# Heimo Korth: The Last True Frontiersman of The Last Alaskans

Heimo Korth, a central figure in *The Last Alaskans*, embodies the spirit of a true wilderness survivor, living deep in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Despite warnings from locals and government policies discouraging permanent settlement in such a harsh environment, Korth defied all odds to carve out a life far from civilization.

His story, both inspiring and cautionary, reveals the grit, tragedy, and resilience of a man determined to live on his own terms.

Born in Wisconsin, Korth was not a native to Alaska’s rugged terrain. At 22, in 1974, he packed his belongings into two duffel bags and headed north, driven by a yearning for adventure and a life reminiscent of America’s early frontiersmen. Arriving in Fairbanks, he faced a brutal awakening to the Arctic’s unforgiving reality.

The cold, isolation, and constant threat of fatal mistakes were unlike anything he’d known. Yet, with mentorship from seasoned trappers and hunters like Phil Jago, Korth honed skills in trapping, hunting, and reading nature’s subtle signs. He built cabins designed to withstand temperatures of 60 below zero, mastered food preservation, and learned to endure months of solitude.

Korth’s life in the Refuge, alongside his wife Edna, became a testament to self-reliance. With no roads, neighbors, or rescue options, every decision carried life-or-death weight. His trap lines stretched for miles, blending traditional and modern techniques, while his cabin featured solar panels, wind generators, and sustainable water systems.

But the wilderness exacted a heavy toll. In the late 1980s, the tragic loss of his daughter Colleen in a canoe accident shattered his world. Isolated from family support, Korth turned to the wilderness for healing, creating a living memorial for her. Though grief tested his resolve, he adapted by integrating satellite communication and better transportation to balance family ties with his remote existence.

Warnings had always shadowed Korth’s journey. Alaskan locals cautioned that the bush wasn’t for dreamers, having seen many falter or perish.

Federal policies in the Refuge signaled that his way of life had no future. Yet, Korth ignored these admonitions, proving he could survive where others couldn’t. His story isn’t just about defiance; it’s about the cost of such a life. The isolation that once empowered him became a painful reality during personal loss.

Still, he persevered, later sharing his knowledge through documentaries and advocacy for wilderness conservation, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of these wild spaces.

Heimo Korth stands as one of America’s last wilderness dwellers, a living link to frontier traditions. His life in *The Last Alaskans* showcases both the rewards and sacrifices of true independence. While he never romanticizes his path, urging preparation and realism, Korth’s perseverance and love for the wild remain undeniable. What do you think of his extraordinary journey? Let me know your thoughts!