| Polar Bear Peak | |
| Elevation Ft: | 6614 |
| Elevation Ref: | [1] |
| Prominence Ft: | 1214 |
| Location: | Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska, U.S. |
| Range: | Chugach Mountains |
| Map: | USA Alaska |
| Label Position: | left |
| Coordinates: | 61.1528°N -149.1958°W |
| Coordinates Ref: | [2] |
| Topo: | USGS Anchorage A-6 |
| First Ascent: | 1966; Vin Hoeman, C. Serfoss |
Polar Bear Peak is a 6614feet mountain in the U.S. state of Alaska, located in Chugach State Park. Situated in the Chugach Mountains, it lies at the head of South Fork Eagle River, 5miles ESE of Eagle Lake, and 22miles ESE of downtown Anchorage. The peak was named in 1963 by members of the Mountaineering Club of Alaska because a snow patch on its north face resembles a Polar bear skin.[2]
Beginning at approximately 1000 ft., Polar Bear Peak becomes a predominantly alpine zone, characterized by exposed rock, extremely scant vegetation, a variety of lichens, and snow pack (including year-round snowfields and glaciers).
Like many Alaskan mountains, Polar Bear Peak may be frequented by rock ptarmigan, Dall sheep, mountain goats, and other alpine animals. Despite the lack of vegetation, a variety of insects thrive at high elevations throughout Alaska. Overhead, one may spot a hawk or eagle.