Last updated: January 24, 2020
Itinerary
What follows is a general flow of events. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible.
Day 0
Meet your guide for a pre-trip meeting at 4 p.m. in Fairbanks at Arctic Wild headquarters.
Day 1
Fly 350 miles north from Fairbanks, across the Yukon River and the Arctic Circle to the Gwich’in Athabascan village of Arctic Village. In Arctic Village we will meet our pilot for the beautiful flight over the Continental Divide past countless peaks and glaciers into the Okpilak River valley. After hiking to a suitable campsite, we will make camp and search out the hot springs.
Day 2 - 6
Each day will bring its own surprises. We have less than 20 miles to cover and plenty of time. The backpacking will be strenuous but the mileage covered short so there will be ample time for exploring the Okpilak, climbing high ridges and gawking at the glaciers. The hiking will be varied from soft tundra to long gravel bars and rocky slopes. The camping is excellent and the scenery unbeatable.
Day 7
Pack up early and begin listening for our airplane. When it arrives we reluctantly load our gear and ourselves for the flight back through Arctic Village and on to Fairbanks, arriving late in the afternoon. A shower is in order.
