Rafting in Gates of the Arctic

                                  www.Arctic Wild.com

                                Nigu River Raft and Hike

Dates:        July 25th through August 4th, 2009

Region:    Gates of the Arctic National Park and Western Arctic, Brooks Range and  Foothills to the Etiviluk River and then the Colville River.

Cost:        $4500 per person includes everything north of Fairbanks.
        Affordable rental camping gear available.


The Brooks Range are mountains unmatched in beauty and remoteness. The Nigu flows north from the very heart of the Brooks Range treating its few visitors to; solitude, exciting wildlife encounters and abundant Eskimo artifacts. This arctic rafting adventure is a great chance to enjoy some fun paddling, learn about the natural and human history of the area, and relax in this exceptional northern wilderness.

The Nigu River carries its waters north into the Colville River, then on to the Arctic Ocean some 380 miles from the headwaters.  We join the Nigu where it flows among vegetated sand dunes and small river bluffs.  As it rolls slowly through the mountainous Brooks Range, it makes a bend to the north, and plunges downhill in a series of swift Class II drops, and joins with the Etivluk River for the rest of its run to the mighty Colville.  On its way, the Nigu cuts through the low, weather-swept hills of the arctic slope, which makes for expansive views and intimate moments beneath sheer river bluffs. 

This area was a seasonal home to Eskimos.  It is a rich land in the fall as the animals from the Western Arctic Caribou Herd migrate through.  Hilltop lookouts alongside the river allow us to scan for caribou--and wolves, and grizzlies-- moving over the open terrain.  Lakes along the river nourish migratory waterfowl like Pintail Ducks and Lesser Scaup.  To stand on a low ridge amongst miles of caribou fences (rock walls placed to divert caribou) is to step back in time to see and almost feel the ancient Eskimo hunters employing knowledge and ingenuity to harvest caribou from this arctic landscape.

On our paddle from the headwaters to the Nigu’s confluence with the Colville River, we have three layover-days to absorb this fantastic landscape.  Hiking is excellent along the way, perhaps he best hiking in the Brooks Range in terms of  variety.  In the headwaters we can hike tall peaks, and down river, we can spread out on the long and colorful ridge systems. that rise from the arctic plain like whale backs.  Fishing for grayling is good enough to keep us in fish, but not diverse or active enough for serious anglers. 

We will be as far as you can get from towns or roads in the United States of America. This river trip offers excellent opportunities for solitude and remoteness.  The Nigu is one of the few wilderness study areas in Alaska, and one day the entire watershed may be included into Gates of the Arctic National Park. 

This is a moderately difficult, 90-mile river trip.  In the beginning, the river is slow moving and shallow, and will require that we get out to nudge the boat over shoals if the water is low.  Later on, the river is swift, though still shallow in places.  Everyone has a paddle and everyone will get to join in the fun and work of making our way down river.  Rafting experience is not required as instruction is provided. Each of the two rafts is captained by one of our experienced and professional guides. 

What follows is a forecast of the trip, a general idea of the flow of events.  As a forecast, it may be amended to meet conditions and opportunities in the field.

Day 1:  Fly north from Fairbanks across the Yukon River to the village of Coldfoot, nestled on the southern flanks of the Brooks Range. From here, we catch a plane that will fly us northwest over Gates of the Arctic National Park to a gravel bar alongside the remote Nigu River. After unloading the airplane and carrying our gear to the river we will make camp on a nice gravel bar with views of mountains all around. 

Day 2-10: After a hearty breakfast, we’ll inflate and load the rafts, then head downstream. For the next 9 days we will trade of with days on the river and lay-over days to explore our surroundings with day hikes, fishing, exploring old Eskimo sites or just relaxing around camp. The time is yours to do as you wish. We will provide guidance, natural history knowledge and encouragement to explore this vast and wild landscape

Day 11: We spend the morning listening for our plane. When it arrives we load our gear and head towards Fairbanks awestruck bu the scenery the whole way. A hot shower is in order.
               

Included in the price of the trip:
Transportation beyond Fairbanks.
Outstanding guide service.
Wholesome, delicious, and mostly-organic food while in the wilderness.
Stoves, cooking & eating utensils.
Repair and safety equipment such as firearm (guide will carry) and one bear spray per guest.
All boating gear, including boats and paddles.
The use of one life jacket and one medium-sized dry bag per guest.

Not included in the price of the trip: 
Non-camp lodging.
Non-camp meals.
Personal clothing, and footwear.
Sleeping bag & sleeping pad.
Three-season tent.
 Large waterproof drybag (one with shoulder strap recommended).
Waterproof camera case.
Fishing gear and fishing license.
Gratuity for guide(s).




Arctic Wild rents high quality gear at affordable rates.  Rental gear includes:
Three-season tents
Sleeping bags
Sleeping pads
Rubber raingear bibs
Rubber raingear jackets
Rubber boots
Large dry bag

A River Trip Equipment List is provided upon registration or request.

Weather & Bugs:   A variety of weather  is likely,  including rainy periods and bright sunny conditions. Temperatures can range from the 70's down into the 30's. Snow is possible. We will experience bugs ,though the peak will be weeks past, so you should carry a head net and one bottle of insect repellent.

Suggested Reading: Alaska Wilderness, Robert Marshall; We Live in the Arctic, Constance Helmericks; Arctic Wild, Lois Crisler; Making Prayers to the Raven, Richard Nelson.  North Alaska Chronicle, John Martin Campbell. 

www.arcticwild.com