Teklanika Campground Closure

Ron Niebrugge Alaska, Denali, Photos, Travel 7 Comments

Teklanika Campground Aufeis

One of my favorite places to stay in Denali, and one I recommend, is the Teklanika (“Tek”) Campground.  The reasons; the Tek campground saves you 60 miles on the bus each day, staying there allows you to drive a portion of the road few others are allowed to drive, and it puts you in a great place to see wolves and bears right from camp.  In addition, Tek gets some of the best evening light in the entire park.  And finally, you are able to buy a Tek Pass, giving you unlimited access to the buses for the length of your stay. 

Unfortunately this year the Tek campground is closed until July because of aufeis – overflow river ice from the Teklanika River. 

I was a bit disappointed, and skeptical the campground really needed to be closed, so one day I walked in a took a look.  Well this photo from June 9th pretty much sums the situation up – river ice in this particular site had to still be three thick feet!  Needless to say, the closure is more then justified. 

Eielson Visitor Center

Ron Niebrugge Alaska, Denali, Photos, Travel 4 Comments

Eielson Visitor Center

Eielson Visitor Center, Denali National Park, Alaska.

It seems like most National Parks I have visited in recent years have, or are building one, or in some cases two new visitor centers.  There are some beautiful new visitor centers, but in my opinion, none of them are as nice as the new Eielson Visitor Center 66 miles into Denali National Park.Read More

Bear vs Moose

Ron Niebrugge Alaska, Denali, Photos, Travel, Wildlife 10 Comments

Bear vs Moose

I came across this scene just minutes after the sow grizzly and her two cubs killed the young calf of this cow moose.  The poor moose just kept circling, her mothering instincts so strong that she would continue to move in close to check on her calf, until the sow would chase her off.  The cow moose left the area a couple of times, but continued to return.  Finally she was able to get in a position above the bears where it appeared to me she could see her calf was gone, after this final look, she left for good.

Snowshoe Hare Population Explosion!

Ron Niebrugge Alaska, Denali, Photos, Travel, Wildlife 7 Comments

Snowshoe Hares

Eight snowshoe hares in a short section of road in Denali National Park, Alaska.

Two years ago I spent a fair amount of time photographing hares, as it seemed the population had peaked.  Last year I was surprised to find even more, but this year the number of hares was nothing short of unbelievable!  Driving the road in evenings and mornings was literally was a challenge, often they wouldn’t move from the road and you would have to drive around them.  Dozens were killed by cars everyday making easy pickings for other wildlife.  One wolf in particular seemed to walk the road every evening just eating road killed hares.Read More

Great Horned Owl

Ron Niebrugge Alaska, Denali, Photos, Travel, Wildlife 16 Comments

Great Grey Owl

Great Horned Owl nest, Denali National Park, Alaska.

I have never had a close look at a Great Horned Owl, so to see one on a nest with two chicks was a real treat!  Now, back into the park.  (Note: Thank you Calvin for the heads up on the species, I have made the correction).