Kasegaluk Base Camp

Kasegaluk Base Camp

Reservation request

DATES

July 05, 2026 - July 09, 2026

REGION

Western Arctic Reserve

TRIP COST

$$

DATES

July 05, 2026 - July 09, 2026

REGION

Western Arctic Reserve

TRIP COST

$$

Alaska’s Arctic Coast is a storied and rich region and Kasegaluk Lagoon in the Chukchi Sea hosts an astounding wealth of wildlife during our brief summer. It is one of the largest and least disturbed coastal lagoons in the world. Seals, whales and waterfowl migrate to the lagoon each summer.

TRIP DETAILS

An austere landscape at first glance, time spent on the Arctic Coast reveals it to be a region of stunning beauty and richness. Kasegaluk Lagoon is where the coastal tundra melts into the Chukchi Sea. Fed by five major rivers, the land and water mix in an infinite variety of lakes, bays and inlets. The diversity of wildlife and habitats is astounding.

Fresh water lagoons and river mouths wind far inland with ideal nesting habitat for both waterfowl and upland species. Kasegaluk Lagoon itself is brackish and in addition to pods of beluga whales, hosts ringed, spotted, and bearded seals along with the resident and migratory fish and birds. Numerous lakes and ponds provide habitat for nesting loons, swans, and more. Scores of waterfowl, including Black Brant, King, Common and Spectacled Eider, collect in the lagoons and river deltas to breed and molt. Tens of thousands of sea ducks migrate along this coast in July. The coastal tundra is thick with shorebirds and other nesting birds from the world over.

The lagoon also attracts Beluga whales in July. We have seen them cavorting and interacting in the Chukchi and in the passes between islands in the past. We may not see them this year but will definitely keep our eyes open for them!

Between the lagoon and the Chukchi Sea are a series of barrier islands. These long gravelly spits are full of driftwood, whale bones, duck nests, and all manner of gifts from the sea, and will be our home base for exploration. We may see foxes searching the driftwood for eider nests while the sun refuses to set over the northern ocean. We may find evidence of the enormous walrus haul-out that develops here in the autumn. Surely we will see a great variety of waterfowl nesting, breeding, and raising young on the Arctic Coast. It is a magical landscape, suddenly vibrant and teeming with life during the short summer.

We enjoy this rich and interesting area for a week in July. We will pitch camp near to where the plane lands us, amongst the driftwood and beach grass. The area is known for high winds and fog so we will have a substantial camp and a nice big “cook tent” in which to gather and shelter when we are not our hiking and exploring. No matter the weather with ample time and endless daylight, we can roam the tundra and coast watching wildlife, gaze for hours at the changing light, and learn about the resilient creatures that make their homes on this rugged coast. This is an ideal trip for birders, photographers or anyone wanting to see this truly special area.

Last updated: January 26, 2026

Itinerary

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

July 4

Meet your guide for a pre-trip meeting in Utqiagvik at 5 pm. If you arrive in Utqiagvik early enough in the day be sure to join the 4th of July Celebrations. Barrow knows how to throw a party!

July 5

Meet your pilot mid-morning and fly southwest from Utqiagvik towards one of the most remote and untraveled parts of Alaska. Some of the group will likely stop over in the community of Wainwright before a final shuttle to the lagoon.

July 6 -8

The days and nights are ours to explore and marvel at this unique destination. We can hike in search of wildlife and birds, explore historic sites, beach comb for whale and walrus bones, maybe observe arctic foxes at their dens, photograph sea ducks, or just sit by a driftwood fire and enjoy the sight of the sea and sky. No matter how we spend our time, each day will be full of adventure and surprises.

July 9

On our last day we await our pilot and the spectacular flight back south across the tundra. Weather permitting, we will be back to Utqiagvik in time for dinner.

The guides were uncommonly knowledgeable, competent, hardworking, and they consistently took care of the group before taking care of their own stuff. They kept our safety in mind while staying open to suggestions, and allowing folks a lot of freedom for personal wanderings.

- Jim, Alaska, USA

DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Round-trip airfare from Utqiagvik

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

Professional guide service

Select Camping Equipment is available through Arctic Wild

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Non-camp lodging (Plan on spending one night before the trip and one night after the trip in Utqiagvik at either Top of the World or King Eider Inn) – More information on visiting Utqiagvik can be found at https://www.travelalaska.com/explore-alaska/articles/insiders-guide-visiting-utqiagvik

Non-camp meals

Personal clothing and gear. See full equipment list

Gratuity for guide(s)

WEATHER & BUGS

Wind is the norm on this coast. It is often strong and will dictate much of what we can and can’t do on this trip. Otherwise expect a variety of weather. July tends to be mild by arctic standards. Expect temperatures to range from in the 60’s down to freezing. We don’t expect bug on the island but bring some DEET in case.

RECOMMENDED READING

Kusiq by Waldo Bodfish Sr.

Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez

Fifty Years Below Zero by Charles Brown

A rctic Wings by Stephen 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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