Polar Bear Peak

Polar Bear Peak
The Northern face of Polar Bear Peak
Elevation	feet ( m)
Location	Alaska, United States
Range	Chugach Mountains
Coordinates	61°09′10″N 149°11′45″W / 61.15278, -149.19583Coordinates: 61°09′10″N 149°11′45″W / 61.15278, -149.19583
First ascent	1966; Vin Hoeman, C. Serfoss

Polar Bear Peak is a 6,614 ft. mountain in the U.S. state of Alaska, located in Chugach State Park. Sitauted in the Chugach Mountains, it lies at the head of South Fork Eagle River, 5 mi ESE of Eagle Lake, and  miles ( km) ESE of Anchorage. The peak was named in 1963 by members of the Mountaineering Club of Alaska because a snow patch on its north face resembles a Polar Bear skin.^[1]

Terrain

Beginning at approximately 1000 ft., Polar Bear Peak becomes a predominantly alpine zone, characterized by exposed rock, extremely scant vegetation, a variety of lichens, and snow pack (including year-round snowfields and glaciers).

Wildlife

Like many Alaskan mountains, Polar Bear Peak may be frequented by ptarmigan, Dall sheep, mountain goats, and other alpine animals. Despite the lack of vegetation, a variety of insects thrive at high elevations throughout Alaska. Overhead, one may spot a hawk or eagle.

References

1. ^ USGS GNIS: Polar Bear Peak

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