DETAILED
ITINERARY
 |
"We carefully scouted each rapid on that glorious Arctic day and maneuvered through the drops; paddles flashing above the spray.
---Jimmy Katz |
|
Day
1 Hometown-Fairbanks
Leave hometown and arrive in Fairbanks. Take local taxis or van
to hotel. At 8:00 PM., after dinner, we'll have a brief orientation
session at 8:00 PM at the hotel. Final determination of hotel
will be mailed out in pre-departure materals. (Dinner on your
own).
Day 2 Fairbanks-Bettles-Headwaters Noatak
Between 9:00-11:00 AM we will fly to Bettles on a scheduled flight
across sedge ponds and autumn tundra. The serenity of the carpet
below, with its colors, meandering streams, and river valleys
provide our first introduction to the landscape of the Brooks
Range. Once in Bettles, we will have lunch and then transfer to
a nearby lake where
we will depart by amphibious aircraft to the headwaters of the Noatak. It will take three-five loads to get
all of us and our gear into the river. We’ll portage our
gear approximately 400 yards to the river, where we'll make camp
and have a sumptuous celebration of our first Arctic evening.
The terrain is gentle underfoot, the view limitless, the quietude
everpresent.
Day
3 Headwaters
of the Noatak
After breakfast, we will take our canoes out, have an intensive
canoeing lesson, and discuss boating techniques and safety procedures.
We will then spend the rest of the day growing accustomed to the
spirit of the land. One group may hike to the top of the nearest
ridge for remarkable views of the Noatak valley and Mt Igikpak,
the glacial source of the Noatak, while others might amble along
taking photos, learning about the plants underfoot, and looking
for migrating caribou or herds of Dall sheep browsing on the cliffs.
Hypnotizing vistas of the Noatak River will be seen by all. The
water is a powder blue, verging in places on emerald green. We
return to camp via the micro-cosmic world of lichened tundra and
blueberry patches, foraging all the while.
Day
4 River Camp
After breakfast, we load the boats and shove out into the lazy
current of the Noatak. We will paddle approximately 6-10 miles
per day. The river winds in a serpentine fashion, meandering across
the breadth of well-worn mountains softened by the angular light.
The area is photographically inspiring, with exquisite mud flats
and delicately-sloped willows curling toward the burnished mountains.
We paddle at a comfortable rhythm, and novices will by now feel
at one with their craft. We make camp and have fine views of the
mystical Oyukak glacier.
Day
5 Side Canyon Hiking
On layover days, we'll hike up spectacular river valleys (which
are trade secrets), walk up to the top of ridges, or climb a glacial
dome. Usually we paddle for a day and then hike for a day. The
upper Noatak is so bountiful in campsites and side valleys that
each year, we are able to explore different areas.
These
valleys seem endless and our hike will give us profound insight
into the delicacy of the Alaskan tundra, and the challenge of
walking over a deceptively-vast landscape.
Day
6-7 River Camps
How easy moving down a river is in comparison to walking across
the land. We'll have two days to cover this meandering part of
the river. Bands of caribou are often seen on the slopes. We'll
pass the Kugrak River, a stream that hosts a large Dog Salmon
run in the fall. We are apt to see grizzly bears cruising the
shoreline scavenging for beached salmon and alert to the possibilities
of a fresh delicacy.
Day
8 Side Canyon Hiking
We'll be able to sit on a hillside across from one of our favorite
side tributaries of the Noatak and watch migrating caribou crossing
the plain of tundra enroute to their wintering grounds on the
Ambler and Kobuk Rivers. On surrounding mountainsides are ewes
with lambs, some bedded down, others grazing. The late evening
light casts its gold on the willows, while the sky varies from
blue to lavender, and all shades are reflected in the water.
We
are certain to spot merlin, peregrine falcons, great Northern
harriers, gyrfalcoms, golden eagles, and other forms of wildlife.
Everchanging cloud formations, rainbows in the distance, and the
play of light on the contours of ridges are among the many visual
delights of the land.
Day
9 River Camp to Take-out Lake
We then paddle through minor yet bouncy rapids noting the profusion
of glittering stones reflecting off the bottom of the river as
we enter each rapid. We sink into the rhythm of Zen paddlers-
canoe strokes sinking into the stillness of the waters, drip coming
off our paddles, crafts silently gliding through an unaltered
landscape.
We arrive at our take-out lake,
portage our gear to our camp and dine along the shores of the
lake.
Day 10-11 Layover Days near Lake
We spend these layover dasy hiking up mountains, photographing
wildlife foraging for blueberries or paddling the lake near camp
fishing for lake trout. We have a fabulous dinner, listen to loons
shrieking into the Arctic twilight, and retell the tales of the
trip.
