This is the quintessential adventure for a naturalist’s journey into the Arctic in one of North America’s most spectacular settings, the Brooks Range. These impressive mountains arc across northern Alaska from the Bering Sea to the Canadian border. The eastern end of the range and its continental divide bisect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a spectacular wilderness of towering, raw mountains, drained by rivers that weave north through the softening foothills and across the coastal plain to the Arctic Ocean.
Our route travels about 50 miles of river in 10 days. Most of the river is considered Class I and II, with a several-mile stretch of Class III whitewater, depending on water levels. The pace of this nine-day trip is relaxed and allows for several “layover days” where we spend two nights at the same camp and take a day hike on the day between. We prefer to slow down and dig in, rather than rush through such an incredible area.
Birding and wildlife viewing opportunities on this trip are excellent. We often see wolves and almost always see grizzly bears. We frequently see small numbers of caribou moving upriver. Moose frequent the side valleys. On rare trips, we even catch a glimpse of a wolverine. The birding along the river is excellent. Nesting shorebirds include Wandering Tattler, Upland Sandpiper, and American Golden-Plover. Arctic Warbler and Smith’s Longspurs are also commonly found along the river. While this trip is not specifically focused on searching for the nearly mythical Gray-headed Chickadee (a.k.a Siberian Tit) we have found them nesting along this river on numerous occasions and we will stop to check out areas that have previously been fruitful. Basically, the Marsh Fork is one of the birdiest and most wildlife-rich rivers in the entire Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
This trip is remote, adventurous, and occasionally strenuous. Participants need to be in good health, pack a positive attitude, and be capable of handling a variety of conditions.
We’ll hold a pre-trip meeting in Fairbanks in the afternoon the day before the trip. We’re scheduled to return to Fairbanks around 6 pm on Day 9, but due to the unknowns of wilderness travel and weather, it’s not uncommon to be delayed getting back to Fairbanks; plan some flexibility into your return ticket. The price of the trip includes all flights from Fairbanks to the Arctic Refuge and back, WBA guides, all group gear (rafting, kitchen, etc.), all meals during the trip, and all permits and landing fees. You are responsible for your Fairbanks logistics and expenses (lodging, meals, etc.) and your personal gear.
