Originating in the southern slopes of the central Brooks Range, the Kobuk River flows above the Arctic Circle to the Bering Sea. Our adventure starts at the impressive Walker Lake. The lake with it's crystal clear water is a paradise for Lake Trout fishing. The discharge of the lake is one of the origin of the Kobuk and starting point of our trip.This river is known as one of best fishing waters in Alaska for Arctic Grayling and the special Sheefish.
Day 1: Fairbanks, Alaska
Participants meet at the GoNorth Travel Center. At the pre-trip meeting we go through gear, food and final details. There is time to run last minute errands. Overnight at the GoNorth Travel Center.
Day 2: Flight to Bettles and Walker Lake
After arriving in the small village of Bettles we load our gear into a float plane and enjoy a scenic flight to Walker Lake.
Day 3 to day 9: Walker Lake to Kobuk Village (110 miles)
The river offers much variety. We have to portage a short section of white water right below Walker Lake. Some class 2 water and two canyons keep the upper stretch and the first days exiting. Beyond the canyons, the gradient lessens and offers excellent fishing for Arctic Grayling, Sheefish and Northern Pike.
Day 10: Back to Fairbanks
From the village of Kobuk we fly back to Fairbanks; overnight at the GoNorth Travel Center.
Participants meet at the GoNorth Travel Center. At the pre-
After arriving in the small village of Bettles we load our gear into a float plane and enjoy a scenic flight to Walker Lake.
Day 3 to day 9: Walker Lake to Kobuk Village (110 miles)
The river offers much variety. We have to portage a short section of white water right below Walker Lake. Some class 2 water and two canyons keep the upper stretch and the first days exiting. Beyond the canyons, the gradient lessens and offers excellent fishing for Arctic Grayling, Sheefish and Northern Pike.
Day 10: Back to Fairbanks
From the village of Kobuk we fly back to Fairbanks; overnight at the GoNorth Travel Center.
The legendary North Fork of the Koyukuk River winds it's way through the mountains known as the “Gates of the Arctic” and offers outstanding and pristine nature. This beautiful part of the central Brooks Range was already explored and named in the early 1930 by Robert Marshall, a natural scientist and conservationist. We offer this float trip in a combination with a backpack from Wiseman to the Gates of the Arctic, or as a standalone float from the Gates to the small village of Bettles.
Tour dates: June 18 - June 27, 2010
August 31 - September 9, 2010
Trip length: 10 days
Price per person: $2650
Price per person: $2650
Our trips in Alaska's Brooks Range are to leave you with a lasting impression. Experience an unaltered ecosystem and enjoy the simple and rustic life in the wilderness of the most northern mountain range. Wheather you hike through unspoiled wilderness or float quietly on these natural pathways, it will show you the country and it's wildlife in a real and authentic way.
Experience: Average physical strength and agility, basic knowledge of canoeing and paddling
North Fork of the Koyukuk, Backpack and Canoeing
alaska backcountry touring
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Alaska Backcountry Touring LLC, P.O. Box 60864, Fairbanks, AK 99706, Ph: (907) 374-4491
Arctic Alaska, Brooks Range
Kobuk River Canoeing
Day 1: Fairbanks, Alaska
Participants meet at the GoNorth Travel Center. Together we go trough the gear, add last food wishes and go over details. Overnight in comfortable Tent Cabins at the GoNorth Travel Center.
Day 2: Across the Arctic Circle
Early in the morning we start our drive north on the Dalton Highway. We cross the Yukon River and after a lunch break we drive two more hours to get to the Arctic Circle. Once in Wiseman we have the rest of the day to explore the small village and all its artifacts from the gold rush. Overnight in tents.
Day 3 to day 8: Backpack to the Gates of the Arctic
A short drive brings us to the historic Nolan mining district, from where we start our hike. Over the next 5 days we hike along broad stream beds, small creeks and across high ridges, experience a pristine but fragile and vulnerable ecosystem, and finally decend to the North Fork of the Koyukuk.
Day 9: Gates of the Arctic
Today we expect our Bush Plane to bring us our water crafts and additional supplys. We relax and prepare for our float trip on the North Fork.
Day 2: Across the Arctic Circle
Early in the morning we start our drive north on the Dalton Highway. We cross the Yukon River and after a lunch break we drive two more hours to get to the Arctic Circle. Once in Wiseman we have the rest of the day to explore the small village and all its artifacts from the gold rush. Overnight in tents.
Day 3 to day 8: Backpack to the Gates of the Arctic
A short drive brings us to the historic Nolan mining district, from where we start our hike. Over the next 5 days we hike along broad stream beds, small creeks and across high ridges, experience a pristine but fragile and vulnerable ecosystem, and finally decend to the North Fork of the Koyukuk.
Day 9: Gates of the Arctic
Today we expect our Bush Plane to bring us our water crafts and additional supplys. We relax and prepare for our float trip on the North Fork.
Day 10 to day 15: From the Gates of the Arctic to the small village of Bettles (105 miles)
The following 6 days offer fishing at the mouth of the tributaries and relaxing camps on one of the gravel bars. We scope for Dall sheep on the surrounding ridges and slopes and keep our eyes open for Grizzly, Moose and Wolf.
Day 16: Flight from Bettles to Fairbanks
Overnight at the GoNorth Travel Center and Hostel.
The following 6 days offer fishing at the mouth of the tributaries and relaxing camps on one of the gravel bars. We scope for Dall sheep on the surrounding ridges and slopes and keep our eyes open for Grizzly, Moose and Wolf.
Day 16: Flight from Bettles to Fairbanks
Overnight at the GoNorth Travel Center and Hostel.
North Fork Koyukuk Canoeing
Tour dates: June and August 2010 (custom)
Trip length: 8 days
Price per person: $2450
Tour dates: June and August 2010 (custom)
Trip length: 8 days
Price per person: $2450
Experience: Good physical strength and agility
(hiking), basic knowledge of canoeing and paddling,
(hiking), basic knowledge of canoeing and paddling,
Combo Backpack and Canoeing North Fork
Tour dates: June 11 - June 26, 2010
August 13 - August 28, 2010
Trip length: 16 days
Price per person: $2970
Tour dates: June 11 -
Price per person: $2970