One of the most isolated communities in the United States, Tok is a Census Designated Place in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area in Alaska. Tok serves as the gateway to Alaska for travelers driving the Alaska Highway and it lies about 90 miles from the Canadian border in the plain of Tanana Valley. This town is a prominent winter sport destination that also flaunts a frontier lifestyle and offers camping, hiking, fishing and bird watching opportunities. Tok was a city of strategic and martial significance during the Second World War, and has an airstrip that was then built to fly aircraft to Russia.
If you’re visiting Tok in March, you should attend the Tok Race of Champions Sled Dog Race. It is one of the oldest races in the state and is held annually in March. You can also take time to visit the Tok Mainstreet Visitors Center. It is home to a massive, 7000-square-foot lodge that is claimed to be the largest log structure in Alaska. You would also find displays on wildlife, gold panning and the construction of the Alaska Highway here.
Eagle Trail State Recreation SiteEagle Trail State Recreation Site is the largest of three state recreation sites surrounding Tok. It is spread across 280 acres and offers a one-mile nature trail and a 2.5-mile hiking trail beside the Tok River Valley. An eight-hour hike up a creek here would lead you closer to the Tok Trophy Sheep Management Area that has a number of Dall sheep.
Moon Lake State Recreation SiteMoon Lake State Recreation Site lies 15 miles northwest of Tok along the Alaska Highway. It is spread across 22-acre and is an alpha-spot of swimming, boating and water skiing activates. On a particular note, camping here is half the fun as it offers you the beautiful sight of watching floatplanes on Moon Lake.
Tok River State Recreation SiteTok River State Recreation Site is 4.5 miles due east of Tok along the Alaska Highway. It is strategically located as the gateway to Alaska via the Alaskan Highway along the Tok River and is best known for its campground, hiking, river boating facilities and float trips.