Overview
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is the most remote and least visited national park in the United States, located in the northwestern part of Alaska. It is situated entirely above the Arctic Circle and covers an area of approximately 8,400,000 acres, making it the second-largest national park in the country. The park’s unique combination of rugged mountains, vast tundras, and wild rivers makes it a truly special destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve was designated as a national park in 1980, and its preserve status allows for the protection of its natural and cultural resources while also permitting certain activities such as hunting and trapping.
The park’s name “Gates of the Arctic” was coined by wilderness advocate Bob Marshall in the 1930s, who described the two mountains, Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain, as the “gates” that mark the northern entrance to the park. The park’s designation history is a testament to the efforts of conservationists and indigenous communities who worked together to protect this incredible region.
Getting There
To get to Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, visitors typically fly into the town of Bettles, which is located about 35 miles from the park’s northern boundary. The GPS coordinates for Bettles are 66.9117° N, 151.5283° W. From Bettles, visitors can charter a flight or take a shuttle to the park’s boundary, where they can begin their adventure. The nearest major airport is in Fairbanks, which is about 200 miles from Bettles. Driving directions from Fairbanks to Bettles involve taking the Dalton Highway (AK-11) north to the village of Wiseman, and then taking a gravel road to Bettles.
The park’s remote location and lack of roads make it a challenging destination to reach, but the scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities make it well worth the effort. Visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme cold, and should bring all necessary gear and supplies.
Top Trails & Hikes
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offers some of the most spectacular and challenging hiking trails in Alaska. Some of the top trails and hikes in the park include:
- Noatak River Trail: A 40-mile trail that follows the Noatak River from the park’s northern boundary to the village of Noatak. The trail is considered moderate to difficult and takes about 7-10 days to complete.
- Alatna River Trail: A 30-mile trail that follows the Alatna River from the park’s southern boundary to the village of Allakaket. The trail is considered moderate and takes about 5-7 days to complete.
- Arrigetch Peaks Trail: A 20-mile trail that takes hikers through the Arrigetch Peaks, a rugged and scenic mountain range in the park’s central region. The trail is considered difficult and takes about 4-6 days to complete.
These trails offer stunning views of the park’s mountains, rivers, and wildlife, but visitors should be prepared for challenging terrain, variable weather conditions, and potential encounters with bears and other wildlife.
Difficulty Levels
The hiking trails in Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve are considered some of the most challenging in Alaska, with steep terrain, fast-moving rivers, and unpredictable weather conditions. Visitors should be experienced hikers and should be prepared for:
- Steep and uneven terrain
- Fast-moving rivers and streams
- Unpredictable weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme cold
- Potential encounters with bears and other wildlife
Visitors should also be prepared to carry all necessary gear and supplies, including food, water, and shelter, as services are limited in the park.
Camping Options
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offers several camping options, including:
- Backcountry Camping: Visitors can camp in the park’s backcountry, but must follow all regulations and guidelines, including obtaining a backcountry permit and following bear safety protocols.
- Campgrounds: There are several campgrounds located near the park’s boundary, including the Bettles Campground and the Wiseman Campground. These campgrounds offer basic amenities, including outhouses and potable water.
- Cabin Rentals: Visitors can rent cabins in the park, including the Noatak River Cabin and the Alatna River Cabin. These cabins offer basic amenities, including bunks and a wood stove.
Visitors should be prepared for primitive camping conditions, including outhouses and limited access to potable water. Visitors should also follow all regulations and guidelines, including obtaining a backcountry permit and following bear safety protocols.
Wildlife
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including:
- Bears: The park is home to grizzly bears, black bears, and polar bears. Visitors should be prepared for encounters with bears and should follow all bear safety protocols.
- Moose: The park is home to a large population of moose, which can be seen in the park’s wetlands and forests.
- Caribou: The park is home to a large population of caribou, which can be seen in the park’s tundras and mountains.
- Eagles: The park is home to a variety of eagle species, including bald eagles and golden eagles.
Visitors can view wildlife in the park’s many habitats, including wetlands, forests, tundras, and mountains. Some of the best viewing spots include:
- The Noatak River
- The Alatna River
- The Arrigetch Peaks
- The park’s many lakes and wetlands
Visitors should be prepared for encounters with wildlife and should follow all safety protocols, including staying at least 100 yards away from bears and other wildlife.
Fishing & Water Activities
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve offers some of the best fishing and water activities in Alaska, including:
- Fishing: The park is home to a variety of fish species, including salmon, trout, and grayling. Visitors can fish in the park’s many rivers, lakes, and streams, but must obtain a fishing license and follow all regulations.
- River Rafting: The park’s many rivers, including the Noatak River and the Alatna River, offer exciting rafting opportunities. Visitors can rent rafts and equipment in the park’s nearby towns.
- Kayaking: The park’s many lakes and rivers offer excellent kayaking opportunities. Visitors can rent kayaks and equipment in the park’s nearby towns.
Visitors should be prepared for challenging water conditions, including fast-moving rivers and cold water. Visitors should also follow all safety protocols, including wearing a life jacket and staying at least 100 yards away from bears and other wildlife.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve depends on the visitor’s interests and preferences. The park is open year-round, but the summer months (June to September) offer the best weather and access to the park’s trails and attractions. The winter months (December to March) offer excellent opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding, but visitors should be prepared for extreme cold and limited access to the park’s trails and attractions.
The peak visitation season is during the summer months, when the park’s trails and attractions are most accessible. However, visitors should be prepared for crowds and limited services during this time. The shoulder season (April to May and September to November) offers fewer crowds and more solitude, but visitors should be prepared for variable weather conditions and limited access to the park’s trails and attractions.
Permits & Fees
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve requires visitors to obtain a backcountry permit for all overnight trips in the park. The permit costs $15 per person and can be obtained at the park’s visitor center or online. Visitors must also obtain a fishing license and follow all regulations if they plan to fish in the park.
The park does not charge an entrance fee, but visitors must pay for all services, including camping, cabin rentals, and guided tours. Visitors should be prepared to pay for all expenses, including food, gear, and transportation, as services are limited in the park.
History & Culture
Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve has a rich and diverse cultural history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 12,000 years. The park is home to several indigenous communities, including the Inupiat and the Athabascan, who have lived in the park for thousands of years. The park is also home to several historic sites, including the ancient village of Utukok, which dates back over 1,000 years.
The park’s exploration history dates back to the early 20th century, when explorers and trappers first began to visit the region. The park was established in 1980, when it was designated as a national park and preserve. Today, the park is managed by the National Park Service, which works to protect the park’s natural and cultural resources while also providing opportunities for visitors to experience the park’s beauty and wonder.
Planning Your Trip
Planning a trip to Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve requires careful consideration and preparation. Visitors should plan to spend at least 7-10 days in the park, depending on their interests and activities. Visitors should also be prepared to bring all necessary gear and supplies, including food, water, and shelter, as services are limited in the park.
Visitors can hire a guide or join a guided tour to help plan and execute their trip. Guided tours offer a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, and can provide visitors with a safe and enjoyable experience in the park. Visitors can also rent equipment and gear in the park’s nearby towns, including Bettles and Wiseman.
Some essential items to bring on a trip to Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve include:
- Backpack and camping gear
- Hiking boots and clothing
- Fishing gear and license
- Binoculars and camera
- First aid kit and emergency shelter
- Food and water
- Map and compass
- Bear spray and safety equipment
Visitors should also be prepared for variable weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme cold, and should bring all necessary gear and supplies to stay safe and comfortable in the park.