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.