This trip takes us through little-accessed wilderness just south of the Continental (Arctic) Divide where we encounter scattered copses of spruce--the first of the taiga. For the first part of our journey, we'll be backpacking near the divide, along braided channels of the Wind River until we reach sufficient flow for paddling. A gin-clear jewel rising in the Philip Smith Mountains of the Brooks Range, the Wind River flows south through the boreal forest. A wide U-shaped valley flanked by dramatic, steep-sided peaks offers spacious, panoramic views, outstanding geology, and a truly remote setting, along with a swift current for paddling.

We take in the spaciousness of this grand valley, then leave the river and traverse over a pass into another mountain valley, amid steel gray limestone peaks, to the headwaters of the Junjik River. The upper river is outstanding country for hiking; grizzlies and wolves love it, too. We are south of the Arctic Divide,

We cross rivers and streams, following wildlife trails and camping in places of sublime beauty. With luck, we may see moose, wolves, grizzly bears and Dall sheep. A float down the remote, rarely-floated Junjik River reveals panoramic views as the valley slowly opens up before reaching the East Fork Chandalar. On the Chandalar, we float through an expansive landscape painted in autumn's palette of red, yellow, and purple, pausing to collect blueberries and cranberries for nightly dessert treats.

Our journey ends in the small Gwich'in settlement of Arctic Village, on the banks of the East Fork. Here we travel back to Fairbanks, crossing the southern Brooks Range and Yukon Flats.

This is rugged land, far off the beaten path, for adventurous travelers. Come hike and paddle in a region few have experienced. The trip requires strong backpacking skills. If you have never paddled a packraft before, give us a call. If you're comfortable on moving water, you can pick up the skills required in the field.