Gates of the Arctic for Families: A Beginner Backpacking Itinerary
Float Alaska's remotest river under midnight sun with no paddling experience required.
Gates of the Arctic occupies 8.4 million acres of Alaska's Brooks Range, entirely north of the Arctic Circle, where no roads, trails, or established facilities exist—only wild tundra, granite peaks, and river valleys untouched by development.
- 8.4M Acres
- 24-Hour Midnight sun (July)
- 145 Bird species
- 10 Max group size
Day 1: Fairbanks to Bettles
Stay: Bettles Lodge (Night 1): Historic log buildings; dinner and breakfast included; meet your guides.
Getting to Bettles establishes your gateway into the park and allows time for trip briefing with outfitter guides.
- Fly Wright Air from Fairbanks to Bettles, a gateway village 35 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
- Bettles Lodge welcomes you with dinner and a backcountry orientation covering bear safety, packraft basics, and river conditions.
Day 2: Circle Lake Launch
Stay: Gravel bar camp on Alatna River (Night 2): Group tents, kitchen setup, bear-resistant food storage provided.
This day transitions you from lodging into true wilderness, introducing packraft handling and gravel-bar camping under Arctic light.
- Bush plane flies you 2 hours northeast from Bettles to Circle Lake in Gates of the Arctic.
- Guides teach packraft assembly, paddle strokes, and safety on the water before launching downstream on the gentle Alatna River.
Day 3: Alatna River Float & Ridge Hike
Stay: Gravel bar camp on Alatna River (Night 3): Continue to downstream camp; move daily as per guide route.
A full immersion day combining river float with alpine views, letting you experience both the water and the summits that define the trip.
- Float 5–6 miles through a wide valley while scanning tundra slopes for caribou and grizzlies.
- At an afternoon camp, hike a ridge above the river for 360-degree views of the Brooks Range; return before dinner.
Day 4: Alatna to Takahula Takeout
Stay: Bettles Lodge (Night 4): Return to lodge for hot shower, dinner, and rest before dawn departure to Fairbanks.
The final river miles bring closure to the float and deliver you to the takeout point for the return journey to civilization.
- Paddle the last 5 miles of the Alatna as it widens toward Takahula Lake.
- Portage packrafts and gear to the lake shore where your floatplane awaits; fly back to Bettles by late afternoon.
Day 5: Bettles to Fairbanks
Stay: Return to Fairbanks hotels or airport (Night 5, if extending stay).
Closing out the journey with early return to Fairbanks, completing your remote wilderness adventure with a safe return.
- Early breakfast at Bettles Lodge, then board Wright Air for the flight back to Fairbanks.
- Debrief your river experiences and wildlife encounters as you head south, leaving the Arctic behind.
Common Questions
How experienced do I need to be to paddle the Alatna River?
No paddling experience required. The Alatna is rated Class I flatwater with slow current. Expeditions Alaska provides full instruction on Day 2 at Circle Lake before launching. Most participants are first-time paddlers on this trip.
What if someone in my family cannot swim?
Coast Guard–approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) are provided and worn at all times on the water. Children as young as 5–8 have completed this trip with adult supervision. Discuss any concerns with the outfitter before booking.
Can we bring our own tent or sleeping bag?
Yes. Expeditions Alaska includes group tents and stoves in their base package, but sleeping bags and individual tents are $325–$425 add-ons. Bring your own if you prefer familiar gear; ensure sleeping bags are rated to 20°F minimum for August.
What about bears and wildlife safety?
Guides carry bear spray and provide training before entering the park. Proper campsite selection, food storage in bear-resistant containers, and bear awareness are mandatory. Moose and caribou sightings are common and thrilling; grizzlies are rarely encountered but possible.
What happens if flights are delayed by weather?
Arctic weather can ground planes for 24–48 hours. Bettles Lodge is prepared for delays with lodging and meals. The NPS recommends packing 3–5 extra food days and flexible return dates. Your tour operator holds trip permits for rescheduling without penalty.
Sources & Further Reading
- Plan Your Visit - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Backpacking and Hiking - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Directions - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Weather and Climate - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Bear Safety - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Fees & Passes - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Back Country Communications - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Coldfoot and Wiseman - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Wildlife - Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve — National Park Service
- Alatna River Packrafting Trip | Gates of the Arctic National Park — Expeditions Alaska
- Gates of the Arctic National Park Tours & Guided Backpacking Trips — Expeditions Alaska
- Noatak River Packraft Trip — Gates of the Arctic, Alaska — Expeditions Alaska
- Bettles Lodge – Alaskan Lodge Arctic Air Service Northern Lights Aurora — Bettles Lodge
- Coldfoot Camp — Coldfoot Camp
- A Guide to Backpacking Gates of the Arctic National Park — Indigo Alpine Guides — Indigo Alpine Guides
- Gates of the Arctic National Park Adventure Tours — Alaska Alpine Adventures
- Gates of the Arctic Park Tours - Backpacking, Camping & Canoeing Trips — Arctic Wild
