Dave Spencer Wilderness Area

Dave Spencer Wilderness Area encompasses nearly 186,000 acres of federally protected backcountry in Alaska, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This is true wilderness—no roads, no motors, no mechanized travel of any kind. What you'll find is primitive landscape and complete solitude, with recreation limited to hiking, backpacking, and camping on foot.

Visiting means embracing Leave No Trace principles and self-sufficiency. There are no maintained trails, ranger stations, or services; you navigate and camp entirely on your own terms. Access is typically by floatplane or boat, given Alaska's geography and lack of road infrastructure. The wilderness season is short—roughly late spring through early fall—with winter conditions making travel extremely difficult and dangerous.