No other place in the world can compare to the Brooks Range for its sheer magnitude of wildness. This spectacular rafting trip begins and ends with a 300-mile flight across the top of North America between Fairbanks and the high Arctic. Our twelve-day trip includes paddle rafting and several full layover days where we can break into smaller groups for birding, photography, nature walks or a strenuous hike up to a mountain summit.

The Hulahula River flows through mountains, rolling tundra, and finally a breathtaking canyon just before it spills out onto the vast coastal plain on its way to the Arctic Ocean. A close look at this magnificent landscape reveals a lush, alpine landscape blanketed with wildflowers, intricate valleys, ancient rock formations and cascading waterfalls. We hope to catch sight of small bands of the Porcupine caribou herd on their summer migration to areas north of the Brooks Range. We may also see Dall sheep, musk oxen, snowy owls, swans, numerous migratory birds, and, occasionally, wolves, fox, moose, grizzlies, and wolverine. Our trip will end on the arctic coastal plain, with a possible hike to the edge of the Beaufort Sea where the offshore ice pack may be in view.

No prior paddle rafting experience is necessary, however the Hulahula is a large-volume river with Class III/IV whitewater expected in some sections. Participants must be in good physical condition due to the length and expedition nature of the trip, the river conditions, and the possibility of portage. Begins and ends in Fairbanks.

DETAILED ITINERARY:
 

Day 1 - 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 upper Hulahula River. We'll land on a small gravel bar along the river, near its headwaters, and set up our first camp.

 Days 2-11 - Our schedule on the Hulahula will be leisurely and flexible as we'll have 24 hours of daylight each day! 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). We'll float the river in paddle rafts, each propelled by several participants dipping paddles into the swift current. This is a large-volume river with Class IV whitewater conditions possible along at least one section. We'll encounter several smaller rapids to negotiate and magnificent mountain and valley scenery along much of the route. This area is one of our most fascinating and ecologically diverse national treasures. 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.

Day 12 - After a final day of rafting and/or hiking, we'll break camp and await the arrival of the bush planes for our flight to Fairbanks. We plan to arrive by 5:00 p.m., but we recommend booking another night in Fairbanks as flight delays are possible. We often gather for a no-host dinner on this final evening.