Caribou Migration Basecamp | Western Arctic | Alaska Wildlife Basecamp
Caribou Migration Basecamp
• Dates: June 11th through 17th, 2010.
• Region: Western arctic Alaska. We will camp on the north side
of the De Long Mountains near the Kokolik River
• Cost: $4,000 from Fairbanks. Affordable rental
camping gear is available.
Sketch of the trip…
Looking for a relaxed wilderness adventure with abundant wildlife in the most remote area of Alaska?
In the far western Brooks Range north of the Noatak River north of the De Long Mountains and south of the fridged Chukchi Sea is an area called the Utukok Uplands. This area is drained by the Kokolik, Kukupowruk, and Utukok Rivers as well as by hundreds of named and un-named creeks and rivers. The Utukok uplands are the calving grounds for the 300,000 member plus Western Arctic Caribou herd. We have planned the location and timing of this trip in hopes of seeing thousands if not tens of thousands of caribou as they begin migrating after calving. The sights, sounds, and smells of being surrounded by great masses of caribou are never forgotten. Not only do we hope to encounter throngs of caribou but we hope to see some of their attendant predators. The Utukok Uplands support the highest densities of Grizzly bears and wolverines in Alaska’s Arctic. This promises to be a physically easy trip in a beautiful area with excellent opportunities for seeing a great variety of wildlife.
Even without this tremendous seasonal abundance of wildlife this wild and seldom traveled landscape is an exceptional area. Early June has few mosquitoes and wildflowers should be everywhere. Broad open ridges, tremendous vistas and never failing light conjure feelings of infinite land and time. The lack of schedule and relaxed pace of a basecamp trip contribute to the expansive feeling of the arctic. The area is geologically diverse, coal beds and fossils can be found along the river and long sinuous ridges change color through out the day and night.
Birding in the area can be fantastic. Asian species such as bluethroats and wheatears can be seen. Golden Eagles may be hunting caribou calves. For those who keep their eyes open there is no limit to the sights and surprises this rich and wild place offers.
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: After doing our best to find out where the western arctic caribou herd is hanging out, we will board a small plane and fly to the upper Kokolik, or a similar destination looking for caribou by the thousands. We have had excelent luck finding thousands of caribou in the vicinity of Archemides Ridge in years past. Once on the ground and unloaded, we’ll find a comfortable camp, which will be our home for the next week, and enjoy a wholesome and tasty meal. We’ll spend the rest of the evening settling into the arctic.
Days 2-6: Wake up to discover that it was not a dream. Here we are
happily camped by the river. We expect that caribou will be a feature
of the landscape for the rest of our trip. Also, we’ll keep out eye
out for grizzlies, wolves, musk oxen and a great diversity of bird life.
Each day we can choose what we want to do, either as a group or solo.
Your guide will make suggestions of possible excursions. These could
range from a stroll up the gravel bar to look at tracks in the mud
or a hike over the horizon in search of 300,000 caribou. Fishing for
greyling might be an option, identifying birds or wildflowers, perhaps
you just want to sit on a hill and watch caribou graze on the green
tundra… However you choose to spend your time your guide will
be available to ensure that your trip is safe, fun, and rewarding.
Our seven days will speed by in our comfortable camp, each day will
be filled with surprise and adventure as we get to know one tiny piece
of this vast arctic wilderness.
Day 7: Weather permitting, our pilot will return to take
us, reluctant though we may be, back to Fairbanks. Change your socks.
(Yes those are all caribou!)
Included in the price of the trip:
Transportation beyond Fairbanks.
Outstanding guide service.
Wholesome, delicious, and largely-organic food while in the wilderness.
Stoves, cooking & eating utensils.
Repair and safety equipment (including satellite phone, ground-to-air radio and one “pepperspray” per guest.
Not included in the price of the trip:
Non-camp lodging.
Non-camp meals.
Personal clothing, backpack, and footwear.
Sleeping bag & sleeping pad.
Three-season tent.
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
Heavy Duty Raingear
Rubber boots
An Equipment List is provided upon registration or request.
Weather & Bugs: Temperatures vary from the 70’s to below freezing. Snow is possible; rain is likely. However, this time of the year we generally have lots of sunny weather There could be a few bugs, so bring a mosquito head net and a small bottle of DEET repellent just in case.