Tok
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Distance Between Tok and :
Anchorage = 328 mi / 524 km
Dawson = 187 mi / 300 km
Fairbanks = 206 mi / 331 km
Population =1,405
Elevation= 1,630 ft / 497 m
Tok (pronounced "Toke") is located at mile 1314 of the Alaska Highway at the Junction with the Glenn Highway. You will visit Tok if you are planning any trip by road to Dawson City from Alaska (187mi) via the spectacular Top of The World Highway in Canada's Yukon.
Originally a camp for the Alaska Road Commission during the construction of the Alaska Highway in the early 1940's, Tok was designated a town site in 1946. A great place in its own right, Tok offers the visitor access to several recreational areas in this part of Alaska. You will not want to miss the Visitors Information Center located in a huge log cabin at the
junction of the two highways. Also, Stop in at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for information about the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge.
The U.S. Coast Guard established the Long Range Aide to Navigation (LORAN) here. one of three sites, this LORAN consists of four 700' towers that transmit radio navigation signals to aid in marine and air navigation in the Gulf of Alaska.
At milepost 1324 of the Alaska Highway is Tanacross, an Athabascan Indian Village on the banks of the Tanana River. The village is located at the point where the old Eagle Trail (a trail from Valdez to Eagle), crosses Alaska's second largest river. At the turn of the century, long before any highways existed, sternwheelers plied the river, taking supplies and people from the coastal and Yukon communities deep into the heart of Alaska. The airstrip here was built during WWII as a base for transporting aircraft to Russia under the Lend-Lease Program.
Other places of interest in the Tok area include the Tok Dog Mushers, founded in 1954. Here you can see Sled dog demonstrations even in summer. The Tok Race of Champions Sled Dog Race is one of the oldest in the state and takes place in March. Tok is often referred to as the "Dog Mushing Capitol of Alaska".
For more information about this area, or places to stay, including a hostel, and several Hotels and B&B's visit The Tok website.