Beering

Beering is a census‑designated place located in the Unorganized Borough of Alaska, United States. It sits in the interior portion of the state along the Alaska Railroad, approximately 54 miles west of McCarthy and 98 miles southeast of Fairbanks. The community lies in the southern part of the Chugach Mountains, close to the Chugach National Forest, with the Gulkana River flowing nearby. Its coordinates are roughly 63°34′N latitude and 151°59′W longitude.

The area was first settled in the early 20th century by miners attracted to the possibility of gold in the surrounding mountains. During the 1930s, Beering became a small hub for transportation and supply, thanks to its railroad connection. After the decline of regional mining activity in the mid‑century, the population dwindled, and the town gradually shifted into a largely recreational and residential community. Seasonal cabins and lodges serve hikers, hunters, and backcountry enthusiasts, leveraging the scenic terrain and wildlife of the Chugach and Alaska Range ecosystems.

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Beering had a population of around 45 residents, a figure that reflects its status as a sparsely populated outpost. The demographic composition is predominantly White, with some Native Alaskan ancestry. The median age is higher than the national average, a common characteristic of remote Alaskan communities, and the median household income is modest, largely supported by tourism, subsistence activities, and some seasonal employment along the railroad.

Beering’s economy today relies on a mix of subsistence hunting and fishing, tourism related to backcountry recreation, and limited service support for railroad operations. The local community maintains a volunteer fire department and community center that host occasional cultural events. Because it is outside of any organized borough, governance and municipal services are overseen by the Borough Assembly of the Unorganized Borough, with essential utilities managed by regional cooperatives. Despite its small size, Beering remains a representative example of the isolated, nature‑centric settlements that line the vast interior of Alaska.