In the heart of Alaska's Central Brooks Range, Mt. Igikpak gives birth to Alaska's longest, and premier Wild and Scenic River. Beginning in Gates of the Arctic National Park, the Noatak meanders through a grand and spacious land, the largest undisturbed wilderness in North America, a watershed entirely above the Arctic Circle.
Ten thousand years ago, ancestral Eskimos traversed the valley, leaving only scattered remains of camps. Today there is but a single settlement on the lower river. All else is wilderness. We paddle canoes or rafts down the upper 100 miles of the 400-mile-long Noatak River, through a broad U-shaped glacial valley ringed by rugged mountains and weathered tundra foothills.
Our journey begins with a scenic flight over the Central Brooks range, passing the jagged spires of Arrigetch Peaks, and landing in the river's headwaters in Gates of the Arctic National Park. Gates of the Arctic includes more than 8 million acres, most of it designated as wilderness. We explore the wild upper Noatak valley, with day hikes into the mountains overlooking spectacular valleys.
We paddle through the Noatak River's mountainous headwaters just as the Western Arctic Caribou Herd migrates through the mountain passes, swimming the river in small and large bands. In August, the animals are moving south, and scattered bands cross the river. The caribou are followed closely by wolves and grizzlies. Small numbers of muskoxen have moved into the region; we usually see one or two along the river. Our schedule allows lots of time for day hiking, berry picking, or fishing for arctic char, grayling, lake trout, and northern pike. The river is ideally suited to canoes, and moves along at a good clip, with a splash of Class II whitewater to add a bit of excitement. With upriver winds, our paddling arms gain strength.
Our late August trip immerses you in the Far North's autumn glory. Fall colors, with brilliant red, yellow, and purple, paint the land. Caribou are photogenic and regal in their dark coats.
Our Noatak paddle through Alaska's Brooks Range is one of the Far North's classic "life-list" trips. We begin "in the shadow" of the tallest peak in Gates of the Arctic, traverse an a region with outstanding scenery, great day hiking, and superb wildlife viewing opportunities. No previous river experience is necessary to enjoy this expedition.
