clinic and airport were built in 1978.  A new school and community roads were built in 1979. In September 1994, flood waters destroyed and swept away nearly all of the community's buildings, homes, and food caches for the winter. Residents rebuilt near the old city site, but some new homes and facilities are now located outside of the incorporated city boundaries.  New Allakaket and Alatna are located outside of the city limits.

A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Allakaket Village.

The population of both Old and New Allakaket is 98% Alaska Native or part Native. Allakaket is mainly an Athabascan community; Kobuk Eskimos live across the river in Alatna. Two separate village councils exist. Traditional potlatches, dances and foot races attract visitors from area villages.  Subsistence activities provide the majority of food sources. Sale , importation, and possession of alcohol are banned in the village.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care 

Major components public facilities have been replaced since the 1994 flood -- a new washeteria, well and treatment plant, 100,000-gallon water storage tank, sewage lagoon, and force main have recently been completed. The lagoon is connected to the washeteria and school. Residents carry treated water and haul honeybuckets or use pit privies; no households have plumbing. Infrastructure improvements to provide a flush/haul system are continuing. A new landfill and access road are also under construction. Electricity is provided by Alaska Power Company. There is one school located in the community, attended by 52 students. Allakaket Health Clinic serves as a primary health care facility. Allakaket is classified as an isolated village, and is found in EMS Region 1C in the Interior Region. Emergency services have river and air access. Emergency service is provided by a health aide

Economy and Transportation

Most cash jobs are part-time or seasonal. The primary year-round employers are the school, city, and tribe.  Construction and BLM emergency firefighting provide summer jobs. A few members of the community earn income from trapping or selling traditional Native handicrafts. Subsistence is the focus of the local economy. Salmon, whitefish, moose, bear, small game and berries provide most food sources. Caribou are taken when available.

Allakaket has no road link, but winter trails connect it with Hughes, Bettles and Tanana .  River transportation is important in summer, but there is no commercial barge access due to shallow water.  A state-owned 4,000' long by 100' wide gravel runway is accessible year-round. A $6 million airport improvement began construction in 1997. Passenger flight services include Arctic Circle Air, Frontier Flying Service, Larry's Flying Service, Servant Air, Tanana Air Service, Warbelow's Air Ventures, and Wright Air Service.

See photos of Allakaket at the UAF Jukebox project.