The Sheenjek River, in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was made famous by Olaus and Mardy Murie with their 1956 expedition (complete with 1 yr old child) to census caribou in the region. Inspired by the Sheenjek, they advocated for the formation of the Arctic Refuge which we enjoy today. We think the Sheenjek will inspire you too.

Starting in the limestone peaks of the Eastern Brooks Range the Sheenjek’s clear waters flow through deep gravel beds of ancient fossils and beneath gray and purple mountains. The upper river is dry and spare with enormous vistas and excellent hiking. As the river flows south and descends, the banks grow lush (for the Arctic) with every hue of green you can imagine, and before long the river enters the northernmost boreal forest, an open parkland of spruce dotted with lakes. Further south the Sheenjek is surrounded by the dark green of large trees and an ecology similar to the interior of Alaska. Each area has its charms and distinct wildlife.

Our trip on the Sheenjek focuses on the area of transition between tundra and forest, home to an astonishing mix of creatures. We may see tundra species like caribou, grizzly bears, arctic ground squirrel, and ptarmigan. Later in the trip we may see animals typical of the boreal forest such as beaver, moose, grouse, and lynx.

Everywhere we look we will find beauty. Our Sheenjek River Canoe Trip travels through the Wilderness portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The Sheenjek River is also a National Wild and Scenic River and truly an icon of the Refuge.

We offer two different options on the Sheenjek, a shorter 30 mile trip from the headwaters to Lobo Lake with lots of time to hike, explore, fish and relish in the solitude. Or we can explore more of the river and northern forests and paddle 90 miles of the Sheenjek, flying-out from a gravel bar where the Brooks Range merges into the Yukon Flats. No matter if you prefer a shorter paddle or a longer expedition, we will plan a few lay-over days, and on our traveling days, you will have free time enough for personal pursuits. There are mountains, hills, and bluffs to climb, arctic grayling to cast for, soaring white spruce forests to meander through, and graceful river bars made up of colorful Brooks Range rocks and fossils to explore.

The Sheenjek River starts slow as it works its way through the river gravels. then moves into a region of tundra ponds and clear lakes with spruces on the fringes where the river runs in a single channel. As we move downstream and gain skills as canoeists the current picks up speed and we dodge overhanging trees, small riffles and cut-banks. Canoe experience is recommended, but the Sheenjek is not a particularly technical river to paddle at normal water levels. If you are a novice canoeist, let us know and we can make adjustments to the trip.