Picture an American storyteller paddling through Alaska’s icy fjords, capturing the wild heart of the Last Frontier—meet Kim Heacox! A writer, photographer, and environmental activist, Heacox has spent over four decades weaving tales that blend adventure, conservation, and the raw beauty of Alaska. His award-winning books, like the National Outdoor Book Award-winning Jimmy Bluefeather, invite readers to fall in love with nature and fight for its preservation.
From his early days as a park ranger to his current role as a literary voice for the wilderness, Heacox’s work pulses with a passion for the planet. His lyrical prose and stunning photography have made him a beloved figure in environmental literature, inspiring readers to see the world through a lens of wonder and responsibility.
The Making of Kim Heacox
Born in Lewiston, Idaho, and raised in Spokane, Washington, Kim Heacox found his calling in the wild. In 1979, he arrived in Alaska as a rookie park ranger at Glacier Bay National Monument, a transformative experience that shaped his life and work. The vast landscapes and untamed beauty of Alaska sparked a lifelong love affair, leading him to trade a traditional career for a path of storytelling and advocacy. Influenced by literary giants like Edward Abbey and John Muir, Heacox began documenting the places and people that make Alaska unique.
Kim Heacox’s Unforgettable Stories
Heacox’s bibliography is a treasure trove of memoir, fiction, and nonfiction, each work infused with his deep connection to nature. His memoir, The Only Kayak, a finalist for the PEN USA Western Book Award, chronicles his adventures as a ranger in Glacier Bay. Written with humor and heart, it explores themes of friendship, environmental stewardship, and the paradox of loving a place that’s changing.
His novel Jimmy Bluefeather, a rare work of fiction to win the National Outdoor Book Award in 2015, follows a 95-year-old Tlingit elder and his grandson on a canoe-carving journey through Southeast Alaska. The story is a vibrant tapestry of culture, resilience, and the healing power of the wild. In John Muir and the Ice That Started a Fire, Heacox dives into the life of the legendary conservationist, blending biography with a call to protect America’s public lands. His latest novel, On Heaven’s Hill, tackles contemporary issues like development and community, earning praise for its vivid characters and timely message.
Heacox’s style is poetic yet accessible, weaving natural history, personal reflection, and social commentary. His works often grapple with the tension between human progress and environmental preservation, urging readers to act before it’s too late.
Why Kim Heacox Matters
Kim Heacox’s impact extends beyond the page. Living in Gustavus, Alaska, near Glacier Bay National Park, he and his wife, Melanie, are founding the John Muir Alaska Leadership School, a testament to their commitment to education and conservation. His opinion pieces in The Guardian and other outlets amplify his voice as a climate change activist, challenging readers to confront biodiversity loss and threats to public lands. Through his photography, featured in National Geographic and Audubon, Heacox captures Alaska’s fleeting beauty, reminding us what’s at stake.
Heacox’s storytelling has inspired a generation of readers and activists to cherish and protect wild places. His ability to blend art and advocacy makes him a vital figure in environmental literature, carrying forward the legacy of Muir and Abbey with a modern, urgent twist.
- Born: Lewiston, Idaho
- Key Works: The Only Kayak, Jimmy Bluefeather, John Muir and the Ice That Started a Fire, On Heaven’s Hill
- Awards: National Outdoor Book Award (2015, 2020), Lowell Thomas Award for travel writing
- Fun Fact: Heacox is also a musician and carpenter!
Snag The Only Kayak or Jimmy Bluefeather and dive into Kim Heacox’s soulful, nature-loving world! His stories will leave you ready to paddle into the wilderness—or at least fight for it from your armchair.