About Gates of the Arctic National Park
Gates of the Arctic National Park, located in northern Alaska, is one of the most remote and pristine wilderness areas in the United States. This park is known for its untouched landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the rugged beauty of its terrain. One of the park’s most awe-inspiring locations is the Arrigetch Valley, a destination that has long been on our travel bucket list. We recently had the incredible opportunity to explore this valley as a group of four high school friends on a do-it-yourself (DIY) unguided backpacking trip. We are excited to share our experiences with you, in the hopes that you may be able to experience and respect the raw wilderness that is Gates of the Arctic National Park.
Getting There
Reaching Gates of the Arctic National Park is an adventure in itself. The park is not accessible by road, so visitors must travel to one of the nearby towns, such as Bettles or Coldfoot, before taking a bush plane into the park. The flight into the park is a spectacle of Alaska’s behemoth scale and wildness. Passing over the ancient landscape of Alaska’s Brooks Range reminds you of how small one is.
The Landscape and Scenery
The Arrigetch Valley is renowned for its dramatic landscapes. Towering granite spires rise from the valley floor, creating a surreal and awe-inspiring backdrop. The valley is also home to crystal-clear rivers, verdant meadows, and a diverse array of plant life. As we hiked through the valley, we were constantly struck by the beauty and scale of the surroundings. Perhaps, what is most attractive about visiting Gates of the Arctic National Park is the fact that parts of it will always remain unexplored. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Alaska at large are so vast that to truly see each part would require eons of lifetimes. One can content themselves by accepting this fact and using it as a foundation from which to build their appreciation for the wilderness.
Hiking and Exploring
Our days in the Arrigetch Valley were filled with exploration and discovery. The hike into the valley was challenging yet rewarding, with social trails that led us through tundra tussock, dense forests, and across rocky terrain. Gates of the Arctic has no established trails, so visitors must be prepared to navigate. The Arrigetch Valley, as one of the Park’s more frequented destinations has social trails that should be utilized in order to reduce human impacts on the area. Hiking into the Arrigetch Valley can pose numerous challenges, including tussocks, stream crossings, thick vegetation, and unpredictable weather. Proper preparation and experience is required before venturing into Gates of the Arctic National Park.
Wildlife Encounters
The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Unfortunately, frequent weather systems reduced the amount of wildlife activity we observed. Nevertheless, on our inbound flight we observed a mature bull moose in the muskeg. We also observed plenty of bear sign. Visitors should take necessary bear pre-cautions. On our hike out of the valley we discovered an amazing caribou antler rack on a skull-plate. We took photos and respected the Parks’ leave-no-trace principles by leaving the antlers where found.
Camping Experience
Camping in the Arrigetch Valley was an experience like no other. We set up our tents in a variety of locations to enjoy different aspects of the valley. While many visitors choose to climb in the park, our visit to the Arrigetch Valley was purely a backpacking trip. We enjoyed numerous day-hikes to the bases of spires, using our campsite as basecamp. Additionally, the flexibility with this type of trip allowed us to enjoy being present among the landscape. At camp with the mountains as our backdrop, we rested from day-hikes by playing cards, watching for wildlife, and reading.
Reflections and Takeaways
A journey to Gates of the Arctic’s Arrigetch Valley is an immersive experience. Away from the distractions of daily life, our group found ourselves effectively coping with “boredom”. Our conversations ran late into the night, coerced by the unsetting July Sun. In the Arrigetch Valley we found shared solitude few find outside the wilderness. Approach Gates of the Arctic National Park not as a place to be conquered, but one to be experienced. Walk away knowing that you have seen mountains few have seen and stood in the shadows of granite giants. Leave only footsteps.
