TOK
GATEWAY TO ALASKA
T
ok is often referred to as the “Gateway to Alaska,” due to it being the first major community you encounter, in Alaska, when heading north. The Alaska Highway also intersects here with the Tok Cut-off, which leads to the Richardson and Glenn Highways; the main access routes to Glennallen, Valdez and Anchorage. The area was originally settled by Athabaskan Indians and the name “Tok” is thought to be derived from an Athabaskan word meaning “water.” The origin of the town name, however, remains somewhat controversial. Some thought it came from the old mining maps from the late 1800s (long before Tok existed), which called the area “Tok/Slana.” While others have said it was named after a construction worker’s dog in the 1940s. However the name was decided, the town of Tok began as Alaska Road Commission camp built for the construction and maintenance of the Alaska Highway in 1942 and Tok has never looked back. www.BellsAlaska.com
Today the town has a population of approximately 1,200. Its economy is based on tourism and for its size, offers more hotel rooms and campsites than any other town in the state. Despite that distinction, it is still recommended you secure reservations at least a day in advance. The world-famous “Forty Mile Country,” which inspired many of Jack London’s stories, is to the north. He is famous for his books, The Call of the Wild and White Fang which were about this area. Residents embrace a real frontier lifestyle here, and there is plenty of camping, hiking, fishing, float trips, bird watching, and other exploring to be done. Tok is also known as the “Sled Dog Capital of Alaska,” which is apparent from the number of dog kennels in town. Almost everyone takes part in sprint dog races, from professional mushers to the local children. The race of Champions which started here in 1954, takes place every March and has become one of the most elite sprint dog races in North America. Interior Alaska
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