Polar Bear Peak | |
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![]() The North face of Polar Bear Peak | |
Highest point | |
Elevation | 6,614 ft (2,016 m) [1] |
Prominence | 1,214 ft (370 m) [1] |
Coordinates | [ ⚑ ] : 61°09′10″N 149°11′45″W / 61.15278°N 149.19583°W [2] |
Geography | |
Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska, United States | |
Parent range | Chugach Mountains |
Topo map | USGS Anchorage A-6 |
Climbing | |
First ascent | 1966; Vin Hoeman, C. Serfoss[citation needed] |
Polar Bear Peak is a 6,614-foot (2,016 m) mountain in the U.S. state of Alaska, located in Chugach State Park. Situated in the Chugach Mountains, it lies at the head of South Fork Eagle River, 5 mi (8.0 km) ESE of Eagle Lake, and 22 miles (35 km) ESE of downtown 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.[2]
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).
Like many Alaskan mountains, Polar Bear Peak may be frequented by rock 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.
![]() | Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar Bear Peak.
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