The Cook Inlet mudflats have been the scene of a few well-known incidents in Alaska’s history.

From helicopter’s attempting to rescue people via rope, to a newly wed gold miner who drowned as the tide came in, these true events have gained urban legend status locally. Due to the angular grains of glacial silt, the mud in the inlet behaves like quicksand. This means once disturbed, say by someone sinking in it, the grains quickly interlock and trap the unsuspecting. Few deaths have happened in recent years thanks to specialized equipment used by rescuers. This equipment includes half wet suits and portable pumps to wash away mud. Tidal channels, like those at the Turnagain and Knik arms, are the most dangerous with mud layered feet deep. Regardless of danger, many people regularly cross the mudflats to Fire Island from Anchorage between high tides. Continue reading “Secret Treasures of Alaska’s Dangerous Mudflats”