2022 Gates of the Arctic Exploratory Expedition

Photo: National Park Service

Photo: National Park Service

We'll be inserted into one of the remotest places on the planet and trek up a valley to the Arrigetch Peaks, a set of towering granite slabs known as "The Maidens." If you're an experienced backpacker and want to get away from tourists, Facebarf, and Instacrap, this just might be the adventure for you!

  • 4 Nights (5 Days) base camping in the Arrigetch Peaks and emerald green lakes

  • Peak season for wildlife (bears, moose, wolves, foxes, etc.)

  • Peak season for fall colors

  • Start of northern lights season

  • Small, private group of 3-6 backpackers/photographers

  • Photography instruction for those who would like it

  • Affordable adventure (most guides charge ~$4,000)


ABOUT GATES OF THE ARCTIC
Gates of the Arctic National Park is as untouched wilderness as it gets. Located in northwestern Alaska, there are no roads, trails, or established campsites. The relatively small handful of visitors who make it here are free to roam across 8.4 million pristine acres of untamed land. It is the definition of “getting away.”


THE PLAN
We'll fly into Fairbanks, AK and overnight there. The next morning we'll hop on a really small commuter plane to the remote town of Bettles where we'll catch our bush plane. It'll be a short flight over some amazingly scenic landscape to Circle Lake where we'll begin our ~8-mile journey up the valley. This trek will be slow-going over muskeg, through thick alder forests, and over rough, rocky terrain. But the reward will be so worth it. We'll plan to base camp below the towering peaks and day hike up the three valleys to see the emerald lakes and explore the vast untamed wilderness.

After being picked up by our bush plane at Circle Lake, we'll return to Bettles where we'll overnight. They have a free bunkhouse or we can set up our tents in their hangar. The next day we'll return to Fairbanks and either overnight again, or catch our flights home (depends on the timing of the flights).


REQUIREMENTS
This adventure involves upwards of 30 miles of backpacking and hiking over challenging terrain. We will be base camping ~8 miles from our drop-off point and carrying daypacks the remainder of the time. Due to the physical activity, you must be an experienced backpacker in reasonable shape. You’ll also need to own or rent backpacking gear—an essential gear checklist will be provided.


WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Commercial flight from Portland to Fairbanks (round trip)

  • Commuter flight from Fairbanks to Bettles (round trip)

  • Bush plane flight from Bettles to Gates of the Arctic (round trip)

  • Motel in Fairbanks

  • Meals in Fairbanks

  • Transportation in Fairbanks

  • Gear rental (bear spray, fuel canisters, satellite phone)


WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Incidentals

  • Tips for bush pilots


DATES: TBD

PRICE: ~$2,000 per person w/ $500 deposit (pricing to be finalized)

RSVP: Ready to experience an Alaskan adventure, or have questions? Contact me for more information.