This
spectacular trip begins and ends with a 300-mile flight across the
top of North America between Fairbanks and the high Arctic. No other
place in the world can compare to the Brooks Range for its sheer
magnitude of wildness. We make the most out of this
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the Land of the Midnight
Sun. Our eight-day trip includes day hikes for birding, photography,
caribou viewing or strenuous hiking up to a mountain summit.
The Kongakut River flows through
mountains, rolling tundra, and eventually through the coastal plain
to the Arctic Ocean. At first glance, the country appears quite
barren from our plane. But a closer look reveals a lush, alpine
landscape blanketed with wildflowers, intricate valleys, ancient
rock formations and cascading waterfalls. The peaceful sounds of the
river will be a constant companion. The country is enlivened by the
passing of the Porcupine caribou herd to their calving grounds. We
may also see Dall sheep, numerous migratory birds, and,
occasionally, wolves, fox, moose, grizzlies, and wolverine. Our trip
base camps at the edge of the northernmost mountains in Alaska. A
highlight is saved for the last full day: a hike to a vantage point
on top of a ridge which gives a stunning view of the Arctic Ocean
and offshore ice pack.
Day 1 - Arrive in Fairbanks
and settle into our favorite lodging. Explore Fairbanks from the
convenient location. This evening, gather for a pre-trip meeting and
dinner with your trip leader.
Day 2 - Plan for an early
breakfast. This day is mostly devoted to flying north! We drive to
the airport and begin our long flight across the Yukon River Flats
to the Native community of Arctic Village. We then switch to smaller
planes and continue north over the Brooks Range and on to the lower
Kongakut River. We'll land on a small gravel bar along the river,
and set up our first camp.
Days 3-6 - Our schedule on
the Kongakut will be leisurely and flexible. We will have ample
opportunity for short walks, day hikes, photographing wildlife and
fantastic displays of wildflowers, and fishing for Arctic char and
grayling (for those who bring fishing gear and license). There will
be much to see and explore. The weather is highly variable. Prepare
yourself for temperatures ranging from the brisk 30s to the
scorching 80s by bringing a variety of clothing layers (see Gear
List). At this far-north latitude, a light dusting of snow is even
possible. Often, there will be a breeze on the river, which can help
in keeping away mosquitoes. Although our trip is timed to avoid the
heaviest insect populations (and maximize our chance for viewing
caribou), bring your favorite bug repellant. You may wish to
purchase a good mosquito head net and a "bug jacket."
Day 7 - After hiking in
Caribou Pass, we'll break final camp and await the arrival of the
bush planes for our flight to Arctic Village and then take a flight
to Fairbanks. Upon arriving back at our lodging, take a
well-deserved shower before a group dinner.
Day 8 - Breakfast this
morning at our inn before saying final "Good-byes" and heading our
separate ways.
