[FULL GUIDE] 100 Must-Do Experiences in the Untouched Wilderness of Gates of the Arctic National Park

Key Takeaways:

• Gates of the Arctic National Park is an untouched wilderness in Alaska, offering breathtaking scenery and endless outdoor activities.
• With no roads or developed infrastructure, it provides an authentic backcountry experience for hikers, explorers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
• From hiking rugged trails to exploring remote rivers, this park is a dream destination for those seeking solitude and adventure in nature’s raw beauty.

Gates of the Arctic National Park, located in Alaska, is a remote and wild expanse of land known for its dramatic mountain landscapes, vast tundra, and untouched wilderness. Established in 1980, the park spans over 8 million acres, making it the second-largest national park in the U.S. The park’s extreme remoteness—accessible only by foot, boat, or small aircraft—ensures a pure wilderness experience. It’s a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers seeking solitude, stunning views, and a chance to immerse themselves in Alaska’s untamed beauty. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, or simply exploring, Gates of the Arctic National Park offers a true escape into nature.

100 Things to Do at Gates of the Arctic National Park:

#1 Hike the Arrigetch Peaks: Challenge yourself with a hike to the Arrigetch Peaks, known for their striking granite spires and rugged terrain.

#2 Raft the Noatak River: Float down the Noatak River, enjoying the scenic views and the chance to spot wildlife along the way.

#3 Visit the Toolik Field Station: Explore the Toolik Field Station to learn about Arctic research and experience the park’s northern environment.

#4 Backpack the John River Trail: Hike along the John River, a moderate trail that offers views of stunning mountain ranges and remote valleys.

#5 Camp at the Kobuk River: Set up camp along the Kobuk River, where you can enjoy solitude and spectacular river views.

#6 Photograph the Arctic Tundra: Capture the wide-open beauty of the Arctic tundra, with its rolling hills, distant mountains, and colorful wildflowers.

#7 Explore the Boreal Forest: Walk through the lush boreal forest of the park, home to diverse plant and animal species.

#8 See the Northern Lights: Visit the park in winter to witness the incredible northern lights, dancing across the Arctic sky.

#9 Wildlife Viewing in the Brooks Range: Spot wildlife such as caribou, moose, and bears in the Brooks Range, a prime habitat for Alaskan wildlife.

#10 Go Fishing in the Noatak River: Cast a line in the Noatak River for a chance to catch Arctic grayling, salmon, and other fish species.

#11 Trek to the Chandler River: Hike to the Chandler River for a scenic and peaceful wilderness experience, perfect for nature lovers.

#12 Kayak in the Arctic Waters: Paddle in the park’s clear waters, exploring its remote rivers and lakes while enjoying the serene environment.

#13 Backpack to the Lottis Creek: Enjoy a challenging backpacking trip to Lottis Creek, where you’ll experience the true wilderness of Alaska.

#14 Explore the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Venture into the neighboring Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for even more opportunities to explore the untouched wilderness.

#15 Summit the Mount Doonerak: Climb Mount Doonerak, one of the park’s prominent peaks, for panoramic views of the surrounding Arctic landscape.

#16 Hike the Gates of the Arctic Trail: Take a scenic hike through the Gates of the Arctic trail system, offering stunning views of the rugged terrain.

#17 Visit the Brooks Camp: Explore the Brooks Camp area, a hub for wildlife viewing and a great place to spot grizzly bears fishing for salmon.

#18 Take a Fly-In Tour: Experience the beauty of the park from above by taking a fly-in tour that showcases the remote and rugged wilderness.

#19 Spot a Muskox Herd: Visit the tundra to see muskox herds, an ancient species that thrives in the Arctic environment.

#20 Hike the Itkillik River Trail: Trek through the Itkillik River Valley, where you can enjoy wildflowers, tundra views, and abundant wildlife.

#21 Go Canoeing on the Kongakut River: Paddle along the Kongakut River for a tranquil adventure, spotting wildlife and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

#22 Explore the Koyukuk River: Navigate the Koyukuk River to experience the pristine wilderness and remote beauty of the Arctic region.

