Tok Area Parks

Considered one of the more remote Alaskan towns, Tok originated as a camp during construction of nearby highways during the 1940's. Today, it's the first bit of civilization seen after entering Alaska on the Alaskan Highway from Canada. At just 92 miles from the Canadian border, and with the Tanana River bordering it to the north and Tok River to the east, Tok offers residents and visitors a variety of outdoor adventures, especially through its three state parks. For a view of the Northern Lights, Tok can't be beat! 

The Eagle Trail State Recreation Site is the largest park in Tok at 280 acres, and can be found at mile marker 109.5 off of the Tok Cut-Off Highway, just 16 miles south of town. Campsites are available that offer five spaces for RVs, as well as drinking water and restrooms. A picnic shelter is on site for an outdoor snack or meal, and the trails are pawsome! Check out the 1 mile nature trail, or the 2.5 mile hike with views of the Tok River Valley. For the serious backpackers, try the 8 mile trek up the creek to the Tok Trophy Sheep Management Area to see the Dall sheep.

The Moon Lake State Recreation Site at 1332 Alaska Highway is 15 miles northwest of town, and offers 22 acres on the shores of Moon Lake. This park is pupular with residents who flock here for the fishing, swimming and boating opportunities. With a sandy beach and a boat launch, visitors can also enjoy water skiing and watching the float planes that touch the lake flown by Alaskan pilots. This puptasic area offers 15 campsites, picnic areas, restrooms and drinking water.

Closer to town at just 4.5 miles east is the Tok River State Recreation Site. This 9 acre campground welcomes both tents and RVs, and is pupular with travelers from Canada. Located at 1309 Alaska Highway, this park lies on the east bank of the Tok River, which offers river boating and fishing. With a picnic area, accessible drinking water, a sandy beach, and a walking trail, you'll find everything you and your pup could want!

Your dog can join you at all the Tok area state parks, but they must be on a six-foot-long leash at all times. Dogs can go off leash in the backcountry areas, but must be good under voice command. Dogs must also be licensed, tagged, and vaccinated before they can enter the park. Be sure to always have drinking water on hand for your thirsty adventure pup, as well as clean-up bags, and be prepared to stoop and scoop. 

Note that if you'd like to camp at any of the Tok Area Parks, you must make a reservation on the Tok Area Parks main website, or in one of their offices. Fees will vary. Daily parking fees to get into the parks cost between $5 to $10, and annual passes are available that are good for all Alaskan state parks for $50. These can be purchased at the Fairbanks and Anchorage Public Information Centers, as well as online.

For a unique adventure in the wilds of Alaska you or your pup won't furget, head to the great white north to Tok!