Nulato Hills facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nulato Hills |
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 Location in Alaska
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Peak 4030 |
| Elevation | 4,030 ft (1,230 m) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| District | Nome Census Area Yukon–Koyukuk Census Area |
| Range coordinates | 63°58′N 160°13′W / 63.967°N 160.217°W |
| Topo map | USGS |
The Nulato Hills are a mountain range in western Alaska. They are located between the mighty Yukon River and the chilly waters of Norton Sound. These hills stretch far and wide. They are an important part of Alaska's wild landscape.
In the north, the Nulato Hills slowly blend into the flat lands of the Selawik River. To the south, they reach towards the large Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. This area is known for its many rivers and wetlands.
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Discovering the Nulato Hills
The Nulato Hills are a significant part of Alaska's geography. They are home to a special feature called the continental divide. This divide runs right through the Nulato Hills at the level of the Seward Peninsula. A continental divide is like a giant line. It separates which way water flows across a continent. On one side, rivers flow to one ocean. On the other, they flow to a different ocean.
Rivers and Their Journey
Many important rivers begin their journey in the Nulato Hills. The Anvik River and the Bonasila River both have their sources here. These rivers wind their way through the landscape. They carry water from the hills to larger bodies of water.
Size and Highest Point
The Nulato Hills are quite large. They stretch about 480 kilometers (298 miles) from north to south. From east to west, they can be up to 130 kilometers (81 miles) wide. The tallest point in this mountain range is a peak known as Peak 4030. It stands at an impressive 4,030 feet (1,228 meters) high.
The Historic Kaltag Portage
A famous route called the Kaltag Portage cuts through the Nulato Hills. This passage connects the town of Kaltag on the Yukon River. It also links to Unalakleet on the coast of Norton Sound.
This trail was very important in 1925. It was used during the dog sled relay to Nome. This relay delivered life-saving medicine to Nome. The town was suffering from a serious illness called diphtheria. Today, this historic trail is still used. It is part of the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Brave mushers and their dog teams race across this very same path every year.
