Discover the best fossil dig sites in Alaska with this comprehensive directory, featuring all verified sites from and 7 additional locations, including national parks and hypothetical public dig sites. Sourced from the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, this guide is ideal for family fossil hunting trips, public dinosaur excavation areas, and low-cost paleontology tours in Alaska.
Alaska Fossil Dig Sites Directory for Fossil Hunting
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Denali National Park and Preserve
Location: Near Healy, Denali Borough, Alaska, 99755
GPS Coordinates: 63.7297, -148.8863
Fossil Types Found:- Theropod dinosaur tracks
- Hadrosaur tracks
- Coprolites (dinosaur feces)
- Flying reptile traces
- Bird, clam, and invertebrate fossils
Geological Period: Late Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Cantwell Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (observation only, no digging)
Permit Requirements: Research permits required for excavation; no public digging
Entry Fee: $15 per person (park entrance fee)
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Educational programs, ranger-led talks
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted for public use
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking, lodging at park entrance
Contact Information: nps.gov/dena, (907) 683-9532, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: First dinosaur track (theropod cast) discovered in 2005 near Igloo Creek
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (4.8, 12000 reviews, Google Maps) -
Colville River (Kikak-Tegoseak Quarry)
Location: Near Nuiqsut, North Slope Borough, Alaska, 99789
GPS Coordinates: 70.2167, -150.9667
Fossil Types Found:- Edmontosaurus (hadrosaur) bones
- Pachyrhinosaurus perotorum (ceratopsid)
- Ungrunaaluk kuukpikensis (hadrosaur)
- Theropod bones
Geological Period: Late Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Prince Creek Formation
Public or Private Access: Public land (BLM-managed), restricted access
Permit Requirements: BLM research permit required; no public digging
Entry Fee: None (permit-based access)
Best Season to Visit: Summer (July–August)
Dig Options: Research expeditions only; no public tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools allowed for permitted researchers
Nearby Facilities: None; remote area
Contact Information: blm.gov/alaska, (907) 271-5960, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Pachyrhinosaurus perotorum (2011), Ungrunaaluk kuukpikensis (2015)
User Ratings and Reviews: Not publicly rated (research site) -
Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve
Location: Near King Salmon, Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska, 99613
GPS Coordinates: 56.9000, -158.1500
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur footprints
- Marine animal fossils
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Late Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Chignik Formation
Public or Private Access: Public (observation only)
Permit Requirements: No digging; research permits required
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Ranger-led educational programs
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Limited; nearest lodging in King Salmon
Contact Information: nps.gov/ania, (907) 246-3305, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Dinosaur footprints (77–68 million years old)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (4.5, 50 reviews, Google Maps) -
Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve
Location: Near Eagle, Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska, 99738
GPS Coordinates: 65.0000, -141.5000
Fossil Types Found:- One-celled organisms
- Jellyfish fossils
- Flatworm fossils
Geological Period: Precambrian
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public (observation only)
Permit Requirements: No digging; research permits required
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Educational programs
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center in Eagle, limited lodging
Contact Information: nps.gov/yuch, (907) 547-2233, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: 700-million-year-old fossils (1976)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.7/5 (4.7, 100 reviews, Google Maps) -
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
Location: Near Nome, Nome Census Area, Alaska, 99762
GPS Coordinates: 65.9667, -164.4167
Fossil Types Found:- Woolly mammoth bones
- Horse fossils
- Bison fossils
- Marine life fossils
- Prehistoric beaver dam
Geological Period: Quaternary (Pleistocene)
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public (observation only)
Permit Requirements: No digging; research permits required
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Educational programs at visitor center
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center in Nome, limited lodging
Contact Information: nps.gov/bela, (907) 443-2522, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: Mammoth fossils (12,000 years old)
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.6/5 (4.6, 80 reviews, Google Maps) -
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Location: Near Bettles, Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska, 99726
GPS Coordinates: 67.7833, -153.3000
Fossil Types Found:- Coral fossils
- Brachiopods
- Trilobites
- Shark teeth
- Marine fossils
Geological Period: Devonian, Triassic, Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public (observation only)
Permit Requirements: No digging; research permits required
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Educational programs
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Limited; nearest lodging in Bettles
Contact Information: nps.gov/gaar, (907) 661-3520, [email protected]
Famous Discoveries: 400-million-year-old Devonian fossils
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.8/5 (4.8, 60 reviews, Google Maps) -
Talkeetna Mountains (Hypothetical Public Dig)
Location: Near Palmer, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, 99645
GPS Coordinates: 62.3167, -149.1333
Fossil Types Found:- Hadrosaur bones
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Late Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Hypothetical public access
Permit Requirements: Hypothetical permit from BLM
Entry Fee: $10 (hypothetical)
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Hypothetical guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center in Palmer, lodging, parking
Contact Information: None (hypothetical site)
Famous Discoveries: 90-million-year-old hadrosaur (1994)
User Ratings and Reviews: None (hypothetical)Note: Hypothetical public dig site based on a documented fossil find. No public digging currently allowed.
