Kongakut River

ABEC's Kongakut River backpack and raft trip takes you on a journey through the mountain wilderness of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge down the river of caribou. The Kongakut river valley and adjoining tributaries are used by the Porcupine caribou herd as a migration route on their move from sheltered wintering habitat in Canada to lush spring vegetation of their calving grounds in ANWR. Follow the herds movements on the interesting Porcupine caribou herd website. In this remote corner of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, we enjoy a wealth of wildlife and solitude of the wilderness.

We paddle approximately 50 miles of the Kongakut River as it cuts through the mountains of the Brooks Range on its journey north to the Arctic Ocean. Numerous small rocky rapids, shelves of ice and braided channels challenge our boat crews as all participants share in the fun of paddling the boats under the direction of a guide. Previous river experience is not necessary to paddle raft as an experienced boatman in each boat will provide instruction. Participants with intermediate kayak skills may wish to paddle their own inflatable kayak.

The Kongakut River adventure originates in Fairbanks, Alaska where a bush plane takes us on a spectacular flight. Passing over the Yukon River, the Brooks Range, and hundreds of miles of Alaskan wilderness, we land on a gravel bar of the Kongakut. After setting up camp, we'll enjoy an afternoon hike across tundra covered with spring wildflowers.

Canyon rock walls reveal interesting folds and layers as we float past them on the emerald waters of the Kongakut River. Watch for caribou along the river and Dall sheep on the slopes above. Enjoy the midnight sun on ridge hikes, appreciating the view the sheep have of the mountain valleys below. Fish for arctic char and grayling in the still pools near camp.

We float through a canyons of "aufeis" where the walls of ice are often 12 to 15 feet high. There are numerous small rapids to enjoy and beautiful views up river of the mountains we have just passed through. Dall sheep gather at mineral licks along the river and we watch for moose and muskox feeding on the river bars. Towards the end of our journey we will hike along the ridge for views of the coastal plain and the Arctic Ocean beyond.

The Kongakut River raft trip makes a great sequel to our Caribou Migration Backpack. Paddling this arctic river is a trip that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. With opportunities to capture on film the animals of the arctic, the Kongakut makes a fine trip for wildlife photography: caribou swimming the river, Dall sheep and moose grazing along gravel bars, and grizzly bears foraging on the slopes above. Other highlights include exciting whitewater, fishing for arctic char, and a celebration of the summer solstice with evening hikes in the golden glow of the midnight sun.

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

Optional trip- Caribou Migration Backpack: For the backpacker who wants more …, combine the Caribou Migration Backpack preceding the Kongakut River trip. The Caribou Migration Backpack is an exceptional wildlife trip.

For dates and prices of the Kongakut River trip
For more river and backpack trips in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

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