The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - ANWR, Canning River Rafting Trip

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, or ANWR, is 19 million acres of wonder. We'll spend nearly 2 weeks in the Refuge, rafting and hiking from the Upper Marsh Fork of the Canning River, deep in the Brooks Range near the Contintental Divide, all the way north across the coastal plain, down the Steen River, to the Beaufort Sea, in the Arctic Ocean.

Rafting is definitely the best option for travel in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; it's faster, easier, and a nice break from carrying all that heavy gear on your back. This ANWR trip affords a great variety of terrains, from the mountains of the Brooks Range, the rolling foothills of the North Slope, and the coastal plain, host to an incredible diversity of wildlife, vegetation and birds. There is a very good possibility of encountering the migrating Central Arctic herd, numbering in the tens of thousands, as they move westward across their summer range in the Refuge.

Wolves, arctic and red foxes, grizzly bear also roam the tundra. In ANWR, even seeing Musk Ox are a possibility. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and the Canning River area in particular, is known for it's amazing birdlife, and there are numerous species of birds in the region, including golden eagle, gyr and peregrine falcon, ptarmigan, tundra swan, arctic terns, gulls, loons, magpies, and an amazing diversity of ducks and geese. As we approach the arctic ocean we'll visit the marsh ponds where many of these birds are found nesting, and might easily be photographed (ensuring we're careful not to disturb them).

Alaska Cotton Grass and Mt Copleston, of the Shublik Mountains.

The Shublik Mountains are the northern foothills of the Brooks range, and the junction of the coastal plain and the mountains to the south. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, ANWR, Alaska. Click on the image to see a larger version of the image.

We'll be sure to allow plenty of time for day hikes and exploring, particularly in the earlier part of the trip in the Brooks Range. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is so little visited, more than likely we'll be walking in valleys and on ridges that are rarely travelled by man. Few people leave the wide braided river beds of the valley floors, yet it's well worth the effort to climb the ridges and peaks for some stunning views, or just to sit and wile away an afternoon - soak up that ANWR wild.

It would be remiss not to mention mosquitoes regarding this trip. The arctic is famous for mosquitoes, and yes, they really can be that bad. But, with proper attire, mosquito repellent, bug netting, and a good attitude, it's possible to not have too many problems. Here again the river is your friend, as the wide braided channels of the stream provide little habitat for the mosquitoes, so they're found in far fewer numbers along the riverbed. Also, a nice breeze is often blowing up the riverbed, which helps keep them at bay.

A short video from our ANWR on the Canning River: