It’s harvest season in Alaska. The salmon are running, wild game are abundant and the berries are bursting with sun-sweetened goodness! From Anchorage to Cordova we have come across salmonberries, watermelon berries, wild strawberries, low-bush blueberries, raspberries, huckleberries, and high-bush blueberries.
The largest salmonberry we’ve ever seen. (Also, check out Najeeby sporting some fly backcountry style)
Outside of Anchorage, the easiest place to find berries is up Powerline Pass. Keep your eyes peeled for an open field with ample light and start exploring. I find one of the best containers from collecting berries is an old gallon milk jug with the top cut off. The handle loops into your belt, providing you both hands for optimal berry picking. The hard sides of the jug protect the berries from getting crushed on the hike out as well.
When you don’t have a milk jug, you end up eating berries from a sweaty hat.
Finally, if you bring your dog, you can teach them to harvest berries as well. My dog eats berries straight from the bush. A small portion of a dog’s diet can include fresh berries. They’re rich in antioxidants and a fun challenge for an inquisitive pup.
Grazing with Matt and Major the Mountain Dog