Nome River Bridge and Estuary

The bridge marks a mixing zone where fresh river water meets tidal salt water and turns brackish. This creates a blend of water types and habitats and attracts many different birds to areas of open water or the mud-bar edges of islands.

Birding

Birds forage, loaf, and roost—sometimes in tight clusters of mixed species—making this a good spot for lengthy observations. Wide meadows and broad, lazy bends in the river also attract geese, cranes, shorebirds, and gulls in good numbers, even unusual species like Arctic loon, red knot, black-tailed godwit, red-necked stint, ivory gull, and white wagtail. Starry flounder and marine sculpin are food sources that attract birds to the mud flats.

Salmon Viewing

From the bridge you may see chum and pink salmon in July and coho salmon in mid-August. Dolly Varden and burbot are also found in the Nome River.

Getting There

Coordinates
Latitude: 64.48602
Longitude: -165.29218
Driving Directions