In spring 2026, Benjamin Jones and Phillip Wilson (University of Alaska Fairbanks) will lead COAST-X, a ~1,500-mile snowmachine traverse from Bethel to Utqiagvik along Alaska’s western and northern coasts. The traverse will connect with coastal communities including Bethel, Chevak, Hooper Bay, Kotlik, Unalakleet, Koyuk, Elim, Nome, Brevig Mission, Shishmaref, Kotzebue, Kivalina, Point Hope, Point Lay, and Utqiaġvik.
The expedition is designed to support community outreach, coastal observing, and Arctic research coordination across regions experiencing rapid environmental change. Activities will focus on sharing research related to permafrost thaw, coastal hazards, infrastructure resilience, and environmental monitoring, while also learning from community priorities and local knowledge.
COAST-X is supported by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Institute of Northern Engineering, the Navigating the New Arctic–funded ACTION Project, and the -led ISOPS2 Project funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory ().
We welcome connections with Collaborations members and agencies working in western and northern Alaska or involved in coastal observing, Arctic infrastructure, or community engagement. Please reach out if you are interested in coordinating activities, sharing outreach materials, or exploring collaboration opportunities during the traverse.
You can follow along during the traverse through our COAST-X website (coast-x.alaska.edu) which will feature a live map tracking page, blog updates from the field, and links to updates shared on LinkedIn and Instagram. All tracking and outreach materials will be archived through the project webpage and published at the -funded Arctic Data Center.