Alaskan Alpine Treks, Guided Backpacking and hiking Trips in Wrangell-St. Elias, Alaska
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bull caribou antlers on coastal plain, sunset, Canning River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - Canning River Rafting Trip:

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge 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 this region; it's faster, easier, and a nice break from carrying all that heavy gear on your back. This 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. Wolves, arctic and red foxes, grizzly bear also roam the tundra. Musk Ox are a possibility. 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).

Dwarf fireweed and brooks range glow in the late evening sun, Canning River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

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.

 

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.

 

Trip dates: Best time is late June/early July.
Difficulty: Easy
Trip Highlights: Wolves, caribou, diversity of birds, Brooks Range, vastness of the coastal plain.

"Carl makes the Alaskan backcountry accessible while preserving the feeling of relative wilderness solitude.  He navigates expertly, giving hikers time to fully enjoy the country without the stress of compasses and maps."-- Kelly T, Colorado.

 

ANWR trip Slideshow Trip Prices

Trip Selections:

Steamboat Hills, Wrangell St. Elias National Park backpacking trip Alaska. Backpacking and hiking trip, Wolverine Ridge, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska. Guided Rafting and backpacking in ANWR, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Canning River, Alaska Hiking and backpacking trip, Bremner Mines area, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska
HIking and backpacking trip, Skolai Pass, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska. Backpacking trip in Denali National Park, Alaska. Tebay to Bremner trekking trip, Wrangell St. Elias national Park, Alaska Hiking and camping, MacColl Ridge, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska.
Backpacking Resurrection Pass Trail, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Backpacking tours, Iceberg Lake, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska Mount Sanford backpacking trip Guided backpacking trips, Chitina River and Huberts Landing area, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Alaska/

All information and images on these pages are copyrighted, and remain the property of Alaskan Alpine Treks. Any unauthorized usage is strictly prohibited. © Carl Donohue, 2003.
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