Towering Summit in the Heart of Alaska

Every year the Yukon Quest 1,000 mile dog-sled race passes over Eagle Summit. The direction may change each year, but the view from the top of the summit is just as stunning as always, year after year. The summit is not part of your typical hiking terrain. The wind, steep terrain, and drifting snow make it treacherous at times and difficult to pass through. It is one of the most difficult parts of the race and whiteout conditions once forced dogsled teams to stop their racing and be evacuated by helicopter. The summit reaches to 108 miles above Fairbanks and towers over 3,600 feet in the air. Aside from its treacherous travel conditions, the location is unique because it is one of just a few places on Earth that allows a person to see the sun at midnight when standing north of the Antarctic Circle and south of the Arctic Circle. Because the summit is located between the Yukon Flats and the Tanana Valley, weather the winds and precipitation on the summit is affected by weather changes in either the Flats or Valley. There are days when the winds are so intense passing over the summit is impossible. Even if you never make it to the top of the summit, know that every year dog-sledders pass over it on their way to victory.