Custom Trips

Rafting the North Fork of the Koyukuk

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We've included this trip for those who want to experience a river journey through the wooded south slope of the Brooks Range, in the heart of Gates of the Arctic National Park. Our trip begins not far from the headwaters of the North Fork, right below the grand peaks, Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain, which gave the park its name. After our landing on a gravel bar, we'll spend a week living on “river time,” floating past endless miles of boreal forest, with the midnight sun often turning the river to liquid gold.

The gentle pace of this river allows ample opportunities for photography and watching for wildlife—moose are common here and there are chances of seeing bears, foxes and wolves, as well as many birds—and the abundance of wood allows campfires to be built at night. We fly through the “bush” village of Bettles at the beginning of this trip and paddle right into Bettles at the end.

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