In the heart of Arctic Alaska's Central Brooks Range, Mt. Igikpak gives birth to Alaska's longest, and premier Wild and Scenic River. Beginning in Gates of the Arctic National Park, and flowing through Noatak National Preserve, the Noatak meanders more than 400 miles through a grand and spacious land, the largest undisturbed wilderness in North America, a watershed entirely above the Arctic Circle.

Ten thousand years ago, ancestral Eskimos traversed the valley, leaving only scattered remains of camps. Today there is but a single settlement on the lower river. All else is wilderness. The Noatak is ideally suited to canoeing. It is fairly easy and meandering for the first few days, giving us an opportunity to practice your paddling skills. Further down, the current increases and we encounter Class II rapids. With upriver winds, our paddling arms gain strength. We paddle Ally folding canoes down the upper 110 miles of the river, through a broad U-shaped glacial valley ringed by rugged mountains and weathered tundra foothills.

Our journey begins with a scenic flight over the Central Brooks Range, passing the jagged spires of Arrigetch Peaks, and landing in the river's headwaters in Gates of the Arctic National Park. Gates of the Arctic includes more than 8 million acres, most of it designated as wilderness. We explore the wild upper Noatak valley, with day hikes to explore beckoning side valleys and hike the ridges overlooking spectacular valleys.

The Noatak River's mountainous headwaters are part of the summer territory of the Western Arctic Caribou Herd. Thousands of caribou migrate through the Noatak valley on their way to and from summer ranges north of the Brooks Range. With luck, we'll see small bands of caribou crossing the tundra or swimming the river. In June and July, the animals traverse the area, keeping on the move.

In August, they head south towards the Kobuk River. Small numbers of muskoxen have moved into the region; we usually see one or two along the river. Dall sheep inhabit the mountainous headwaters; we are likely to encounter wolves, moose, fox and grizzly bears. If the chum salmon are spawning on one of the side streams, we have an opportunity to observe bears fishing in the creek. Our schedule allows lots of time for day hiking, berry picking, or fishing for arctic char, grayling, lake trout, and northern pike.

June and July trips offer constant light, wildflowers and generally good stretches of clear weather. August trips immerse you in the Far North's autumn glory. Fall colors, with brilliant red, yellow, and purple, paint the land. Caribou are photogenic and regal in their dark coats. Plump blueberries provide us with desserts and breakfast fruit.

Our Noatak paddle through Alaska's Brooks Range is one of the Far North's classic "life-list" river trips. We begin "in the shadow" of the tallest peak in Gates of the Arctic, and traverse a region with outstanding scenery, great day hiking, and superb wildlife viewing opportunities. No previous river experience is necessary to enjoy this expedition.