Hulahula River Rafting &
Hiking
No
other place in the world can
compare to the Brooks Range for its sheer magnitude of wildness. This
spectacular rafting trip begins and ends with a 300-mile flight across the
top of North America between Fairbanks and the high Arctic. Our twelve-day
trip includes paddle rafting and several full layover days where we can
break into smaller groups for birding, photography, nature walks or a
strenuous hike up to a mountain summit.
The Hulahula River flows through mountains,
rolling tundra, and finally a breathtaking canyon just before it spills
out onto the vast coastal plain on its way to the Arctic Ocean. A close
look at this magnificent landscape reveals a lush, alpine landscape
blanketed with wildflowers, intricate valleys, ancient rock formations and
cascading waterfalls. We hope to catch sight of small bands of the
Porcupine caribou herd on their summer migration to areas north of the
Brooks Range. We may also see Dall sheep, musk oxen, snowy owls, swans,
numerous migratory birds, and, occasionally, wolves, fox, moose,
grizzlies, and wolverine. Our trip will end on the arctic coastal plain,
with a possible hike to the edge of the Beaufort Sea where the offshore
ice pack may be in view.
No prior paddle rafting experience is necessary,
however the Hulahula is a large-volume river with Class III/IV whitewater
expected in some sections. Participants must be in good physical condition
due to the length and expedition nature of the trip, the river conditions,
and the possibility of portage. Begins and ends in Fairbanks.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 - Plan for an early breakfast. This
day is mostly devoted to flying north! We drive to the airport and begin
our long flight across the Yukon River Flats to the Native community of
Arctic Village. We then switch to smaller planes and continue north over
the Brooks Range and on to the upper Hulahula River. We'll land on a small
gravel bar along the river, near its headwaters, and set up our first
camp.
Days 2-11 - Our schedule on the Hulahula
will be leisurely and flexible as we'll have 24 hours of daylight each
day! We will have ample opportunity for short walks, day hikes,
photographing wildlife and fantastic displays of wildflowers, and fishing
for Arctic char and grayling (for those who bring fishing gear). We'll
float the river in paddle rafts, each propelled by several participants
dipping paddles into the swift current. This is a large-volume river with
Class IV whitewater conditions possible along at least one section. We'll
encounter several smaller rapids to negotiate and magnificent mountain and
valley scenery along much of the route. This area is one of our most
fascinating and ecologically diverse national treasures. There will be
much to see and explore.
The weather is highly variable. Prepare yourself
for temperatures ranging from the brisk 30s to the scorching 80s by
bringing a variety of clothing layers (see Gear List). At this far-north
latitude, a light dusting of snow is even possible, though not likely.
Day 12 - After a final day of rafting
and/or hiking, we'll break camp and await the arrival of the bush planes
for our flight to Fairbanks. We plan to arrive by 5:00 p.m., but we
recommend booking another night in Fairbanks as flight delays are
possible. We often gather for a no-host dinner on this final evening.