Day
12 Take-out Lake-Bettles-Fairbanks (Shorter Itinerary-12 days;
late Aug. departure)
At breakfast, we read poems of Alaskan poets and other
wilderness texts and await
the arrival of our bush planes and then fly back to Bettles and
then onto Fairbanks. We will try to get out on an afternoon/evening flight to Fairbanks.
If that is not possible, we will stay in Bettles and get out the
next morning to Fairbanks and make our airline connections back
home. Transfer to hotel.
Day
13 Fairbanks to Hometown
Transfer to the Fairbanks airport and and board flights
to hometown. Participants signing up for the longer trip (charters
only) continue on downstream. (See below)
COSTS AND RESERVATIONS:
LAND
COST:
13-day Itinerary: $3995 (Includes $1750 charter air) (8 members):
early September departure.
Small
Group Surcharge: $400 (6-7 members)
MAXIMUM
NO. OF PARTICIPANTS: 8
LAND COST INCLUDES:
*All air transportation beginning in Bettles and ending in Bettles
*Eleven days of wilderness camping/canoeing (lifejackets, waterproof
bags, group commissary and canoes; all meals beginning with lunch
on Day 2 and ending with breakfast on Day 12
(depending on itinerary), and leadership.
*Transfer to and from the hotel.
LAND
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
*Roundtrip airfare from hometown to Fairbanks
*roundtrip airfare from Fairbanks to Bettles
*Excess baggage charges (Fairbanks-Bettles-Fairbanks) on personal
gear
*Accommodations in Fairbanks on the nights of Day 1 and 12
*Any additional hotel nights due to inclement weather or changes
in airline scheduling.
*Meals in Fairbanks or Bettles (dinner and breakfast in Fairbanks
and lunch in Bettles on the return are on your own.
*Accident/baggage/trip cancellation insurance.
*Gratuities to guides
*Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, soft
drinks, laundry.
AIR
TICKETING
Please note that any quoted airfares are subject to change. Our
staff is experienced in advising which flights are best for your
departure, and we will be happy to facilitate your air ticketing
for you with our travel agent.
ACCOMMODATIONS
FOR SINGLE TRAVELERS WHO WISH TO SHARE
The land cost of the trip does not include hotel or tent accommodations.
If you are traveling alone and desire a roommate, we will match
you up with someone if one is available. You will then be able
to have a one-half share in Fairbanks or if necessary in Bettles.
REGISTRATION
A completed Reservation Form including The Release and Assumption
of Risk and a $750 deposit per person is required to book space
on the trip. A second deposit of $1000 is due four months before
departure. Final payment of land cost and air fare is due 75 days
before departure.
TRAVEL LOGISTICS
One may fly to Fairbanks, take a train from Anchorage, or drive.
You are responsible for getting to Fairbanks. Although James Henry
River Journeys does not do air ticketing, we can help you in facilitating
your travel schedules. More detailed travel logistics are mailed
out upon registration.
Please
contact our office and let us know when and how you will be meeting
us after your travel arrangements.
THE OUTFITTER
The trip will be conducted by James Henry River Journeys who is
a concessionaire of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
and the Noatak National Park and Preserve. James Henry River Journeys
has been conducting trips in the Arctic since 1977 and has been
an outfitter for the National Geographic Society in the Arctic.
James Henry River Journeys is an equal opportunity service provider.
LEADERSHIP
AND FACULTY
The Noatak River Expeditions are led by James Katz, Director of
James Henry River Journeys and/or other veteran guides including
naturalist John Kipping. John is one of the finest naturalists
on the West Coast. Combined they have 66 years of teaching experience
and their travels have encompassed the globe. James has been guiding
wilderness trips for 40 years, is a professional nature photographer,
photo instructor for UCSC Extension and Pt. Reyes Field Seminars
and has been on assignment in the Arctic for the National Geographic
Society.
Peter
Leh, has been guiding wilderness trips for 25 years has been a
lead guide on the Tatshenshini-Alsek trips for 11 years and has
co-lead Noatak trips since 1987. He is also a cross country ski
and mountaineering instructor. Tom Meckfessel has been guiding
on North American rivers for the past 24 years and in Alaska since
the mid-1980's. Danielle Katz has been an Alaskan River guide
for three seasons and has guided on the Tatshenshini and Noatak.
Ned Wheeler has been a lead guide on the Tatshenshini for 10 years
and co-led the Noatak trip in 1995. Ned is also a cross country
and mountaineering instructor in the winter months. Peter, Tom,
Danielle, and Ned are consummate wilderness leaders, masterful
chefs, and entertaining persons with whom to travel.
WILDERNESS
EXPERIENCE, CAMPING LOGISTICS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND PERSONNEL CHALLENGES
Arctic Alaskan Rivers are mild, meandering streams that can fluctuate
after a storm. Rapids are never more difficult than Class II.
All trip members must be in good to excellent health and average-good
physical condition. On the river we will spend from 3 to 6 hours
on paddling days. Hiking is as strenuous as you desire and everyone
is encouraged to walk at one's own pace. We will be walking over
sedge tussocks, gravel bars, and perhaps crossing small streams.
This is not a backpacking trip, so individuals will carry only
a light day pack while hiking. The group will be entirely self-sufficient.
We will carry food, cooking gear, clothes, tents, and sleeping
bags in our canoes.
We
welcome anyone who is 14 years or older and wants to partake in
the spirit of wilderness living and travel. Please note that there
may be changes in the river itinerary or walking itinerary due
to wind, severe weather, unfavorable water conditions or fluctuations,
and/or the inclinations of the group. Layover days will ultimately
be determined by conditions as they exist on the trips. Final
determination of the river and hiking itinerary is made by the
trip leader(s).
CLIMATE
AND WEATHER
We plan our Arctic trips for August-September for several reasons:
to witness the colorful change of season from summer to fall and
to avoid the mosquitoes that are so prevalent in earlier months.
The Arctic is essentially a desert with regard to precipitation.
There is seldom more than 20 inches of precipitation for a year.
Days tend to be clear and sunny with daytime temperatures seldom
falling below 45-50 degrees. However, all participants must be
adequately equipped and prepared for high winds, rain, and snow
with temperatures in the 30's and 40's during the day and below
freezing at night. You may find additional information on weather
in Alaska at the following website: http://climate.gi.alaska.edu/
FOOD
Although weight and volume are a consideration in packing for
a Brooks Range canoe trip, you will be amazed at how gourmet our
meals are in such a remote environment. Known for our moveable
wilderness gourmet feasts, international camp cookery will fill
the whetted appetite.
See Meals.
MEDICAL
AND SAFETY INFORMATION
Good health and average-good physical condition are prerequisites
for this trip. See details see Medical
and Health.
EQUIPMENT:
WHAT JAMES HENRY RIVER JOURNEYS
We will be using inflatable canoes and a paddleraft for our journey
from the glaciated ranges of the headwaters to our rendezvous
with our bush plane downstream. The canoes are stable and along
with the paddleraft comfortably carry a large amount of gear,
commissary, and food. No prior canoeing experience is necessary.
See What Equipment JHRJ Provides.
PERSONAL
EQUIPMENT
A complete equipment checklist will be sent to all trip members
upon registration. Please note that since we are flying in bush
planes which have limited carrying capaciy, there are weight restrictions
placed on each member.
Wool clothing/and or fleece garments, completely waterproof raingear,
good hiking boots and above the calf rubber boots are necessary
for a truly enjoyable experience. Tents, Sleeping bags, pads,
rain gear, rubber boots, and day packs are to be provided by participants.
Tent rentals available.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The location of the Brooks Range offers the visual aesthete one
of the most remarkable photographic experiences in the world.
With the sun rising in the NNE and setting in the North, the sun
rings the sky during daylight. Light may be polarized at midday
and shadows are of surrealistic length. The light has a glassy,
dilute quality that bathes the land in a palette of soft pastels.
Objects on the landscape are being continually sidelit and backlit,
creating rich three-dimensional shapes. Shifting cloud patterns
and thunderheads roll by, creating dramatic lighting effects.
Sunsets
are endless rebounding off the hillsides and the possibilities
of ground level photography are without bounds; blueberries, cranberries,
dwarf birch in full autumnal splendor, the woven intricacy of
reindeer lichen, and the endless array of multi-hued rocks resplendent
with circular lichens of orange and blue hues. We will have the
opportunity to observe and photograph Dall sheep, grizzly bear,
caribou, and fox close at hand. With additional luck, arctic wolves,
muskox, moose, loons, and a number of birds of prey could end
up on our film plane.
FISHING
Fishing is outstanding. Grayling, char, and salmon are certain
to supplement our diet if individuals bring fishing gear. A fishing
license is required and can be purchased in Fairbanks.
CANCELLATIONS
AND REFUNDS
(See Cancellations-Terms
and Conditions)
INSURANCE
(See Insurance-Terms
and Conditions)
©2007.
All Rights Reserved.
James Henry River Journeys.
To read more about our Special-Interest Trips on this river, go
to
Noatak Special Trips.
Return to Noatak Trip Profile.