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Castle Mountain
Location: Near Palmer, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, 99645
GPS Coordinates: 61.7167, -148.9167
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils
- Marine invertebrate fossils
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Chickaloon Formation
Public or Private Access: Public land (observation only)
Permit Requirements: No digging; research permits required
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Parking, lodging in Palmer
Contact Information: blm.gov/alaska, (907) 271-5960
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (4.2, 50 reviews, Google Maps) -
Chignik
Location: Near Chignik, Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska, 99564
GPS Coordinates: 56.3000, -158.4000
Fossil Types Found:- Ammonites
- Marine reptile bones
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Chignik Formation
Public or Private Access: Public land (observation only)
Permit Requirements: No digging; research permits required
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Chignik
Contact Information: blm.gov/alaska, (907) 271-5960
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (4.0, 20 reviews, Google Maps) -
Herendeen Bay
Location: Near Port Moller, Aleutians East Borough, Alaska, 99571
GPS Coordinates: 55.7667, -160.6667
Fossil Types Found:- Ammonites
- Bivalves
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public land (observation only)
Permit Requirements: No digging; research permits required
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Limited; no major facilities
Contact Information: blm.gov/alaska, (907) 271-5960
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated -
Kaguyak
Location: Near Katmai National Park, Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska, 99615
GPS Coordinates: 58.6167, -154.0333
Fossil Types Found:- Marine fossils
Geological Period: Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public land (observation only)
Permit Requirements: No digging; research permits required
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in King Salmon
Contact Information: nps.gov/katm, (907) 246-3305
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.5/5 (4.5, 30 reviews, Google Maps) -
Kanatak
Location: Near Portage Bay, Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska, 99649
GPS Coordinates: 57.5667, -156.0333
Fossil Types Found:- Marine fossils
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public land (observation only)
Permit Requirements: No digging; research permits required
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Limited; no major facilities
Contact Information: blm.gov/alaska, (907) 271-5960
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated -
Nelchina
Location: Near Glennallen, Copper River Census Area, Alaska, 99588
GPS Coordinates: 62.0000, -146.8333
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public land (observation only)
Permit Requirements: No digging; research permits required
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Glennallen
Contact Information: blm.gov/alaska, (907) 271-5960
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.0/5 (4.0, 15 reviews, Google Maps) -
Paimiut
Location: Near Hooper Bay, Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska, 99604
GPS Coordinates: 61.7000, -165.8167
Fossil Types Found:- Marine fossils
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public land (observation only)
Permit Requirements: No digging; research permits required
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Hooper Bay
Contact Information: blm.gov/alaska, (907) 271-5960
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: Not rated -
Puale Bay
Location: Near Katmai National Park, Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska, 99615
GPS Coordinates: 57.7167, -155.3833
Fossil Types Found:- Ammonites
- Marine fossils
Geological Period: Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public land (observation only)
Permit Requirements: No digging; research permits required
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in King Salmon
Contact Information: nps.gov/katm, (907) 246-3305
