Armstrong – Refuge Base Camp

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DATES

July 19, 2025 - July 25, 2025

REGION

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Trips

TRIP COST

$$$

DATES

July 19, 2025 - July 25, 2025

REGION

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Trips

TRIP COST

$$$

Explore the wild landscape of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as summer flowers bloom and life fills the Arctic under the midnight sun. From our comfortable camp in the mountains you’ll have ample time to hike, watch for arctic wildlife, and enjoy the beauty of summer.

TRIP DETAILS

Summer in the Arctic is beyond compare. With no constructed trails, no campgrounds, no cell service, and absolutely no darkness, 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 summer, 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 at the very northern edge of the Brooks Range with a view of the mountains to the south and a view of the famed Coastal Plain to the north.

We are not the only ones who like this spot. Caribou tend to frequent this valley. And if we are very lucky their path may intersect with ours. The Refuge is huge and caribou are famously fickle so we might not see them, but we have seen lots of wildlife in this area over the years and the birding is excellent.

The wildflowers will be in full bloom, the hundreds of species of migrating birds will have returned and we hope the mosquitoes will be on the wane. It’s a wonderful time to be in the Arctic.

With 24 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.

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 and an exceptional guide, we make each day unique and tailored to the interests of the group. Hike to the highest peak at midnight to see the sun refusing to set. 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.

Last updated: February 6, 2025

Itinerary

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

July 18

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

July 19

We fly from Fairbanks to the tiny Gwich’in village of Arctic Village where we meet with our bush pilot and then head north into the Arctic Refuge.

July 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)

July 25

We say our last goodbyes to the 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.

Armstrong – Refuge Base Camp