Solomon
Remote gold‑rush outpost on Alaska’s Bering Sea coast
About Solomon
A tiny historic settlement 34 mi/55 km east of Nome on the Nome–Council Road. Expect big landscapes, bird‑rich lagoons, and mining relics—but almost no services. Base in Nome for lodging, food, and tours; visit Solomon as a day trip in suitable weather.
Getting There and Around
Arrival
Airports: Primary gateway: Nome Airport (OME), 34–40 mi west. Solomon State Field (SOL) is a basic airstrip used by charters only; no scheduled service or facilities.
Train Stations: None. No rail service on the Seward Peninsula.
Bus Terminals: None. No intercity buses; no local transit to Solomon.
Transportation
Public Transport Options: None to Solomon. Travel is by private vehicle, guided tour, charter, ATV/snowmachine (seasonal).
Car Rentals: Limited rentals in Nome through local agencies and some hotels; reserve well in advance, especially Mar and Jun–Aug. Gravel‑road driving; carry spare tire and tools.
Bike Shares: No bike share. Experienced cyclists ride gravel roads in summer; be weather‑aware.
Tips: The Nome–Council Road is gravel with variable conditions, river/lagoon winds, and wildlife on roadway. Check road reports and weather in Nome before departing; bring extra fuel, water, food, warm layers, and a communication device.
Practical Information
Safety Tips
Check weather and road conditions before departure. Bring extra fuel, water, and warm layers. Watch for bears and moose; give wide berth. Do not drive on beaches or private claims. Tides, fog, and sudden winds are common near lagoons. Tell someone your route and ETA; carry a satellite communicator if possible.
Healthcare
Pharmacies: Safeway Pharmacy (Nome) and Norton Sound Health Corporation pharmacy services; limited hours on weekends/holidays.
Hospitals: Norton Sound Regional Hospital (Nome) is the nearest full‑service facility.
Emergency Services: Dial 911. Response may be delayed by distance and weather. Alaska State Troopers coordinate remote SAR; medical evacuation by air is common—carry travel insurance that covers medevac.
Currency and Payment
Local Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD).
Tipping Customs: 15–20% at restaurants and for guides/drivers when service is good.
Payment Methods Accepted: Cards widely accepted in Nome; carry cash as backups due to outages. No banking or ATMs in Solomon; ATMs available in Nome.
Connectivity
Mobile Networks: Best coverage by GCI in and near Nome; AT&T roaming generally works; Verizon is limited. Expect little to no service near Solomon.
SIM Cards: Purchase GCI/AT&T SIMs in Nome electronics or carrier shops; bring ID.
WiFi: Available at Nome hotels, some cafes, and the visitor center. Download offline maps before driving.
Accommodations
Overview: There are no hotels or services in Solomon. Stay in Nome and day‑trip when conditions allow.
Types of Accommodations: In Nome: inns, small hotels, B&Bs, seasonal lodges, and short‑term rentals. Dispersed camping outside town where permitted; practice bear safety and verify land status.
Booking Tips: Rooms sell out for the Iditarod finish (March) and summer (June–Aug). Book flights, rooms, and vehicles early; confirm flexible cancellation due to weather.
Local Regulations and Safety: Respect private mining claims and historic sites—no collecting artifacts. Campfires only where permitted. Pack out all waste. Firearms and drones have specific rules; check local and federal regulations.
Accessibility: Rural infrastructure is limited. Many lodgings in Nome have stairs and narrow entries; call ahead for accessibility details. The road surface to Solomon is rough gravel.
Central, near the seawall, dining, bars, and the visitor center; easiest for quick departures east toward Solomon.
Convenient for late flights and early starts; some properties offer shuttles.
Quieter residential area with B&Bs; good for self‑catering stays.
Attractions and Activities
Remnants of a gold‑rush community near the Solomon River delta; scenic stop with interpretive history and coastal views.
Historic roadhouse and Iditarod checkpoint along the Nome–Council Road; photo stop and seasonal food/drink when open.
Roadside promontory with sweeping Bering Sea and mountain views; good place to scan for marine life and migratory birds.
Dining and Nightlife
Culinary Scene
Plan meals in Nome; carry food and hot drinks to Solomon. Options in Nome include seafood, pizza, bakeries, and pub fare; hours can be seasonal.
Densest cluster of restaurants, cafes, and pubs with Bering Sea views.
Quick‑service spots and pizza; convenient when arriving or departing.
Occasional trucks in summer near Front St or events; cash helpful.
Festivals and Events
Mushers arrive in Nome; Safety Roadhouse near Solomon serves as a key checkpoint.
Fast regional snowmachine race drawing local crowds and visiting spectators.
Safety Sound and regional lagoons teem with migrants; tours and local guides available in Nome.
Community runs, games, and late‑night sunlight; most events based in Nome.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Culture Insights
The region reflects Inupiat and Yup’ik heritage and a gold‑rush past. Subsistence activities remain vital; respect fishing, hunting, and gathering areas.
Greetings
A friendly hello and brief chat about road or weather is common. Ask permission before entering private land or photographing people.
Social Behavior
Pack out trash, keep noise down near homes/camps, yield space to working miners and subsistence users.
Cultural Taboos
Do not disturb historic artifacts or mine equipment. Do not approach wildlife or active hunting/fishing sites. Avoid alcohol in communities where restrictions apply.
Language Guide
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Hello | Hola |
| Thank you | Gracias |
| Please | Por favor |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Disculpe / Perdón |
| Do you accept credit cards? | ¿Aceptan tarjetas de crédito? |
| Where is the Nome–Council Road? | ¿Dónde está la carretera Nome–Council? |
| How far is it to Nome? | ¿A qué distancia está Nome? |
| Is there cell service here? | ¿Hay señal de celular aquí? |
| Where can I buy fuel? | ¿Dónde puedo comprar gasolina? |
| I need help | Necesito ayuda |
Disclaimer: All information in this city guide is generated by Artificial Intelligence and is for general information purposes only. We encourage readers to verify the details and any updates. If you find any errors, please report them to us at info@tts.com.