Sheryl and Friends – Refuge Base Camp

Sheryl and Friends – Refuge Base Camp

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DATES

August 19, 2026 - August 25, 2026

REGION

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Trips

TRIP COST

Party of 6. $9,300/ person.

DATES

August 19, 2026 - August 25, 2026

REGION

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Trips

TRIP COST

Party of 6. $9,300/ person.

Explore the wild landscape of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge this fall. From our comfortable camp in the mountains you’ll have ample time to hike, watch for arctic wildlife, and enjoy the beauty of the Arctic Refuge.

TRIP DETAILS

The Arctic Refuge is beyond compare. With no constructed trails, no campgrounds, and no cell service the Brooks Range is the perfect place for wilderness exploration and solitude where time and distance take on new meaning and our daily rhythms synchronize with the land.

We like to settle into the land and relish the magic of the Arctic, making a patch of tundra deep in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge our home for a week to savor the the solitude and wildness of the landscape. One of our favorite places in the Refuge is in the heart of the Brooks Range by a sprawling lake and in the shadow of the 9,000 ft Mount Chamberlin the second tallest peak in northern Alaska.

Though people rarely visit this enormous 4 mile long lake, we are not the only ones who like this area. Caribou tend to frequent this valley in late summer. And if we are very lucky their path may intersect with ours. The Refuge is huge and wildlife is famously fickle so we might not see them, but we have seen lots of wildlife in this area including grizzly bears, Dall’s sheep, wolves and muskoxen. And the birding is good even in late August.

It’s a wonderful time to be in the Arctic as summer wanes and the tundra turns yellow and red underneath peaks dusted with fresh snow.

With 20 hours of daylight and nearly limitless wilderness all around, there is no end to the exploration we can do. Each day we will head off in a different direction seeking wildlife and vistas. We can climb towards the glaciers and peaks, wander long sinuous ridges or hike the lake shore for miles.

This is a true wilderness trip, nothing is scripted and so much depends on the mercurial weather, the serendipity of wildlife, and your desires. With a small group (6 maximum) and an exceptional guide, we make each day unique and tailored to the interests of the group. Hike to a high ridge to look north towards the coastal plain. Hunker down in a snowstorm only to be surprised by a pack of wolves emerging from the fog. A day so warm we decide to hike to an alpine lake and swim between the ice chunks. Search for ancient tent rings and stone spear points (which we obviously leave in place). The options are nearly endless and the experience transformative.

Last updated: September 30, 2025

Itinerary

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

August 18

Meet with your guide for a pre-trip meeting at 4 pm in Fairbanks at Arctic Wild headquarters.

August 19

We fly from Fairbanks to the micro-village of Bettles where we meet with our bush pilot and then head north into the Arctic Refuge landing on the largest lake in the refuge where we will spend the week.

August 20 - 24

We spend our time exploring the area looking for bird and other wildlife. Your guide will lead hikes, share knowledge about the area and make themselves available to educate you about the Refuge. (plus cook great meals). We can head for the high country or stroll along the lake shore. There are lots of options each day.

August 25

We say our last goodbyes to the lake and tundra, pack our camp, and then load into the plane for a flight south across the Refuge and towards Fairbanks. Weather permitting we arrive back in time for a late dinner.

I had a great time. This trip was amazing in every single way. Definitely one I will never forget. ….an amazing guide. As good as you can ask for: knowledgeable, cool, great cook, always positive… Kind of guy who can turn the worst scenario into the best. Definitely the best guide I’ve ever had, hands down!

- Mario, SD, Dominican Republic

DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Round-trip airfare from Fairbanks to the Arctic Refuge

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

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. See full equipment list

Gratuity for guide

WEATHER & BUGS

Temperatures vary from the 70’s to below freezing. Snow is possible; rain is likely. However, this time of the year we generally have lots of sunny weather. There will be bugs, so bring a mosquito head net and a small bottle of DEET repellent just in case.

RECOMMENDED READING

Seasons of Life and Land by Shubanker Banjeeri

Being Caribou by Karsten Heuer

Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez

Midnight Wilderness by Debbie Miller

Caribou & the Barren-Lands by George Calef

Fifty Years Below Zero by Charles Brown

More Alaska reading available at 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!"

Eileen - Canning River

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