Gates of the Artic National Park

Introduction

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, located in northern Alaska, was established on December 2, 1980, through the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). This act aimed to preserve the unique wilderness and cultural heritage of Alaska. The park’s name was inspired by the “Gates of the Arctic,” a term coined by wilderness advocate Robert Marshall in the 1930s to describe the two mountains, Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain, that frame the North Fork of the Koyukuk River.

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is vast, covering approximately 8.4 million acres (3.4 million hectares). It is the second-largest national park in the United States, after Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, also in Alaska. The park lies entirely north of the Arctic Circle and includes the central Brooks Range, a rugged and remote mountain range that is the northernmost extension of the Rocky Mountains.

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, adapted to the harsh Arctic environment including Caribou, Grizzly Bears, Dall Sheep and wolves.

The park's headquarters is in Fairbanks, Alaska. In recent years, the park has seen around 10,000 visitors annually. This low visitation helps preserve the park’s pristine wilderness and offers a truly solitary experience for those who venture into its vast landscapes.

The park is renowned for its untouched wilderness, with no roads, trails, or established campsites. Visitors must be self-sufficient and skilled in backcountry survival. The park contains six designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, including the Alatna, John, and Kobuk Rivers. These rivers offer opportunities for rafting, kayaking, and fishing. While there are no marked trails, experienced hikers can explore the park’s diverse landscapes, from alpine tundra to boreal forests. During the winter months, the park offers spectacular views of the Northern Lights, a natural light display caused by the interaction of solar particles with the Earth’s atmosphere.

For more information, go to the park’s Wikipedia site.

Top Hikes

Congress set this land aside as a "trail-less" wilderness area.  While there are no established trails in the park but plenty of game trails.   Hiking on game trails makes traveling a lot easier.   Food canisters are required.  Please keep your food and cooking area at least 100 yards from your camp.  Also, bring a gas or propone stove.  Wood is scarce.

Bears can be a serious threat in the park.  Visitors can bring firearms and bear spray.  If you are comfortable with a firearm, make sure you bring one with stopping power.  A grizzly bear skull is an inch to an inch and a half thick.  A 9 mm will not work (10 mm will).  I highly recommend carrying bear spray (how to use bear spray) and make noise to let them know you are around.

Lastly, plan your trip far in advance.  Most of scenic areas are only available by air.

John River area: The river is 136 miles (219 km) long.  The trail is the primary migration route for three herds of caribou.  The area is accessible off of the Dalton Highway, near Fairbanks.

Itkillik River Drainage: The Itkillik River is 105 miles (169 km) long.  It is know for it's wildlife and natural beauty.  

Campgrounds

There are no designated campsites within the park.

Rafting and Fishing

Rafting is a popular activity in Gates of the Artic National Park.  The lengths of the trips vary from a few days to over a week.  Keep in mind, you are in the artic and it is never very warm.  Many of the outfitters offer fishing as well.   I would highly recommend searching the internet for the right trip.

Fishing is a great way to visit the park.  The season is short, usually from the end of June thru September.  Many fishermen consider catching the five native (Artic Grayling, Lake Trout, Artic Char, Northern Pike and Sheefish) species the holy grail.  For more information visit the NPS website,