Gates of the Arctic
Backpack

Within Gates of the Arctic National Park, lies a mountain portal of the Brooks Range, christened by Robert Marshall in 1929 as Gates of the Arctic. Marshall's imagination was captivated by the two rugged mountains (Boreal Mountain and Frigid Crags) flanking the North Fork of the Koyukuk River when he was exploring this unmapped region of the Brooks Range.

ABEC's Gates of the Arctic backpack trip offer today's explorers a wilderness adventure to be remembered a lifetime. We load our backpacks into a float plane, winging our way past Dall sheep and cascading waterfalls to an alpine lake set high on the Continental Divide. From tundra to trees, we descend 35 miles along the North Fork of the Koyukuk into the northern reaches of the boreal forest.

We enjoy layover days on this backpacking trip, including a day hike up a shoulder of Mt. Doonerak (an Eskimo word for spirit). We are rewarded with spectacular views of a waterfall plunging from Hanging Glacier Mountain's impressive face. Approaching our rendezvous with the pilot, the Gates of the Arctic dominate our day, towering above the Koyukuk River.

Since Bob Marshall's early days of exploration the central Brooks Range has been mapped, but the land itself remains unchanged. Travel is still limited to foot, boat or dog sled just as it was for Marshall's journeys. The country is so unpeopled there are creeks and mountains that remain nameless. Untamed and unpredictable, the mountains of the Brooks Range offer unsurpassed beauty, solitude and challenge.

Join us in this pristine wilderness where the trails belong to the moose, bear and caribou. No signs direct the way in this national park, no bridges span the numerous creeks. The backpacking can be challenging at times, but knowing where the game trails are makes our route finding easier. We choose our own path as we explore this region by backpack or boat; or combine the two for a wonderful two-week adventure in the Arctic.

Optional trip- North Fork of the Koyukuk River Following the Gates of the Arctic backpack trip, the North Fork of the Koyukuk River is a scenic wilderness float trip through this classic Brooks Range valley. For the backpacker who wants more…, combine the Gates of the Arctic Backpack with the North Fork of the Koyukuk River for a two week adventure of a lifetime.

Included in the price of the trip: All air transportation beyond Fairbanks; camp food and cooking gear; boating gear; safety & repair gear; and trip leader.

For dates and prices of the Gates of the Arctic Backpack trip
For more river and backpack trips in the Gates of the Arctic National Park

ABEC's Alaska Adventures, LLC
PO Box 10791 | Fairbanks, Alaska 99710
Toll Free: (877) 424-8907 | Fax and Local Phone: (907) 457-8907
abec@abecalaska.com