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Noatak River Canoeing and Hiking

Canoeing in Alaska with Arctic Wild

Highlights

  • Wilderness canoeing in Gates of the Arctic National Park
  • Mountain hiking in the spectacular Brooks Range
  • Watching wildlife in the land of the midnight sun

Full Description

The Noatak River watershed is an enormous expanse of rugged mountains and gently rolling tundra hills, with a thread of biologically rich riparian lakes and ponds running right down the middle. The Noatak's entire watershed is protected within the Noatak National Preserve and the Gates of the Arctic National Park. It is internationally recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Nestled between two sub-ranges of the Brooks Range, far north of the Arctic Circle, the Noatak is an arctic gem. From its headwaters in the granite peaks around Mt. Igikpak, it flows west through glacier-capped peaks and rolling tundra for over 400 miles to the Chukchi Sea. Its westward flow is perpendicular to the north-south axis of migratory animals' annual routes.

Spring is a magical time in the wilderness. Birds return from the world over to nest in the Noatak. Bears dig for roots on tundra benches near the river. The willows are not yet leafed out and so we are likely to see moose, wolf and fox feeding in the scrub thickets. On day hikes we can climb the ridges for expansive views and may get to watch Dall sheep with their new born lambs. Weather tends to be clear and warm in June and we are almost certain to have the entire valley to ourselves, without even air traffic to disturb the peace of this wild arctic landscape.

We have three layover days to enjoy some of the best hiking in the arctic and to fish for grayling, northern pike, arctic char and lake trout. During the course of the trip the land will green-up before our eyes and the first wildflowers will burst from the ground.

This is a fairly easy 50-mile canoe trip, but you can fish and hike and explore until you're worn out. The Noatak flows along smoothly on this stretch, with current enough to keep us moving, but if the wind blows opposite the current we will have to work to reach each days end. Previous experience is not necessary to paddle canoes, as instruction is provided.

Includes:

  • Transportation beyond Fairbanks
  • Outstanding guide service
  • Wholesome, delicious, and mostly-organic food while in the wilderness
  • Stoves, cooking & eating utensils
  • Repair and safety equipment such as firearm (guide will carry) and one bear spray per guest
  • All boating gear, including boats and paddles
  • The use of one life jacket and one medium-sized dry bag per guest

Excludes:

  • Non-camp lodging
  • Non-camp meals
  • Personal clothing, backpack (if applicable), and footwear
  • Sleeping bag & sleeping pad
  • Three-season tent
  • Large waterproof dry bag (one with shoulder strap recommended)
  • Waterproof camera case
  • Fishing gear and fishing license
  • Gratuity for guide(s)

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

It’s a long day. We fly north from Fairbanks to Coldfoot, crossing en route the mighty Yukon River and the Arctic Circle. From Coldfoot, we charter a plane into the Gates of the Arctic National Park. We’ll land on a gravelbar near the river. If the mood strikes us we will assemble the canoes and paddle for a bit. Or we might elect to explore our surroundings on foot, before eating a hearty dinner and settling in for some sleep.

Days 2-9

We’ll canoe our way down the Noatak. We’ll paddle about 15 miles per day, which will keep us on the river up to five hours each of the moving days. Our three layover days we’ll take where hiking and other activities are readily available. We can climb peaks every day, but there is also lots of good walking along the river, or up pretty tundra creeks. There will be free time each and every day - after camp is pitched, the evening is yours to enjoy the golden arctic sunlight.

Day 10

Clean-up and pack our gear. Weather permitting, we’ll catch our return flight back up the Noatak, over a great many mountains back to Coldfoot, then on to Fairbanks. Remove rubber boots!

About The Operator:

Arctic Wild

Headquarters:

Fairbanks, AK

Established:

January 1998

Arctic Wild is a wilderness guiding company based in Fairbanks, Alaska. We specialize in 1 to 3 week, fully guided and outfitted adventures in arctic Alaska. Our professional guides can take you to the most remote, beautiful and wildlife rich areas in Alaska. Our dedication to your enjoyment and learning is why people return year after year to enjoy the arctic with us. Groups are small, we travel quietly, and the focus is on the land and its inhabitants. Whether you join us for a basecamp trip, river rafting, canoeing or backpacking adventure, there is plenty of free time for you to explore, bird watch, photograph, fish or do whatever pleases you most. Our simple and efficient camps are comfortable, and wholesome camp meals are as filling as delicious. Our itineraries are as varied as our clients. Rigorous mountain expeditions, serene lake paddling, wildlife photography, whitewater rafting—we are always thinking of fun new trips and new ways to experience one of the largest wilderness areas on earth.

Arctic Wild is fortunate to have an astoundingly skilled, informed and passionate group of guides working with us. Some only work one trip a year while others have hiked and paddled with us all summer long for decades. Our guides' skills are born of both experience and solid training. In addition to completing our annual in-house training all of our lead guides carry a Wilderness First Responder medical certificate and many of them are have Swiftwater Rescue training as well. Some guides also work as biologists or mountaineers, professional conservationists, and educators. All of our guides have the experience and knowledge to make your trip safe, fun, and educational. Since 1998 Arctic Wild has been the leader in Natural History and adventure travel in northern Alaska.

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