Gates Of The Arctic: Powerful Isolation in Alaska’s Deepest Wildlands

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The great state of Alaska has long been known as the last place left in America that can be called truly wild. And this is no wonder, surveyed at 663,300 square miles, Alaska is the largest state in the US by almost a factor of three. Coupled with this, the state is also one of the least populous, with census reports estimating just over 730,000 people inhabiting the entire state. Many areas across the state offer some of the finest, undisturbed nature that can be found in the US, but those who wish to experience another level of adventure need look no further than the Gates Of The Arctic National Park. The Gates Of The Arctic consist of 8.4 million acres of absolutely pristine land set aside by legislation in 1980, all of which lies completely above the Arctic Circle. Few mountains or landmarks in the park have even been given names, demonstrating the true, untouched nature of this reserve. The parks borders were specifically designed in such a way that they encompass and protect the habitat area of major caribou herds, bears, moose, wolves and many other animals, making it an invaluable wildlife reserve, and place of opportunity to observe such creatures. If you have are interested in extreme adventure and immersing yourself in some of the most vast, isolated wilderness in the world, an expedition into the Gates Of The Arctic could be what you’re looking for.

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Unlike most parks in the lower 48 and even in Alaska, this wilderness is truly absolutely uninhabited and untouched by civilization. Throughout the entirety of the parks 8.4 million acres, the only permanent inhabitants consist of a small Native American settlement within the parks borders. Aside from this, there is nothing, no visitor services, no roads and even no trails. There aren’t even any roads to get to the park itself, meaning that to get there you will need to be flown in by air taxi. Being above the arctic circle means that the park is really only accessible during a few short summer months, winter temperatures put the land into a deep freeze, maintaining temperatures as low as -20 to -50 degrees Fahrenheit. This is likely why the park receives only around 10,000 visitors each year, as it is very challenging to access and enjoy. But for those who want to experience a surreal, and otherworldly trekking experience, the park offers a perfect opportunity.

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Those who are interested in undertaking this sort of adventure will experience sights and sensations that can be found nowhere else on this planet. Paxson Woelber, in a Backpacker article, describes the 70 mile summer trek that he and 3 companions embarked on across the park. He describes how as you begin to hike into the park, you begin to feel more and more distant from the world of civilization from which you originated. While cresting a ridge along an unnamed mountain, Paxson is startled when he encounters a fully intact caribou skeleton. He describes how due to the park’s distinct and extreme winter weather patterns, everything is preserved through time. As far as they knew, the animal could have perished 5 years ago, or 500 years ago, it would have made no difference. Paxson also notes how the concept of time begins to blur as the sun never actually sets. He describes the drastic terrain variations that they encounter and how the seasons seem to differ between locations as temperature and conditions differ. Above all, the feeling of Isolation prevails, as travelers must be entirely self sufficient, since there are no human establishments for countless miles. Although an excursion such as this may not be for the faint of heart, ambitious and adventurous outdoors lovers will find this place to be an ideal destination for a one of a kind venture into the true, untamed wilderness.

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Float Plane, Brooks Range Aviation, Alaska
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