Salina Alsworth Peterson, a resident of Port Alsworth, a remote Alaskan town without roads and only accessible by plane, shared her unique lifestyle exclusively with PEOPLE. Born and raised in this secluded town, Salina lives with her husband amidst a small community of fewer than 200 people. Working at her family’s resort year-round, Salina’s presence almost doubles the town’s population during the busy tourist season. She utilises social media as a side-income source to document her Alaskan living experience, including her grocery trips that require a one-hour flight to the nearest town with stores and restaurants.
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In the midst of the vast wilderness of Lake Clark National Park, Port Alsworth remains an isolated gem, devoid of roads, situated on the lake’s south shore. Salina describes the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and lakes, emphasising the rugged beauty that defines her home. Anchorage, the closest town located 165 miles away by air, serves as the primary hub for essential supplies and services. To access Anchorage, residents like Salina rely on air taxis, a service deeply rooted in her family’s history.
Salina’s great-grandfather, Leon (Babe) Alsworth, ventured from Minnesota to Alaska driven by his love for aviation. Meeting his wife, Marry, in Pilot Point, an even smaller Alaskan village, they laid the foundation for Port Alsworth. Their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to aviation led them to establish the Farm Lodge in 1977, a family venture that continues to thrive under Salina’s stewardship. As a fifth-generation Alsworth, she actively participates in promoting the lodge on her social media platforms, attracting a significant following.
Despite the physical isolation and harsh climate of Port Alsworth, Salina finds solace in the simplicity of daily routines such as chopping wood for heating and engaging in snowmobiling, a common mode of transport in the region. Living off the land is a way of life for Salina and her community, where hunting for moose and fishing for salmon supplement their grocery needs. The town’s reliance on weekly mail plane deliveries for essential supplies underscores the logistical challenges faced by its residents.
Salina’s transition from college life in the Lower 48 to the remote setting of Port Alsworth was a culture shock, highlighting the stark contrast in lifestyles. However, her deep-rooted connection to her hometown and appreciation for its unspoilt beauty keep her firmly anchored to the Alaskan wilderness. While adjusting to the demands of living in a roadless society presents ongoing challenges, Salina’s resourcefulness and resilience shine through in her commitment to preserving her family’s legacy and the unique heritage of Port Alsworth.