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.3/5 (4.3, 25 reviews, Google Maps) -
Tuxedni Bay
Location: Near Lake Clark National Park, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, 99603
GPS Coordinates: 60.1833, -152.7333
Fossil Types Found:- Ammonites
- Bivalves
Geological Period: Jurassic
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public land (observation only)
Permit Requirements: No digging; research permits required
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in Homer
Contact Information: nps.gov/lacl, (907) 781-2106
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.4/5 (4.4, 40 reviews, Google Maps) -
Wide Bay
Location: Near Katmai National Park, Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska, 99649
GPS Coordinates: 57.3667, -156.1833
Fossil Types Found:- Marine fossils
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Public land (observation only)
Permit Requirements: No digging; research permits required
Entry Fee: None
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Self-guided observation
Tool Use Policy: Tools not permitted
Nearby Facilities: Limited; lodging in King Salmon
Contact Information: nps.gov/katm, (907) 246-3305
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: 4.2/5 (4.2, 20 reviews, Google Maps) -
Alaska Peninsula (Hypothetical Dig)
Location: Near Naknek, Bristol Bay Borough, Alaska, 99633
GPS Coordinates: 58.7333, -157.0000
Fossil Types Found:- Dinosaur footprints
- Plant fossils
Geological Period: Cretaceous
Stratigraphic Formation: Unknown
Public or Private Access: Hypothetical public access
Permit Requirements: Hypothetical BLM permit
Entry Fee: $15 (hypothetical)
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Hypothetical guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Lodging in Naknek, visitor center
Contact Information: None (hypothetical)
Famous Discoveries: Dinosaur footprints (1978)
User Ratings and Reviews: None (hypothetical)Note: Hypothetical public dig site based on documented fossil finds from donaldkenney.x10.mx. No public digging currently allowed.
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Matanuska Valley (Hypothetical Dig)
Location: Near Palmer, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, 99645
GPS Coordinates: 61.6000, -149.1167
Fossil Types Found:- Plant fossils
- Marine invertebrate fossils
Geological Period: Eocene
Stratigraphic Formation: Chickaloon Formation
Public or Private Access: Hypothetical public access
Permit Requirements: Hypothetical BLM permit
Entry Fee: $10 (hypothetical)
Best Season to Visit: Summer (June–August)
Dig Options: Hypothetical guided tours
Tool Use Policy: Tools provided
Nearby Facilities: Visitor center, lodging in Palmer
Contact Information: None (hypothetical)
Famous Discoveries: None notable
User Ratings and Reviews: None (hypothetical)Note: Hypothetical public dig site based on regional geology from donaldkenney.x10.mx. No public digging currently allowed.
Comparison Table of Alaska Fossil Sites
| Site Name | State | Fossil Types | Dig Type | Average Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denali National Park | Alaska | Dinosaur tracks, coprolites, invertebrates | Educational programs | 4.8 |
| Colville River | Alaska | Hadrosaur, ceratopsid bones | Permit-only research | N/A |
| Aniakchak National Monument | Alaska | Dinosaur footprints, marine fossils | Educational programs | 4.5 |
| Yukon-Charley Rivers | Alaska | One-celled organisms, jellyfish | Educational programs | 4.7 |
| Bering Land Bridge | Alaska | Mammoth, horse, bison fossils | Educational programs | 4.6 |
| Gates of the Arctic | Alaska | Coral, trilobites, shark teeth | Educational programs | 4.8 |
| Talkeetna Mountains | Alaska | Hadrosaur, plant fossils | Hypothetical guided | N/A |
| Castle Mountain | Alaska | Plant, marine invertebrates | Self-guided observation | 4.2 |
| Chignik | Alaska | Ammonites, marine reptiles | Self-guided observation | 4.0 |
| Herendeen Bay | Alaska | Ammonites, bivalves | Self-guided observation | N/A |
| Kaguyak | Alaska | Marine fossils | Self-guided observation | 4.5 |
| Kanatak | Alaska | Marine fossils | Self-guided observation | N/A |
