Untouched and untamed, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is one of the few true wilderness areas that remain to be discovered.

Backcountry campers will be challenged by the rugged, unmarked terrain, where even animal trails can be hard to find. Whether you fly in via bush plane, or hike from Dalton Highway or Anaktuyuk Pass, you’ll need to plan your stay carefully and pack everything you expect to need for a stay above the Arctic Circle.

In return, you’ll be rewarded with scenic panoramas of the lake, flowing streams, and the Brooks Mountain Range. In warm months, flowers blanket the valleys and the midnight sun attracts dozens of migratory bird species. Hike and camp, or travel by water, stopping for short day hikes.

There are few places on earth that have changed so little through the millennia. Gates of the Arctic is one of those places.

If You Go: 

Plan your trip carefully, but be ready to change your plans if conditions require. Bring plenty of food packed in bear- resistant containers, as there are no trees for hanging bear bags. Take current maps, and chart at least two routes into and out of the area. Finally, check the latest weather conditions and traveler advisories before entering the park.  

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