Nome-Council Road

The Nome-Council Road traces the northern shore of the Seward Peninsula for 72 miles, connecting Nome to the ghost town of Council along what was once a railroad grade during the 1900s gold rush. The road hugs the Bering Sea coastline through tundra and low hills, passing abandoned mining dredges, weathered cabins, and the Salmon Lake recreation area at mile 40. Council itself is nearly abandoned except for a few hardy souls, but the road continues another 30 miles to the Niukluk River bridge where it officially ends.

This is an easy to moderate overland route on maintained gravel, suitable for any high-clearance vehicle. Summer travel only—the road is impassable and dangerous during winter storms off the Bering Sea. No permits required and fuel is available in Nome, but bring extra as Council has no services. The coastline offers endless camping opportunities with views across the sea toward Siberia. You’re driving through some of Alaska’s richest gold country, where fortunes were made and lost in the frozen ground beneath your wheels.