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Willow Alaska
Location and Climate
Willow is north of Anchorage in the Mat-Su Borough,
approximately a 90-minute drive. It is located between mile
60 and 80.7 of the George Parks Highway. It lies at
approximately 61d 44m N Latitude, 150d 02m W Longitude (Sec.
08, T019N, R004W, Seward Meridian). Willow is located in the
Palmer Recording District. The area encompasses 13.6 sq.
miles of land and .9 sq. miles of water. January
temperatures range from -33 to 33; July can vary from 42 to
83. Rainfall ranges from 16 to 27 inches, with 48 to 150
inches of snowfall.
History, Culture and Demographics
The Dena'ina Indians have occupied this area
historically, living in semi-permanent villages. The
community got its start when gold was discovered on Willow
Creek in 1897. Supplies and equipment were brought in by
boat to Knik. From there, a 26-mile summer trail went
northwest, up Cottonwood Creek, and across Bald Mountain to
Willow Creek. The winter sled trail went north, crossing the
present line of the Alaska Railroad at Houston, and up the
west end of Bald Mountain for 30 miles. This trail, dubbed
the "Double Ender Sled Trail," is still being used by
skiers, hunters, backpackers and snowmobile enthusiasts. The
sleds then followed a trail along Willow Creek in an
easterly direction, now Hatcher Pass Road. The Talkeetna
Trail also passed through Willow and was used by dog teams
and pack horses. Cabins to accommodate freighters and mail
carriers were located at Nancy Lake, Willow and other points
north. This route was the forerunner of the Parks Highway.
During construction of the Alaska Railroad, surveyors,
construction crews, homesteaders and other settlers came to
Willow. A Railroad station house was constructed in 1920.
During World War II, a radar warning station and airfield
were built. The Trail's End Lodge was built in 1947; it
subsequently became a post office in 1948. By 1954, Willow
Creek was Alaska's largest gold mining district, with a
total production approaching 18 million dollars. Land
disposals, homestead subdivisions, and completion of the
George Parks Highway (in 1972) fueled growth in the area. In
1976, Alaskans selected Willow for their new State capital
site. However, funding to enable the capital move was
defeated in the November 1982 election.
Alaska Natives represent 1.1% of the population. There
are a number of seasonal-use homes and undeveloped lots in
the area, owned by Anchorage residents, as a result of the
capital move initiative in the 1970s. Nancy Lake is a
popular recreation site.
During the April 1990 U.S. Census, there were 244 total
housing units, and 147 of these were vacant. The official
unemployment rate at that time was 0%, with 90 jobs
estimated to be in the community and 48.3% of all adults not
in the work force. The median household income was $34,773,
and 14.7% of residents were living below the poverty
level.
Economy and Transportation
Many Willow residents are self-employed in a variety of
businesses, including lodging, guiding and charter services,
and retail stores. There are two saw mills and one
prefabricated wood building manufacturer. Some residents are
employed in the Palmer, Wasilla or Anchorage. 14 residents
hold commercial fishing permits. Capitol Speedway attracts
stockcar racing enthusiasts from the entire state.
From the George Parks Highway, the area has access to the
statewide highway system and the transportation facilities
of Wasilla, Palmer and Anchorage. There are two public
airstrips available, one a State-owned 4,400' gravel
airstrip and one at Deshka Landing, owned by the Dept. of
Natural Resources. There are five additional private strips,
and a seaplane base at Kashwitna Lake.
< Back to Alaska
Communities
Source: Department of Community & Economic
Development
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