Berry Picking Near Anchorage
Explore Anchorage trailsides to find sweet, juicy bluebberries. Stop by the Alaska Public Lands Information Center in downtown Anchorage for a map of local picking spots.
Cranberries, Salmon Berries, and Mountains of Blueberries!
Berry picking plays an important role in Alaska Native culture. “It is a rite of passage, representing the steps from childhood to becoming a contributing member of the family, and a way to pass on the values of respect for family and the land,” said Ossie Kairauak, a Yupik from Chefornak. “When a child fills a first container unaided, usually around the age 5, it is a time of celebration.”
With nearly 50 types of berries in Alaska, most of which are edible, it is no wonder that the fruit has been a mainstay of the Alaska Native diet for centuries.