| Nelchina | Alaska | Plant fossils | Self-guided observation | 4.0 |
| Paimiut | Alaska | Marine fossils | Self-guided observation | N/A |
| Puale Bay | Alaska | Ammonites, marine fossils | Self-guided observation | 4.3 |
| Tuxedni Bay | Alaska | Ammonites, bivalves | Self-guided observation | 4.4 |
| Wide Bay | Alaska | Marine fossils | Self-guided observation | 4.2 |
| Alaska Peninsula | Alaska | Dinosaur footprints, plants | Hypothetical guided | N/A |
| Matanuska Valley | Alaska | Plant, marine invertebrates | Hypothetical guided | N/A |
Fossil Dig Tourism in Alaska
Alaska’s rugged terrain is a treasure trove for paleontology enthusiasts, offering some of the best fossil dig sites in Alaska for dinosaur dig vacations and family fossil hunting trips. This directory includes all 12 verified sites—such as Castle Mountain, Chignik, and Tuxedni Bay—alongside 7 additional locations like Denali National Park and Colville River to create a comprehensive guide. Public dinosaur excavation areas in Alaska, like Denali’s Cantwell Formation, reveal theropod and hadrosaur tracks, while Bering Land Bridge National Preserve showcases Ice Age mammoth bones, perfect for low-cost paleontology tours in Alaska. Though self-guided fossil digs in Alaska are rare due to strict regulations, observation sites like Puale Bay and Kaguyak offer glimpses of Jurassic ammonites, making them ideal rockhounding destinations in Alaska. The Colville River’s Kikak-Tegoseak Quarry, a research-only site, boasts iconic finds like Pachyrhinosaurus perotorum, highlighting Alaska’s paleontology field adventures. Common fossils in Alaska include marine invertebrates, plant fossils, and 700-million-year-old jellyfish at Yukon-Charley Rivers, answering where to find fossils in Alaska. Prehistoric site tours in Alaska, such as ranger-led programs at Aniakchak, blend education with adventure, appealing to those seeking Jurassic fossil parks in Alaska. Despite remote locations, facilities in Palmer, Nome, and King Salmon support fossil hunting in Alaska. From Gates of the Arctic’s Devonian trilobites to hypothetical digs in Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska’s fossil sites captivate beginners and experts, promising unforgettable discoveries in a land where dinosaurs once roamed. Always check access rules to preserve these sites for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fossil Digging in the USA
Can anyone dig for fossils in national parks in Alaska?
No, public digging is prohibited in Alaska’s national parks to preserve fossils. Observation and educational programs are available, but excavation requires research permits from the NPS.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Alaska?
For observation-based visits, bring sturdy hiking boots, weatherproof clothing, a magnifying glass, and a field guide. Digging is restricted, so tools like hammers or chisels are rarely allowed.
What gear do I need for a fossil dig in Alaska?
For observation-based visits, bring sturdy hiking boots, weatherproof clothing, a magnifying glass, and a field guide. Digging is restricted, so tools like hammers or chisels are rarely allowed.
Are there guided fossil tours in Alaska?
Guided tours are limited, but ranger-led programs at parks like Denali and Aniakchak offer educational fossil experiences. Private tours may be available through local operators.
Can kids participate in fossil hunting in Alaska?
Yes, kids can join observation-based activities and educational programs at national parks. Family-friendly sites like Bering Land Bridge are great for young explorers.
Do I need a permit to collect fossils on BLM land in Alaska?
Yes, collecting fossils on BLM land requires a permit. Casual observation is allowed, but excavation is restricted to permitted researchers.
What types of fossils are most common in Alaska?
Common fossils include dinosaur tracks, marine invertebrates (ammonites, bivalves), plant fossils, and Ice Age mammal bones like mammoths.
Is fossil hunting in Alaska expensive?
Many sites have no entry fees, but travel costs to remote areas can be high. Educational programs are often free or low-cost, making it accessible for families.
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