Sanborn – Arctic Packrafting – 2022

Sanborn – Arctic Packrafting – 2022

DATES

June 12, 2022 - June 20, 2022

REGION

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)

TRIP COST

$6,600

calendar

DATES

June 12, 2022 - June 20, 2022
region

REGION

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)
price

TRIP COST

$6,600

Mountains to Sea Packrafting trip for Matt Sanborn and Friends.

TRIP DETAILS

At this latitude the sun never sets in June. The vastness of the landscape and unending daylight create a euphoric sense of possibility.

Starting high on the Aichilik River, we take a few days to explore below the highest peaks in the Brooks Range. To the north the land falls away across the vast Coastal Plain toward the frozen Arctic Ocean.

In lieu of backpacking over a pass from the Jago, this trip will start on the banks of the Aichilik as far up as we judge is navigable. After exploring the headwaters on foot and practicing our packrafting we will enter the current of the river and begin the journey to the sea.

As we head towards the coast, both the river and the sky grow larger. Eventually we leave the mountains behind and paddle across the an ocean of tundra, the famed Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Near the trip’s end we reach the Beaufort Sea and can paddle out to the sea ice!

Wildlife is of course unpredictable, but the area is home to the 200,000-strong Porcupine caribou herd and on many years they filter through the foothills and cross the Jago. Wolves and bears are seen and Dall sheep will be a common sight on the ridges–rams with heavy horns resting on the cliffs and big bands of ewes and lambs grazing on the high tundra. Golden Eagles, Horned Larks, and an Asian bird called a Northern Wheatear thrive even in the starkest of alpine areas. As you approach the coast, the wildlife and scenery changes and animals like arctic fox and muskoxen become more common.  The birding along the Arctic Coast is legendary.

 Physical fitness is more important than boating experience for your enjoyment of this trip. Familiarity with river travel is important but packrafting experience is not necessarily required. we plan to paddle around 55 miles of the Aichilik River. There is no white water on the route, but the Aichilik does require that you pay attention. Especially this early in the season there could still be substantial river ice and other obstacles to avoid. We may have to carry the boats and our gear around tricky sections but hopefully it will mostly be smooth sailing.

Light and nimble packrafts allow us to paddle this small river and tread where few others go. Packrafts are lightweight one-person rafts propelled with a kayak paddle. Weighing in at around six pounds, they offer unparalleled freedom for wilderness explorers.  This Alaska packrafting trip will have its challenges, but there is ample time for day hikes and leisure. This route is a perfect compliment to the alpine ascent prior.

Last updated: September 27, 2022

Itinerary

What follows is a general flow of events. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible.

June 11

Meet your guide for a pre-trip meeting at noon. at the Arctic Wild headquarters in Fairbanks, prior to your departure with Joe for the Isto attempt.

June 12

Fly from Fairbanks north across the Yukon and eventually into the Brooks Range. Once north of the mountains we descend and land on an improbably small gravel bar by the Aichilik River. We plan to camp here for the the night to settle in and relish the quiet of the wilderness.

June 13

Dwarfed by 6,000 ft peaks, we take some time to hike and enjoy the headwaters of the Aichilik.

 

June 14 - 15

The journey begins! The river is small at first and there may still be ice clinging to the banks. After reviewing safety measures and paddling techniques we will ease our way down river, stopping to scout and to enjoy the mountain scenery.

There could be bands of caribou moving north with us and there will be plenty of time to stop and look for wildlife.

June 16 - 18

As the river exits the mountains the sky broadens and the river braids into multiple channels. Once you get the knack of following your guide through the deepest water, you will make good time and can scan the banks for bear, wolf, and caribou. Traveling towards the coast the wildlife changes along with the scenery. Waterfowl collect on the gravel bars and arctic fox can be found denning on the sandy banks. To the south, the Brooks Range dominates the skyline.

June 19

Approaching the coast the current slows and you enter one of the most wildlife rich portions of the Arctic Refuge. The Aichilik Delta is a birder’s paradise. After negotiating the delta, we paddle across the coastal lagoon to a barrier island in the Arctic Ocean. Most years there is sea ice still attached to the shore and we have an endless evening to explore this austere land of sky and ice. The sun won’t even come close to setting.

June 20

Pack-up and begin listening for our airplane. When it arrives (weather permitting) we reluctantly load our gear and ourselves for the flight back through Arctic Village and on to Fairbanks, arriving in time for a late dinner. A shower is in order.

Our guide was an encyclopedia on legs. His knowledge for the flora, fauna, and natural history of the tundra is astonishing. He was always willing and ready to teach, to talk, to listen, to do another hike, or to lie low in camp if we were beat. He truly gave us the trip we wanted!

 

- Brent, Colorado, USA

DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Associated charter flights

Food while in the wilderness, stoves, cooking & eating utensils, water filter

Packraft, life jacket and paddle, safety & repair gear

Professional guide service

Select camping equipment is available through Arctic Wild

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Non-camp lodging

Non-camp meals

Personal clothing and gear

Backpack, waterproof bags, wading pants, and clothing

Gratuity for guide(s)

WEATHER & BUGS

Weather this time of year is typically dry and sunny, though we can get some powerful storms that can either rain or snow on us.  Precipitation is generally light, and it’s fairly easy to keep comfortably dry. You can expect temperatures to range from the 30s to the 70s.  We expect this trip to be prior to mosquito season but a little DEET is a good idea.

RECOMMENDED READING

***Trip Map***

Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska Geographic

Midnight Wilderness by Debbie Miller

Being Caribou by Karsten Heuer

Information on Brooks Range Glaciers by Dr. Matt Nolan

Packrafting Handbook by Luc Mehl

More Alaska reading is available from our Bookstore

"The wilderness was spectacular, the leadership perfect."
"I am just finishing my tenth trip with you guys. As always, the trip was more than I expected and I had a great time. See you next year!"
"Of all outfitters with whom we have worked (and that is quite a number), you were by far the most organized and responsive."
"That feeling of wide open wonder, the possibilities for nearly limitless wandering, and the image of those proud caribou...that will stay with me a long time"
"Our guide was an encyclopedia on legs. He was always willing and ready to teach, to talk, to listen, to do another hike, or to lie low in camp if we were beat. He truly gave us the trip we wanted!"
client client client client client
Eileen - Canning River