| 13 Days Gates of the Arctic Hiking and Rafting Excursion |
| Arrigetch Range & Alatna River / Gates of the Arctic National Park |
“As I walked for hours beneath the stupendous grandeur of these colossal mountains, I felt humble and insignificant.” Robert Marshal – Alaska Wilderness, Exploring the Central Brooks Range
Gates of the Arctic National Park, despite being the recipient of frequent media attention over the past 45 years, remains one of the most remote and unspoiled places on earth. Its 8.4 million acres cover an area twice the size of Connecticut and only slightly smaller than Switzerland. The park is essentially a road less wilderness area and, except for limited and difficult access along the Dalton Highway, most recreational visitors choose to enter the park via chartered airplane. The aviators who make their livelihood flying this area know this remote and mountainous region better than anyone. They provide us with access to places like the Arrigetch Peaks! Arrigetch, which means “fingers of the hand extended” is an area comprised of a tilted intrusion of granite that has been hailed as the hallmark of Gates of the Arctic. Perhaps Bob Marshall described the area best when he called Arrigetch “…a series of sensational needlelike peaks extending in a horseshoe around a gushing creek which rose in the glacier.” Our exciting 13-day combination adventure will take us backpacking amongst the Arrigetch range and rafting down the Alatna River. The area of the park we will be visiting involves two separate bush flights. Skilled and professional, our guides have a depth of outdoor experience and a love of wild places. They are medically trained as Wilderness First Responders, and are committed to providing an educational and experiential adventure to each and every one of our clients. |
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| Itinerary |
Day 1:
Fairbanks
Arrive in Fairbanks. We'll greet you at Fairbanks airport and transfer you to the local accommodation. In the afternoon you have time to explore the many sights and to do the last shopping. In the evening you will meet the group for dinner and orientation. Your guide will introduce himself and gives substantial introduction at the beginning and during the tour. |
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Day 2:
Fairbanks - Bettles - Arrigetch / Gates of the Arctic
Our first flight takes us from Fairbanks to Bettles, a small gateway community and the field headquarters for the National Park Service. From Bettles, we’ll then hop onto a floatplane for the flight to Circle Lake and the start of our 6-day backpacking and hiking excursion into the Arrigetch region. |
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Day 3 - 8:
Arrigetch Range / Gates of the Arctic National Park
This part of the park offers the full spectrum of Alaska hiking, from bushwhacking and talus hoping to tundra romping and creek crossing. After our exploration of this small portion of the Brooks Range, we’ll hike down to the confluence of Arrigetch Creek and the Alatna River. Here at the union of these two watersheds, we’ll set up camp on a gravel bar, inflate our boats and savor the midnight arctic sun. |
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Day 9 - 12:
Alatna River / Brooks Range
By noon the following day, we’ll be drifting down the wild and scenic Alatna River directly through the heart of the Brooks Range. The Alatna’s clear water, stunning vistas, good fishing and moderate whitewater (mostly class I & II) make it the perfect river for a novice floater. Not to mention the subdued nature of Alaska river life is always the perfect compliment and contrast to a hard backpacking trip. We’ll spend the next 5 days floating and hiking along the Alatna until we reach our pick-up point at Help Me Jack Lake. |
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Day 13:
Brooks Range - Bettles - Fairbanks
Today we’ll return to Bettles for our flight back to Fairbanks. Please schedule flights home from Fairbanks after 7pm. |
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| Month |
Departure Dates |
| August |
14 |
| Rates per Person in US$ (based on double occupancy) |
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| 13 Day Gates of the Arctic National Park |
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| Including |
• 1 Night Hotel Accommodation in Fairbanks
• 12 Nights Camping Accommodation
• Professional Wilderness Guide Service
• Guided Hiking and Rafting as per itinerary
• Return Flight from Fairbanks - Bettles
• Return Flight from Bettles - Gates of the Arctic
• All group camping gear (tents, stoves, fuel, dry bags, etc.) and safety equipment
• 1 Welcome Dinner in Fairbanks
• All meals during the hiking and rafting tour
• Detailed Tour Documentation |
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