Arctic Wild: Trip Itineraries
Alatna River Canoe Trip
Download a copy of the Alatna River Canoe Trip Itinerary (PDF, 176 KB).
• Dates: August 9th-16th
Want more time in the wilderness? This trip combines with the Arrigetch Backpack for a 15-day expedition not to be forgotten. The cost for both is $4,800.
• Region: Gates of the Arctic National Park – South slope of the Brooks Range, sub alpine, boreal forest.
• Cost: $3,000 per person from Fairbanks. See details below. Affordable camping gear available.
Sketch of the trip…
The Alatna River valley is a study in contrasts. A mellow, meandering river gives way to steep, rocky mountains. Dark green forests take over where the marble-white gravel bars end. Evidence of pioneers can be found in quiet places in the forest.
It is a beautiful valley, one not to rush through. The hiking is some of the best around: from the river’s edge, a short bushwhack brings you to open White Spruce forest blanketed by cream-colored caribou lichen.The forest yields to dry alpine terrain all the way to the summits. Jumbled patterns of erosion in the limestone make for many secret spots—caves, swimmin’ holes, meadows–and an exceptionally rugged feel to the country.
Early August is still the height of summer, berries are ripe, and you may encounter wildlife like wolves, moose, beaver, black and grizzly bears. Golden Eagles and Rough-legged Hawks are common sights from the peaks. Migratory birds have yet to have flown south at this time of year. We may hear loons at night.
After a short flight to the river, we paddle about a 65-mile stretch of the Alatna with an emphasis on soaking up the terrain. We will have plenty of time for layove days to explore this amazing country with hikes offering views of the seldom-seen “backside” of the Arrigetch Peaks. There is a small run of chum salmon in the Alatna and grayling are abundant.
The Alatna is an easy river to paddle. No previous canoeing experience is necessary as instruction is provided.
What follows is a forecast of the trip, a general idea of the flow of events.
As a forecast, it may be amended to meet conditions and opportunities in the field.
Day 1: Fly north from Fairbanks across the Yukon River to Coldfoot, a little “Outpost of Progress” facing the Brooks Range. Here we board a DeHavilland Beaver and continue on into the Gates of the Arctic National Park. We alight on a gravel bar and the plane leaves us to our own devices. We will carry our gear to the river and make camp on the banks for our first night in the wilderness.
Day 3-7: After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we’ll assemble the canoes. After a safety discussion and paddling tutorial, we’ll head downriver. Prepare to be impressed by the scenery! The next week will be spent canoeing, taking layover days and always on the lookout for wildlife such as; wolves, black and grizzly bears, caribou and moose. Halfway down,we may take a short hike to a hidden lake called Takahula, a specatacular gem tucked into the mountains. Avian life will be our constant companions with boreal forest highlights such as goshawks, owls, loons and crossbills.
Day 8: Weather permitting, we fly from a calm deep stretch of the river back to Coldfoot, and then to Fairbanks. Shower!
Included in the price of the trip:
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.
Not included in the price of the trip:
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 straps is best)
Waterproof camera case.
Fishing gear and fishing license.
Gratuity for guide(s).
Arctic Wild rents high quality gear at affordable rates. Rental gear includes:
Three-season tents
Sleeping bags
Sleeping pads
Rubber raingear bibs
Rubber raingear jackets
Rubber boots
Large Dry Bag
A River Trip Equipment List is provided upon registration or request.
Weather & Bugs: A variety of weather should be expected including rainy periods and bright sunny conditions. Temperatures can range from in the 70's down into the 30's or lower. Snow is unlikely on this trip in midsummer. Although the worst of the bug season is over, there will still be mosquitoes and gnats around. You should carry a head net and one bottle of insect repellent.
Recommended Reading: Our Arctic Year, Vivian & Gill Staender; Alaska Wilderness, Robert Marshall; We Live in the Arctic, Constance Helmericks; Two in the Far North, Margaret Murie; Arctic Wild, Lois Crisler; Make Prayers to the Raven, Richard Nelson; Two Old Women, Velma Wallis.