Arctic Alaska: Noatak River Canoeing Please, note! This tour offer has expired. For similar tour offers currently available search here. Key Information: Tour Duration: 10 day(s) Group Size: 3 - 8 people Destination(s): Alaska   Specialty Categories: Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting   Wildlife Viewing   Season: May - September Airfare Included: Yes Tour Customizable: Yes Minimum Per Person Price: 4450 US Dollar (USD) Maximum Per Person Price: 4450 US Dollar (USD)

Alaska's longest arctic river, the Noatak meanders 425 miles across arctic Alaska, from the glaciers on Mt. Igikpak, to the Chukchi Sea. Along the river or up in the side valleys, we may find herds of caribou, muskoxen, wolves, and Dall sheep. Here in the arctic, the sun never sets all summer, so you can leave your watch behind, and fall into the timelessness that exists in such spaciousness.

No paddling experience is necessary. You'll learn quickly how to paddle our stable canoes. The river is generally Class I, with a few Class II rapids thrown in for excitement. We travel 80 to 135 miles on our 10-day trip; over 240 miles on our 14 day trip; longer trips can be arranged. To travel to full length of the river, we offer a custom 23-day trip for groups of 5 or more.

2010, Tour Dates: July 6-15.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: We meet in Fairbanks, and fly north by scheduled commuter plane to Bettles, a small village north of the Arctic Circle. Here, we'll organize our gear and fly by bush floatplane north over the Brooks Range, a landscape of jagged peaks and serpentine rivers, crossing the Continental Divide and landing on the upper Noatak River. Includes: (B).

Day 2: We start down the river today, exploring an arctic geologic phenomenon - a pingo. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 3: Paddling down the Noatak. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 4:
Layover day for hiking/ climbing. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 5: Paddling down the river. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 6: Layover day for hiking. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 7: Paddling down the river. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 8: Layover day for hiking, or more paddling today. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 9: Paddle to our pick-up spot. We pack up the boats and gear, then take our last long hike in this vast wilderness. Perhaps we'll pick berries or fish for arctic char. Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Day 10: Pick-up by charter floatplane, and return to Bettles, then fly by scheduled commuter plane to Fairbanks. Fairwell dinner at local restaurant. Includes: (B), (L).

Day 11: Includes: (B), (L), (D).

Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.

Price Includes:
- All transportation beyond Fairbanks
- All meals in the field
- Boats, paddles, life jackets, and other boating gear
- Group cooking, camping, medical and safety equipment (We bring such items as a kitchen shelter, emergency radio, SAT phone, one large dry bag for each participant, bear repellent spray, water filter and first aid kit)
- Expert leadership.

Price Excludes:
- Lodging before or after trip or "weather delay" lodging
- Extra meals you might choose to purchase in a town or village while we are awaiting air transport
- Sleeping bag and pad, and personal equipment
- Excess baggage charges.

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