With nearly 50 types of berries in Alaska, it is no wonder the fruit has been a mainstay of the Alaska Native diet for centuries. In many parts of the state, Native women and children begin picking berries in June and continue into October. An important part of the Alaska Native lifestyle today as it was in the past, berry picking provides exercise, fresh air and the opportunity for family members to spend quality time together.
The treasure from an afternoon of berry picking should be experienced immediately – there’s nothing like fresh-picked berries enjoyed on the trail! Savor the flavor and the memory by taking buckets home for freezing, canning or use in jam, pie, or cobbler.
There are several resource guides available to confirm which varieties of Alaska wild berries are edible. The best berry patches are found on moderate, southwest facing slopes well protected from the wind.
Stop by the Alaska Public Lands Information Center or the Visit Anchorage Information Center in downtown Anchorage for a map of local picking spots.
Celebrating Alaska's Harvest
Alaska's bountiful blueberry harvest is also celebrated with the berry-licious Blueberry Festival held annually in August at Alyeska Resort. This outdoor event is jam-packed with kids activities, food demonstrations, a beer and wine tent, live music, poetry and pie eating contests and, let's not forget, the berry-licious Blueberry Creation Contest. B.Y.O.B. (bring your own bucket) and enjoy a free ride up Chair 7 for some berry picking on Blueberry Hill.
Berry Picking Hotspots around Anchorage
Explore Anchorage trailsides to find sweet, juicy salmonberries, cranberries and mountains of blueberries. All directions start from downtown Anchorage. Please be sure and research which of Alaska's 50 varieties of wild berries are edible. There are several resource guides available.
