Sheenjek River

The Sheenjek River is a jewel in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, well known from the studies made by Olaus and Mardy Murie in 1956. The Muries' trip to the Sheenjek River valley, was one of the first scientific parties to record the plants, birds and wildlife found in the Brooks Range. Their work ultimately resulted in the creation of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (originally called the Arctic National Wildlife Range). In 1980, the Sheenjek River was designated a National Wild and Scenic River.

Our journey begins near a pocket of stunted spruce trees; shaped by the winter winds, they mark the northern extension of the boreal forest in the Sheenjek valley. We'll spend the first few days of our trip in this upper valley at the edge of treeline where the hiking is excellent on extensive alluvial fans of gravel covered by a carpet of arctic plants. We explore side valleys and climb ridges for views of the beautiful limestone mountains which make up the backbone of the Continental Divide.

After a few days, we turn our attention towards the south and begin our river trip down the Sheenjek. We intersperse paddling with lining as we navigate our boats over shallow gravel bars. As we pass Double Mountain and the junction of the West Fork, the river slows, deepens and begins to meander back and forth across the valley. Numerous small lakes and sloughs provide excellent habitat for waterfowl; loons, ducks, geese and swans. Territorial arctic terns hover over our heads, entertaining with their acrobatic flight. Darting through the clear water beneath our boats, we watch arctic grayling as they scatter for the shadows. When the grayling are feeding, which is fairly often during the short arctic summer, fishing can be excellent.

We'll explore Last Lake (the site of the Muries' upper camp). When I read the pages in their book Two in the Far North, describing their summer in the Sheenjek Valley, I am struck by how little has changed. Their experiences, the animals they found and the landscapes they explored, still await to be re-discovered. In a world of shrinking wilderness, it is wonderful to realize that the creation of a conservation unit they worked so hard for, has met its goal. The Sheenjek River today is as wild and beautiful as it was in 1956.

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.

For dates and prices of the Sheenjek 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
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