Trapper Creek in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)

Cliff Hudson

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 21, 2024

1. Cliff Hudson Marker

Inscription.
Cliff Hudson was one of Alaska's most well known early bush pilots. He flew his small planes for over four decades, opening up the wilderness around Denali to climbers, homesteaders and tourists.

Hudson came to Alaska in 1948. He was a pioneer of local air service, offering rides to places previously off-limits. Hudson flew climbers directly to Denali, saving them a 60-mile hike through rough areas. He delivered mail and supplies to remote homes and took tourists on "flightseeing" tours of the mountain. His flights opened up Alaska to thousands of people.

Bush pilots had to be fearless. Hudson flew to remote places in the worst of weather, and he saved many lives. In 1954, Hudson rescued six airmen whose plane had disintegrated in midair. He received the US Air Force's Exceptional Service Award for saving their lives. Hudson passed away in 2010, but his legacy lives on. Each May the community holds a Memorial Fly In in Talkeetna to celebrate Cliff Hudson and to encourage local children to learn how to build and fly airplanes.

"Cliff's flying record consisted of thousands upon thousands of hours of take-offs

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and landings in the most extreme flying conditions. He was a much beloved and cherished member of the community."
-Alaska State Legislature

"Cliff was never one to seek publicity. He was a quiet, easy-going man who was good to so many people."
-Ollie Hudson, wife

"I probably could get more money hauling tourists, but I still have people out in the bush who need service."
-Cliff Hudson, during the height of his career

Erected by Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Environment • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1948.

Location. 62° 33.382′ N, 150° 13.844′ W. Marker is in Trapper Creek, Alaska, in Matanuska-Susitna Borough. It can be reached from Parks Highway. Marker is on the Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge grounds, accessed east from AK Hwy 3 via McKinley View Drive at the Chulitna River. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 481 Parks Hwy, Trapper Creek AK 99683, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Alaska Railroad Corridor,

Cliff Hudson Marker and His Plane image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 21, 2024

2. Cliff Hudson Marker and His Plane

in the Athabascan Region,

in the Mat-Su Valley,

and in Southcentral Alaska.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Luscombe Silvaire (here, next to this marker); Alaska's Bush Pilots (here, next to this marker); wolves find room to roam (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Walter Harper (about 700 feet away).

Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 271 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 26, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.