Noatak River | Gates of the Arctic | Canoe Trips
Spring in the Arctic - Noatak River Canoe
PDF of the Noatak Canoe Adventure
• Dates: June 2 through 11, 2010.
• Region: Gates of the Arctic National Park, Central Brooks Range. The Noatak is a west-flowing river in arctic Alaska. It drains into the Chukchi Sea via Kotzebue Sound.
• Cost: $4,400 per person from Fairbanks. Affordable rental camping gear available.
Sketch of the trip…
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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.
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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.
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: 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.
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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!
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 strap recommended).
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: Temperatures vary dramatically in the Arctic. Temperatures range from the 20s to 80s even in a single day. Cold rains and snow are possible, but we get lots of warm sunny weather this time of the year. Bugs should not be a problem on this trip, but traveling with insect repellent (DEET) is always prudent in the arctic.