#23 Photograph the Gates of the Arctic Mountains: Capture the grandeur of the Gates of the Arctic mountain range, with its towering peaks and dramatic landscapes.

#24 Go Ice Fishing: Try ice fishing in the winter months for a unique Arctic experience, where you can catch fish under the frozen surface.

#25 Explore the Sagavanirktok River: Kayak or raft the Sagavanirktok River, one of the most scenic rivers in the park, offering beautiful views and great wildlife spotting.

#26 Climb the Mount Oglivie: Climb Mount Oglivie for a challenging hike with incredible views of the surrounding wilderness and distant peaks.

#27 Birdwatch at the Tundra Lakes: Visit the Tundra Lakes to spot migratory birds, including geese, ducks, and shorebirds, during the spring and fall.

#28 Camp on the Noatak River’s Banks: Set up camp along the Noatak River, surrounded by spectacular views of the Arctic wilderness and the chance to spot wildlife.

#29 Visit the Arctic Research Center: Tour the Arctic Research Center to learn about the ongoing scientific studies in the park’s extreme environment.

#30 Go Cross-Country Skiing in the Winter: Experience the park’s winter beauty on a cross-country skiing adventure across the snow-covered tundra.

#31 Trek to the Upper Noatak River: Hike to the Upper Noatak River for a remote wilderness adventure, with breathtaking views and opportunities to spot wildlife.

#32 Explore the Brook Range’s High Peaks: Conquer the high peaks of the Brooks Range, offering incredible hiking opportunities and a chance to experience the raw beauty of the Arctic.

#33 Go Hunting in the Arctic: For experienced hunters, Gates of the Arctic offers hunting opportunities for species like caribou, moose, and black bears.

#34 Photograph the Arctic Wildlife: Capture incredible wildlife photos of caribou herds, grizzly bears, and birds in their natural Arctic habitat.

#35 Go Snowshoeing in the Winter: In the winter months, take a snowshoeing adventure through the park’s peaceful, snow-covered landscapes.

#36 Paddle the Alatna River: Paddle along the Alatna River for a scenic journey through the park’s backcountry, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy pristine nature.

#37 Explore the Kobuk River: Explore the remote Kobuk River, offering access to untouched wilderness, abundant wildlife, and peaceful surroundings.

#38 Go Glacier Trekking: Explore the glaciers of Gates of the Arctic, experiencing the raw beauty of ice fields and glacial landscapes.

#39 Take a Backpacking Trip in the Arctic Circle: Challenge yourself with a backpacking trip above the Arctic Circle, where you can experience the unspoiled wilderness.

#40 Relax by the Arctic Lakes: Spend time at one of the park’s serene Arctic lakes, perfect for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.

#41 Go Wildlife Watching at the Noatak National Preserve: Head to the nearby Noatak National Preserve for additional wildlife viewing opportunities, including moose and wolves.

#42 Visit the Arctic River for Wildlife Spotting: Follow one of the park’s rivers for a chance to spot various wildlife species and observe their behavior in the wild.

#43 Take a Photography Workshop: Join a photography workshop to capture the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and natural beauty of the Arctic wilderness.

#44 Climb the Gates of the Arctic Mountains: Take on a challenging climb of the Gates of the Arctic Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys.

#45 Hike the Noorvik Trail: Walk the Noorvik Trail for scenic views of the tundra, where you can see a variety of plant species and wildlife.

#46 Explore the Arctic Swamps: Venture into the swamps of Gates of the Arctic, where you can witness the unique ecosystems and spot rare wildlife species.

#47 Join a Wilderness Survival Course: Learn wilderness survival skills by joining a course that teaches how to navigate the park’s remote terrain.

#48 Enjoy a Winter Camping Trip: Take a winter camping trip to experience the quiet beauty of the Arctic under the starry sky.

#49 See the Northern Lights from the Arctic: Watch the magical northern lights from within the park, offering incredible views of this natural phenomenon.

