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Polar Bear Peak

Coordinates: 61°09′10″N 149°11′45″W / 61.15278°N 149.19583°W / 61.15278; -149.19583
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Polar Bear Peak
The North face of Polar Bear Peak
Highest point
Elevation6,614 ft (2,016 m)[1]
Prominence1,214 ft (370 m)[1]
Coordinates61°09′10″N 149°11′45″W / 61.15278°N 149.19583°W / 61.15278; -149.19583[2]
Geography
Parent rangeChugach Mountains
Topo mapUSGS Anchorage A-6
Climbing
First ascent1966; 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]

Terrain

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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).

Wildlife

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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.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Polar Bear Peak". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2010-07-14.
  2. ^ a b "Polar Bear Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2007-09-17.