Smoky Point facts for kids
Smoky Point is a piece of land in Alaska, a large U.S. state in the far north. It is located where Ugashik Bay meets the much bigger Bristol Bay. A very important landmark here is the United States Coast Guard lighthouse. This light helps sailors find their way safely through the waters of Bristol Bay and Ugashik Bay.
The waters around Smoky Point can be very tricky for boats. There are long beaches, shallow areas called shoals, and sandbars. These make it hard for ships to navigate safely. The sea conditions can be very rough, with waves often reaching 1 to 5 meters (3 to 16 feet) high. The water is also very cold. Because of these challenges, boats can sometimes get into trouble here. For example, in July 2006, two fishing boats, the Kaos and the Silver Tide, faced difficulties near Smoky Point. Luckily, their crews were bravely rescued by another boat called the M/V Farwest Leader during a very stormy night.
People of Smoky Point
Besides the lighthouse, you can find several homes and beach cabins along the coast of Smoky Point. These homes belong to families who fish for salmon using special nets called gillnets. They fish in the waters nearby. These homes are spread out along the coastline, from Dago Creek (about 4 miles east of the lighthouse) to Cape Greig (about 8 miles north).
During the summer, the population of Smoky Point can be more than 30 people. However, in the winter, most people leave, and sometimes only one person stays in the area.
Animals and Plants of Smoky Point
The land at Smoky Point has many long ridges. These ridges were once old coastlines of the Bering Sea. Between the ridges, there are many long, narrow lakes and marshlands. These wet areas are perfect places for many kinds of birds to nest and find food.
Bird Life
Every year, many birds migrate to Smoky Point. You might see emperor gooses, smaller Canada gooses, Arctic terns, cormorants, mallard ducks, and other types of ducks.
Land Animals
The land is also home to many interesting animals. You can find the American bald eagle, sandhill cranes, and willow ptarmigan. Larger animals like caribou, brown bears, foxes, porcupines, ground squirrels, and wolves also live here.
Plant Life
Smoky Point does not have many trees. However, you can find some groups of willow and alder plants growing in the sheltered valleys between the ridges. Most of the area is covered with low shrubs, mosses, and lichen. This type of land is called tundra. Strong winds often blow off the Bering Sea, making the growing season short and cool. These winds also make it hard for plants to grow on the sandy ridges.