#50 Go Dog Sledding in the Arctic: Experience the thrill of dog sledding across the Arctic tundra, a traditional mode of travel in this remote environment.

#51 Explore the Brooks Range by Foot: Take a multi-day trek through the Brooks Range, with rugged terrain and stunning mountain views that will challenge even the most experienced hikers.

#52 Visit the Arctic Circle: Stand at the edge of the Arctic Circle, where you can experience the extreme northernmost parts of Alaska.

#53 Spot Arctic Foxes in the Tundra: Keep an eye out for Arctic foxes as you explore the park’s tundra, where they are often seen hunting and playing.

#54 Take a Helicopter Tour of Gates of the Arctic: Get an aerial view of the park’s vast landscapes, including its glaciers, rivers, and rugged mountains on a scenic helicopter ride.

#55 Visit the Noatak River Valley: Explore the Noatak River Valley, known for its striking scenery and remote wilderness that provides incredible solitude.

#56 Explore the Arctic Caves: Discover hidden caves in the park, where you can experience the cool underground environment and unique geology of the region.

#57 Go on a Multi-Day Backpacking Expedition: Plan an extended backpacking trip into the park’s remote regions, where you can truly immerse yourself in its wilderness.

#58 Take a Boating Trip on the Alatna River: Paddle through the scenic Alatna River, which winds through the park, offering a serene environment perfect for adventure.

#59 Go Cross-Country Skiing: During winter, head out on cross-country skis to explore the park’s snow-covered terrain, which remains untouched by crowds.

#60 Explore the Nanuk Glacier: Trek to the Nanuk Glacier, a pristine frozen landscape where you can witness the raw beauty of Alaska’s glacial formations.

#61 Join a Wildlife Tracking Course: Learn how to track wildlife in the Arctic, identifying footprints, scat, and other signs of animals in their natural habitats.

#62 Explore the Arctic Rivers by Canoe: Paddle along the remote Arctic rivers, navigating through stunning landscapes while enjoying the peace and quiet of the wilderness.

#63 Take a Canoe Trip to the North Fork: Head out on a canoe trip to the North Fork of the Kobuk River, a perfect location for exploring and wildlife spotting.

#64 Visit the Happy Valley: Experience the beauty of Happy Valley, known for its lush vegetation, wildlife, and breathtaking mountain views.

#65 Discover the Gates of the Arctic at Dusk: Head into the park during dusk for a tranquil experience and the chance to capture stunning photos of the Arctic landscape as the light changes.

#66 Take a Photography Expedition to the Brooks Range: Join a photography expedition to capture the rugged beauty of the Brooks Range’s towering peaks and deep valleys.

#67 Fish in the Arctic Waters: Try fishing in one of the park’s clear streams or rivers, where you can catch Arctic grayling and salmon.

#68 Hike the Pingok Pass Trail: Hike the Pingok Pass Trail for a challenging adventure through high-altitude terrain and spectacular views of the surrounding valleys.

#69 Explore the Arctic Wildlife Refuge: Take a trip to the Arctic Wildlife Refuge and explore the park’s neighboring region, known for its remote beauty and diverse wildlife.

#70 Spot a Caribou Herd: Watch for migrating caribou herds as they pass through the park, providing an awe-inspiring sight against the Arctic backdrop.

#71 Go on a Solo Trek in the Arctic Wilderness: If you’re looking for complete solitude, embark on a solo trek through the vast wilderness of Gates of the Arctic.

#72 Hike the Upper Kobuk River: Explore the Upper Kobuk River, where you’ll encounter dramatic views and the chance to see rare wildlife and pristine landscapes.

#73 Visit the Selawik National Wildlife Refuge: Take a day trip to the Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, located just outside the park, to enjoy more outdoor activities and observe the wildlife.

#74 Explore the Arctic Floodplain: Trek through the Arctic floodplain, a key habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, while enjoying the open landscape.

#75 Take a Photography Class in the Arctic: Join a photography class designed for capturing the park’s incredible landscapes, wildlife, and natural light conditions.

