Above the Tree Line: Rediscovering the Raw Heart of Gates of the Arctic
A remote, unmarked wilderness where backpacking, rivers, and granite peaks demand skills and respect.
A low wind pushes across the tundra and carries the smell of wet stone and sun-warmed lichen. You climb a shallow ridge and the world opens: a cathedral of serrated peaks—the Brooks Range—rises in layered bands of blue and grey, and below them a ribbon of river threads the valley like a bright, daring seam. There are no trail signs, no cairns directing your steps—only the map in your pack, the compass in your hand, and the soft seat of the land that remembers a hundred thousand footsteps before you ever arrived.
Trail Wisdom
Plan bush-plane logistics early
Floatplanes and tundra airstrips book months in advance—confirm drop-off/pick-up windows and floatplane weight limits before departure.
Mosquito and insect protection
Bring a headnet, long-sleeve permethrin-treated clothing, and an insect-repellent with DEET or picaridin—summer mosquitoes can be relentless.
Bear-aware food storage
Use bear-resistant canisters or pack hang systems and always cook and store food downwind and away from sleeping areas.
Emergency communications
Carry a satellite communicator or PLB—there is no cell service and weather can strand you for days.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The Arrigetch Peaks granite cluster—spectacular for climbers and photographers
- •The Alatna River corridor—classic canoe and raft travel with dramatic valley scenery
Wildlife
Caribou, Dall sheep
Conservation Note
The park’s remoteness protects large ecosystems, but climate change and increased fly-in access require careful management; practice Leave No Trace and minimize aircraft disturbance.
The Nunamiut (Inupiat) people have inhabited and traveled these valleys for generations; the park was designated under the 1980 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Early-season snow travel, Photography of lingering ice, Quiet solitude
Challenges: High water levels during snowmelt, Cold temperatures and unstable weather, Limited daylight earlier in season
Spring brings snowmelt-swollen rivers and cold nights; travel often requires skis or snowshoes and careful river planning.
summer
Best for: Backpacking and river-running, Wildlife viewing (caribou migration), Warmer, long daylight hours
Challenges: Mosquitoes at lower elevations, Variable weather with sudden cold snaps, Floatplane scheduling peak demand
Summer is the most accessible season—long days and warm afternoons—making it ideal for multi-day treks and river trips.
fall
Best for: Fall colors and solitude, Clearer air for photography, Caribou rut viewing
Challenges: Rapidly cooling temperatures, Shortening daylight, Early snow at higher elevations
Fall’s color and solitude are rewarding but nights turn cold and weather becomes more fickle; plan for early snow.
winter
Best for: Ski traverses and snow travel, Aurora viewing, True solitude
Challenges: Extreme cold and deep snow, Limited daylight and short travel window, Requires strong winter skills and experience
Winter expeditions are possible but demanding—only for experienced parties with proper cold-weather gear and navigation skills.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Satellite communicator / PLBEssential
Provides emergency messaging and location—indispensable in cell-free park.
Bear spray and bear-resistant food canisterEssential
Critical for safe food storage and deterring curious large mammals.
Waterproof, high-ankle backpacking bootsEssential
Durable boots handle braided riverbanks, wet tundra, and rocky passes.
Lightweight four-season sleeping bag and insulated padEssential
Temperature can drop quickly at night—proper sleep systems keep you safe and rested.
Common Questions
How do I get to Gates of the Arctic?
Most travelers fly from Fairbanks via bush plane to river drop-offs or small airstrips (e.g., Anaktuvuk Pass area, Alatna). Coordinate logistics with outfitters or bush pilots well in advance.
Are there marked trails or visitor centers in the park?
No—Gates has no maintained trails or staffed visitor centers in the interior; the park’s remoteness means self-reliance and backcountry navigation are required.
Do I need a permit to visit?
There is no general entrance fee, but register trip plans with the National Park Service and check for any specific permits or subsistence-area restrictions relevant to your route.
Is it safe to travel alone?
Solo travel is possible for experienced wilderness travelers, but the park’s remoteness and river hazards make guided trips advisable for less experienced parties.
When is the best time to visit?
Mid-July offers the warmest, most stable weather and accessible rivers; late June through August is the practical window for most activities.
How do I manage human waste in permafrost areas?
Protocols vary by area—pack out waste where required, use designated disposal methods where available, and follow NPS guidance to minimize impact in permafrost and tundra.
What to Pack
Bear spray, satellite communicator/PLB, water filter/purification, permethrin-treated layers—safety, emergency comms, clean water, and insect protection are essential.
Did You Know
Gates of the Arctic is one of the largest U.S. national parks at more than eight million acres and contains no roads or maintained trails across its interior.
Quick Travel Tips
Book bush flights early; pack headnet and insect protection; carry a satellite communicator; respect subsistence areas and local communities.
Local Flavor
The park’s edges are inhabited by communities of the Nunamiut and other northern peoples whose seasonal rhythms—caribou hunting, river travel, and craft—remain central; connecting with local guides supports community economies and deepens cultural understanding.
Logistics Snapshot
Access: bush plane from Fairbanks. Services: minimal—bring food, fuel, and emergency kit. Communication: satellite device recommended. Regulations: register trip plans with NPS and follow subsistence-area rules.
Sustainability Note
Travel lightly: pack out all waste, minimize aircraft use, use established landing points, and support outfitters who follow low-impact practices to preserve the park’s delicate tundra and wildlife patterns.
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