1955 Map of Teshekpuk D-4

About this map

Alaktak River winds through a landscape defined by water and ice in this 1955 survey of the Arctic coastal plain. The region, situated entirely within Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4, shows early industrial exploration through the presence of several drill holes and a network of tractor trails that cross the tundra. Human activity is sparse but notable, centering on the settlement of Alaktak where a corral and nearby ranch suggest seasonal livestock or reindeer management. Along the northern coast, Dease Inlet and Kurgorak Bay dominate the shoreline, while the interior is a dense mosaic of thaw lakes, including the large Pittalukruak Lake. Scattered cabins provide small points of shelter for those navigating this remote environment between the Chipp R and the Piasuk River.