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Alaskan Alpine Treks - New Trips:
Hello Folks; this page offers a glimpse at some of the trips not schedule on our regular pages, because they're either new or rarely hiked. Please feel free to inquire for more information on any of these trips, and don't let the lack of images or details listed here disguise the reality of these hikes - they're every bit as impressive or interesting as any other. Read on.
Then we'll list trips like Nugget Creek to Kennicott, Lakina to the Fosse, Ross Green Lake, Mt Jardine hike, Soda Lake, Capital Mountain, etc.
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).
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.