Experience
the pure wilderness of the Arctic during summer solstice when night
never comes and the light is absolutely magical. This spectacular
rafting and hiking exploration begins with a scenic 300-mile bush
flight across the top of North America. We land at the headwaters of
the Kongakut River and wind our way toward the Arctic coastal plain
through some of the wildest country in the world. Visiting in June
gives us our best chance to see parts of the vast caribou migration
(the Porcupine Caribou Herd). Grizzlies, foxes, musk ox, and wolves
also inhabit this pristine wilderness. We will have fun paddling
days and extraordinary hikes.
Our schedule on the Kongakut will be
leisurely and flexible since we'll have nearly continuous daylight.
There will be opportunities for taking short walks and full day
hikes, photographing wildlife and fantastic displays of wildflowers,
and fishing for Arctic char and grayling. We'll travel the river in
inflatable rafts, each propelled by several participants maneuvering
paddles into the swift current. No prior paddle rafting experience
is necessary. It is easy to learn, and each boat has a guide. The
Kongakut has no "big water" but it is a very fast and fun river.
There are several small rapids to negotiate and breathtaking
mountain and valley scenery along the entire route. Guests are
expected to be in excellent health for spending 10 days in the
Arctic environment. Begins and ends in Fairbanks.
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 Kongakut River. We'll land on a small gravel bar
along the river, about 10 miles north of the Continental Divide, and
set up our first camp.
Days 2-9 - Our schedule on the Kongakut will be flexible,
since we'll have 24 hours of daylight each day! We will have ample
opportunity for short walks, long 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, where we work together to negotiate the swift
current. We'll encounter breathtaking mountain and valley scenery
along the entire route. This area is one of our most fascinating and
ecologically diverse national treasures. There will be much to see
and explore. Everyone is talking about the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge. Your experience and knowledge gained on this trip will give
you more credibility in any discussion of the refuge.
Day 10
- After hiking in Caribou Pass, we'll break final 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.
