The Strangest Road Names in Alaska and How They Got Them
In the heart of Anchorage, just a short drive from downtown, lies the neighborhood of Mountain View, where streets like “Disco Drive” and “Purple Road” stand out amid the more traditional names. Mountain View is known for its vibrant multicultural community, and its unique street names reflect a more playful, creative spirit. Strolling through the neighborhood, you might wonder how these names came to be. Many were chosen in the late 20th century during a reimagining of the area’s layout to inject some personality and reflect the diverse cultures that call Mountain View home. Exploring nearby Russian Jack Springs Park adds to the experience, offering trails through spruce forests and picnic spots, all under the shadow of these whimsically named streets. The best time to explore this area is during summer evenings when the long daylight hours bathe the neighborhood in warm, golden light, perfect for a casual walk.
Just a short ferry ride from downtown Juneau, Douglas Island hides a gem of quirky road names, particularly around the town of Douglas itself. Streets like “Whispering Spruce Lane” and “Wobbly Road” catch the eye, but the real story unfolds at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. This museum, nestled near the waterfront, showcases the island’s mining history and early settlement days, where miners and prospectors often informally named trails and paths based on their experiences. Wobbly Road, for instance, reputedly earned its name from the uneven terrain and the shaky footing miners endured in the early gold rush days. Visitors can combine a walk along these roads with a visit to Perseverance Trail on Douglas Island, a moderately challenging 3.5-mile hike through forested hills with views over Gastineau Channel, best enjoyed in late spring when wildflowers dot the path.
Far to the north near Fairbanks, the road that leads to the Chena Hot Springs Resort offers a curious name: “Pee Wee Road.” This odd title often sparks chuckles from visitors, but its origin is tied to the early days of the local community, where it served as a small access route to homesteads and tiny mining operations. The Chena Hot Springs Resort, about an hour’s drive northeast of Fairbanks, invites visitors to soak in natural geothermal pools, relax in the sauna, and even visit the Aurora Ice Museum, built entirely from ice and open year-round. The strange road name feels fitting as you travel through the boreal forest to this oasis. Winter nights reveal spectacular northern lights overhead, making the journey along Pee Wee Road magical, while in summer, endless daylight lends a surreal glow to the area.
In Homer, a cozy town on the Kenai Peninsula about four hours southwest of Anchorage, you’ll find the famously named “Bings Landing Road.” This stretch leads to Bings Landing, a scenic boat launch and picnic area overlooking Kachemak Bay. The road’s peculiar name stems from local lore about a fisherman nicknamed Bing who operated in the area decades ago. Walking along the shoreline here provides stunning views of the bay, with the possibility of spotting sea otters and bald eagles. The Homer Spit, just a short drive away, offers a complementary experience with its seafood eateries and art galleries. The best time to visit Bings Landing is during late spring and summer when wildflowers bloom and the weather invites long waterfront strolls.
Anchorage’s Turnagain neighborhood, about 10 minutes south of downtown, is home to “Funny River Road” — a name that might conjure images of locals sharing jokes. The road itself extends beyond Turnagain into the expansive Kenai Peninsula Borough, eventually leading toward the Funny River area known for its wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities. Though the name Funny River comes from a nearby waterway, the road serves as a gateway to the expansive Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hiking the nearby Winner Creek Trail, a moderate 3-mile loop offering a hand tram across a canyon, visitors experience the rugged Alaskan wilderness up close. Autumn colors peak here in late September, creating a dazzling display that contrasts with the road’s playful name.
In Sitka, a charming city on Baranof Island about 250 miles southeast of Anchorage, Odd Road captures attention. This small street winds through Sitka’s historic district, where Russian colonial architecture meets Tlingit culture. The name Odd Road reportedly arose from the early settlers’ mispronunciations and evolving street layouts. Nearby, the Sitka National Historical Park offers a profound encounter with Alaska’s indigenous heritage and coastal temperate rainforest ecology. Visitors can walk the park’s trails to see totem poles and native plants, all while absorbing the layered history that shaped the town and its roads. Summer visits reveal the lush greenery and long twilight hours unique to Southeast Alaska.
Finally, in Kodiak, an island city about 250 miles southwest of Anchorage, you can explore the curious “Puffin Road.” This route leads toward the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge and the coast, where the island’s famous puffin colonies nest on cliffs. Puffin Road’s name celebrates these colorful seabirds that draw birdwatchers from afar. Hiking the Buskin River Trail near Kodiak provides an accessible way to experience the island’s wildlife and forests, with chances to spot salmon spawning in the river. Summer is ideal here, with mild temperatures and puffins actively nesting, making Puffin Road more than just a funny name—it’s a pathway to one of Alaska’s most beloved natural spectacles.