AVF – Western Arctic Base Camp

AVF – Western Arctic Base Camp

Reservation request

DATES

August 16, 2026- August 19, 2026

REGION

Western Arctic

TRIP COST

$$

DATES

August 16, 2026- August 19, 2026

REGION

Western Arctic

TRIP COST

$$

In northern Alaska between the Chukchi Sea and the western Brooks Range is a seldom traveled region of broad vistas and tundra etched with caribou trails. It is an important wilderness area and almost totally unknown. Explore the wildest corner of Arctic Alaska with Arctic Wild and the Alaska Venture Fund.

TRIP DETAILS

The western Brooks Range is rich country. This is where the Western Arctic Caribou Herd, numbering about 140,000 animals, spends the summer raising calves under the midnight sun. Bear and wolverine populations are higher here than anywhere else in Alaska’s arctic. And the birding…the birding is outstanding.

We plan to camp at the northern western edge of the Brooks Range near the Wulik Peaks in an area where limestone ridges crisscross verdant tunrda. Our comfortable camp provides a base for exploring the varied and wild landscape. With nearly 24 hours of daylight there is no end to the adventures we can have.

Bird watching in the area can be spectacular. Asian bird species such as bluethroats and northern wheatears can be spotted. Jaegers are ubiquitous and waterfowl are abundant. On our last foray in the area, we saw golden eagles, gyrfalcons, peregrine falcons, and rough-legged hawks. Even at the start of autumn we expect the birding to be varied and interesting..

Hiking in the area is wonderful and varied. There are seemingly endless ridges running perpendicular to the river where the footing is good and the views are unbelievable. While not a land of dramatic peak ascents and whitewater, this is a place of wildlife, beauty, and long vistas. We can follow mile after mile of caribou trails which ascend the ridges and plunge into the side creeks. The ridge tops are shingled in slate and sandstone, littered with 300 million years old marine fossils.

On our daily adventures, we can hike till foot-sore, or we can enjoy a sunny spot out of the wind and scan the horizon for wildlife. The small group and endless daylight, along with a knowledgable guide, allows for tremendous flexibility in our daily activities.

Living out of doors above the Arctic Circle presents challenges. The weather is mercurial and there are no trails on which to hike. But you need not be an adventure athlete to enjoy a week in the wilds with us. Hikes are tailored to suit the group, and attitude is as important as fitness in your success. Adventurous souls well into their 70’s thrive on our trips. The rewards are tremendous and the experience promises to be memorable.

Last updated: January 19, 2026

Itinerary

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

August 14 and 15

Alaska Venture Fund has organized activities in Kotzebue for our group where we can learn about the community and issues effecting the region. We will also make some time to discuss the wilderness portion of the trip, check gear, and make sure everyone is prepared for camping in the Arctic.

August 16

Our trip begins with a flight over the Chukchi Sea, the Noatak River, and into the Brooks Range. We fly on and on, watching the world’s largest terrestrial wilderness pass below us. After crossing the Wulik River we land on a gravel flat along a small river After unloading the plane and pitching camp we will have nothing but time to explore this pristine area.

August 17 and 18

Explore the Western Arctic! We can hike as much as you like, or enjoy spending our time relishing the solitude from the comfort of camp. The time is yours to enjoy. Arctic Wild’s guide and AVF’s staff are endlessly available to help you get the most of your trip.

August 19

We will wait for our pilot and then (if the weather allows) fly back to Kotzebue. We hope to be back to civilization around 6 pm. Time to take a shower!

Kitchen tent and prepared meal in Arctic Alaska

Our guide was a patient and highly skilled guide who also took the time to educate us about geology, local wildlife, and the nunamiut people. Once my guilt for excessive comfort was taken care, we had a terrific experience.

- Vann, North Carolina, USA

DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Charter flights from Kotzebue into the Western Arctic and back

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

Professional guide service

Select Camping Equipment is available through Arctic Wild

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Personal clothing and gear per our Equipment List

Fishing gear, and fishing license

Gratuity for guide(s)

WEATHER & BUGS

Temperatures vary from the 70’s to below freezing with averages in the upper 50’s. Snow is possible; rain is likely. However, this time of the year we generally have lots of sunny dry weather. Strong, cold north winds are not unusual. It is a windy part of the state.

There will be bugs so bring a mosquito head-net and a small bottle of DEET repellent.

RECOMMENDED READING

Naturalists Guide to the Arctic by E.C. Pielou

On Arctic Ground by Debbie Miller

People of the Noatak by Clair Fejes

Ordinary Wolves by Seth Kantner

Furs and Frontiers of the Far North by John Bockstoce

"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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