#76 Spot Grizzly Bears in the Brooks Range: Visit the Brooks Range for the chance to see grizzly bears in their natural habitat, especially near the rivers and valleys.

#77 Go on a Northern Lights Photography Tour: Capture the magic of the northern lights during a photography tour designed to help you take the perfect shot of this natural wonder.

#78 Learn About the History of the Inupiat People: Discover the rich cultural history of the Inupiat people who have called this land home for centuries through ranger-led programs and exhibits.

#79 Visit the Arctic Coastal Plain: Explore the Arctic Coastal Plain, a remote area where you can see polar bears, seabirds, and more.

#80 Climb Mount Moffit: Tackle the climb to Mount Moffit, a challenging ascent that rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding terrain.

#81 Explore the Beartooth Mountains: Head to the Beartooth Mountains for rugged adventures, incredible hikes, and stunning views of the Arctic wilderness.

#82 Take Part in a Wilderness Survival Class: Learn wilderness survival skills by joining a class focused on the techniques needed to survive in the Arctic wilderness.

#83 Camp at the Dalton Highway: Camp near the Dalton Highway, which runs through the Arctic Circle, offering a unique place to set up camp in the heart of the wilderness.

#84 Raft the Kobuk River: Experience the thrills of rafting the Kobuk River, where you can encounter wildlife, stunning landscapes, and remote locations.

#85 Hike to the Arrigetch Peaks: Take a challenging hike to the Arrigetch Peaks, known for their dramatic cliffs and pristine wilderness.

#86 Explore the Arctic Coastal Plain for Birds: Visit the Arctic Coastal Plain during the spring and fall migration seasons to observe a variety of bird species.

#87 See the Arctic Wildlife from the Mount Igikpak: Get a breathtaking view of the park and its wildlife from the top of Mount Igikpak, a prominent peak in the Brooks Range.

#88 Try Ice Climbing in the Arctic: Take on an ice climbing challenge in one of the park’s many frozen waterfalls or glaciers, offering thrilling experiences for adventurers.

#89 Explore the Arctic Marshes: Hike through the vast Arctic marshes, home to unique plant species and a wide range of migratory birds.

#90 Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Spend a day at the nearby Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to learn more about the region’s wildlife and conservation efforts.

#91 Take a Helicopter Tour of the Brooks Range: Soar above the Brooks Range on a helicopter tour that offers an unforgettable aerial view of the park’s remote landscape.

#92 Enjoy a Winter Day in the Arctic: Visit the park during winter for a peaceful, snow-covered experience and the chance to see the Arctic landscape in its purest form.

#93 Travel by Dog Sled in the Arctic: Experience the traditional Alaskan method of transportation by going on a thrilling dog sledding adventure through the Arctic.

#94 Go on a Remote Backpacking Trip: Choose a remote backpacking route in the park’s wilderness to experience the ultimate solitude and natural beauty.

#95 Spot Polar Bears in the Arctic Coastal Plain: Head to the Arctic Coastal Plain for the rare chance to see polar bears in their natural habitat.

#96 Climb the Gates of the Arctic Peaks: Take on the challenging climb of the Gates of the Arctic Peaks, offering incredible vistas and unparalleled wilderness adventure.

#97 Visit the Arctic Tundra During Spring: Experience the park’s stunning Arctic tundra as it comes to life in the spring, with flowers blooming and wildlife reappearing.

#98 Take a Multi-Day Rafting Expedition: Go on a multi-day rafting expedition through the rivers of Gates of the Arctic, an adventure that takes you deep into the wilderness.

#99 Join a Photo Tour of the Arctic: Join a specialized photography tour to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Arctic, guided by an expert.

#100 Explore the Noatak National Preserve: Extend your adventure to the nearby Noatak National Preserve for more opportunities to experience the wild beauty of the Arctic.

Concluding

Plan your Arctic adventure today with PlanMyWeekend.ai and make the most of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that await at Gates of the Arctic National Park.