Last updated: August 29, 2024
Itinerary
What follows is a general flow of events. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible.
June 19
Meet your guide for a pre-trip meeting at 4pm in Fairbanks at Arctic Wild headquarters.
June 20
Fly north from Fairbanks across the mighty Yukon River and over the Arctic Circle. Land in Arctic Village, a Gwich’in settlement of about 100 people.
From there, we fly over the Brooks Range into the Arctic Refuge. Once our link to civilization wings back south, we will setup camp, and take a hike to stretch our legs. Welcome to the Arctic!
June 21- 26
We have thirty miles to hike and time enough to get there. The route zigzags between mountains from west to east just south of the coastal plain following caribou trails in the complicated topography of the Brooks Range’s northernmost peaks and ridges.
When we intersect with wildlife we will stop and watch, enjoying the company of wild-things. This route intersects an area that sees tens of thousands of caribou most summers and chances of seeing big groups of caribou are very good.
A highlight of the trip will be a hike up a mountain for views of the Arctic Coast to the north.
On moving days, we’ll walk about 8 miles, which will keep us on our feet for about 6 hours. With the endless daylight this leaves ample time for exploration and relaxation. There will be good hiking from every camp, whether it’s up a peak, or out looking for wildlife in the flats. At any time, we could see thousands of caribou, a grizzly bear or two, a wolf, or other arctic wildlife. We will see wildlife, and plenty of birds so keep your binoculars at the ready.
At the end of the trip we descend a side creek to the banks of the Kongakut River where we plan to rendezvous with the pilot.
June 20
If everything goes according to plan we will see the bush-plane early in the afternoon. If the weather cooperates you will be back to Fairbanks in time for a late dinner and can begin exaggerating about the trip.
