Valley of the Precipices – Wilnai Custom

Valley of the Precipices – Wilnai Custom

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DATES

August 06, 2026 - August 17, 2026

REGION

Gates of the Arctic

TRIP COST

$$

calendar

DATES

August 06, 2026 - August 17, 2026
region

REGION

Gates of the Arctic
price

TRIP COST

$$

Another swell trip into the heart of Gates of the Arctic. A backpacking trip from the upper Anaktuvuk River into the Valley of the Precipices. Walk in Bob’s footsteps!

TRIP DETAILS

Part #1 Cockedhat Mountain:

Starting in Fairbanks, we fly north to Bettles and then after switching to a floatplane into the Brooks Range, up the Koyukuk and then over the continental divide. The boreal forest behind us and with peaks all around we land on a lake surrounded by tundra. Welcome to paradise.

Don packs and begin the hike towards Cockedhat Mountain. As we gain elevation the footing improves and the view becomes overwhelmingly beautiful. Waterfalls, 2000′ cliffs, and the sparkle of the clear river and green tundra make it hard to watch our feet as we hike towards the peaks. 7 miles later we make camp on a high bench with excellent access to the hanging valleys, glacial tarns, and alpine meadows which flank the cliffs of Cockedhat.

With time to relax and enjoy the area, we are likely to see wildlife and will relish in the changing light and weather. Raptors will have fledglings and there could be caribou enjoying the mountain breeze. 24 hour daylight and an immense sky create a feeling of abundance which is hard to describe.

 

 

Part #2 Valley of the Precipices

After a week on the tundra it is time to rejoin Bob’s path just to the south. The plane returns and shuttles us over the divide to a suitable landing place in the headwaters of the Anaktuvuk River near Ernie Pass.

Walking on the tundra is easier than in the boreal forests to the south of here, and there are some tundra benches that offer excellent footing. But of course there are also areas of tussocks and willow to avoid or wade through too. 2 days hiking should get us to a spot Ernie Creek where we will establish a multi-night camp and base for exploration at the top of the Valley of Precipices. This is a great place to try and access some of Bob’s stomping grounds like Grizzly Creek and Al’s Mountain.

There are innumerable other places to explore and we will hike as much as you want, or as little as you please. returning to the camp each night After several days of traipsing about Ernie Creek and other tributaries you’ll reload your backpack and start the hike back north to the Anaktuvuk River Valley to rendezvous with the pilot who brought us here. With lighter packs and knowing the route the hike back is expected to be faster than it was on the first day’s of the trip. An evening hike up Greylime creek will round out the trip and wet your appetite for next summer’s adventure.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Itinerary

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

August 5

Meet your guide in Fairbanks for a pre-trip meeting at 4 pm.

 

August 6

Depart Fairbanks for the tiny settlement of Bettles. Once arrived you’ll head to the float plane pond where you board a much smaller airplane. Then you are off to the Brooks Range! Once the plane departs we hike a few miles before setting up camp.

August 7

Hike the remaining miles to our base camp location near Cockedhat Mountain.

August 8 - 10

Three full days to bask in the glory of the Brooks Range. There are long hikes we can take and there are short hikes we can take. All of them are beautiful beyond words.

August 11

Assuming the weather cooperates and assuming the airstrip in the upper Anaktuvuk is serviceable, the pilot will arrive mid-day and will shuttle you over the peaks to a spot near Ernie Pass. It is a truly lovely place with limestone peaks in all directions. Shoulder packs and hike a few miles east towards Ernie Creek.

August 12

Our longest day of hiking. This is the day you have been training for. Once over the pass, we descend into Ernie Creek. Blackface Mountain is a beacon showing where the Valley of Precipices lies. Negotiating the crossing of Kenunga (or Grizzly Creek) might require a detour up the creek to find a suitable crossing. At day’s end we can shun our packs and pitch camp for several days of base camping.

August 13- 15

2 1/2 or 3 days to explore around the Valley of Precipices. Climb Al’s Mountain. Drink coffee in camp. Explore up Grizzly Creek. Hike down Ernie Creek and see how close to the North Fork you can get.

The time is yours to enjoy.

August 16

Back west we go! Up into Ernie Pass and towards the landing area. Packs are lighter and legs are stronger so we can expect more milage (or less exhaustion) each day.

August 17

Break camp. Load packs. And hike the remaining miles to the airstrip. The plane is hoping to arrive in the early afternoon to whisk you back to Fairbanks.

rafters having fun in the Arctic

Such a joy to spend days where time was meaningless.  A wonderful adventure and I would like to return next year for a longer, more challenging trip.

You mentioned to me in an email that you have terrific guides – you do indeed.  Dave is a superb guide. He is personable, knowledgeable about the Arctic, and has excellent group management skills. I appreciated the time he spent teaching me to read the map, which is not easy without trails.   He allowed Adrian and me to hike at our own pace and he encouraged all of us to explore the area surrounding our campsites. I know the others would concur in my praise.

- Sandra, California, USA

DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Transportation beyond Fairbanks

Food while in the wilderness

Stoves, cooking & eating utensils

Professional guides

Select camping equipment is available through Arctic Wild

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Lodging

Non-camp meals

Personal clothing and gear per our Equipment List

Gratuity for guides

WEATHER & BUGS

A variety of weather should be expected including rainy periods and bright sunny conditions. Temperatures can range from in the 70’s down into the 30’s or lower. Snow is possible but unlikely to remain on the ground. Bug season is not yet over, so expect mosquitoes and gnats around. You should carry a head net and one bottle of insect repellent.

RECOMMENDED READING

Alaska Wilderness by Robert Marshall

Arctic Wild by Lois Crisler

Nunamiut by Helge Ingstadt

Make Prayers to the Raven, Richard Nelson

More Alaska reading is available from our Bookstore.

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  3. Secure your trip with a deposit
  4. We will send you a detailed packing list
  5. Book your flights and accommodations
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"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!"
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