Photo: Francis Lynn Midnight Sun, Mountains and Plains
in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 08018A Price: $4,195 Deposit: $200 Capacity: 5 Leader: Sophika Kostyniuk
The Trip In this land of the midnight sun, landscapes captivate visitors and present unexpected displays of wildflowers, countless migrating birds, and caribou, musk oxen, and fox. The view across the Arctic Plain towards the snow capped Brooks Range has the power to sooth any city-weary soul. We will walk along braided streams winding their way through the mountain valleys and immerse ourselves into delicate and thriving ecosystems which will fascinate expert and beginner botanists alike.
 Photo: Francis Lynn Day 1: We will have a rental car to pick you up at your B&B to take the group to the Fairbanks airport early on the first morning of the trip. Our group will travel together on a scheduled flight to Arctic Village then take a three-passenger bush plane over the spectacular Brooks Range to a tundra strip or gravel bar. Here we will take in the expansive views of the 40 mile wide stretch of land between the Arctic Ocean and the Brooks Range. If we have a clear day for this flight, it will be one of the highlights of the trip. Flying to our northern drop off point will take us most of the first day to complete.
 Photo: Sophika Kostyniuk Days 2-5: Although the weather and stream conditions may slightly alter our exact route, we will be on the lookout for a myriad of birds migrating across the plains and marvel at the micro-flora under our feet. It should take us about four days of moderate backpacking to reach the northern border of the mountains where we will begin our trip up the broad Aichilik River and end in the Jago River valley. The 24-hour daylight will allow us to adopt a relaxed schedule with lots of flexibility to explore and admire our surroundings. We will take every opportunity to observe the wonders of the plains and foothills. Although we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings, we should be on the lookout for caribou, Dall sheep, grizzlies, wolves, foxes, and musk oxen. While we are closer to the coast we are likely to find a wide variety of migratory birds, particularly large nesting birds which are not seen farther inland, such as sandhill cranes, tundra swans, and perhaps even snowy owls.  Photo: Francis Lynn Days 6-11: There are no trails in the Arctic Refuge, but the vistas are expansive and the lack of tree cover provides for endless views on clear days. Our route through the Brooks Range will take us upstream along the Aichilik River where we will often choose gravel bars, or sheets of “aufeis” (frozen stream water) for flatter and faster movement. There will be times when we will cross tussock fields, where we’ll learn to navigate around these cotton grass mounds.  Photo: Francis Lynn We will then continue over a mountain pass heading westwards, and down to the Jago River. This is where our journey will end, and we will be able to enjoy the bounties of our food cache for the last few meals. There are no major passes on this trip, and the elevation gains are not extreme. The highest point on the trip is at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. Weather conditions will most likely be variable, as will the terrain, but we will take our time and soak up the landscapes. Day 12: This is our scheduled take-out day. If all goes according to plan and the weather cooperates, we will be flown back to Arctic Village on the bush plane. From here we will continue on to Fairbanks where we will rejoice at the sight of hot showers, stare at the unfamiliar face in the mirror, and have someone else cook dinner for us. Getting There Trip members are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the trip's starting point in Fairbanks. We strongly advise that you arrive in Fairbanks at least one full day ahead of schedule to allow for delayed luggage. Arctic air travel, commercial or charter, is not always on schedule due to weather conditions as well as a more laid back business approach. You should also allow for at least one flexible day at the end of the trip in case we encounter unexpected weather delays. Note that charter flights during the trip are included in the trip fee.
Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own B&B or hotel accommodations while in Fairbanks. A list of suggested options will be sent out by the trip leader once you have signed up for this outing. Meals, from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last, are included in the trip price. As on most Sierra Club trips, all participants will help with cooking and cleanup chores; each person will assist for portions of the trip. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated if advance notice is provided.
This trip is rated Moderate (M). Distances will be fairly short -- five to eight miles a day at elevations up to 4,000 feet. We will have some easy walking on gravel bars and over ice floe, but there may be a need for a river crossing and your feet will be wet on some days. When we leave the rivers, we will travel with heavy backpacks across boggy, unstable tussocks at certain points in time. Although we plan to leave before the infamous mosquitoes arrive, the variable Arctic weather -- with the possibility of strong winds, cold fog, and even snow -- can make for strenuous camping conditions. Participants must be experienced backpackers with field-tested gear. Each trip member will carry shared group food and equipment, so personal gear will be limited to 30 pounds.
The Sierra Club will provide all trip food, stoves, cooking gear, a kitchen tarp, a satellite phone, a repair kit, bear repellent spray, water treatment, and a first-aid kit. Participants bring their own personal medicine, toiletries, and such supplies as moleskin, tape, toilet paper, bug repellent, etc. In terms of backpacking gear, you'll need a sleeping bag suitable for temperatures hovering around freezing some nights, a solid, lightweight tent (at least 3-season) with a fly that's able to withstand strong winds and rain; it should be seam-sealed, but it need not be free standing. Gore-Tex socks will help to keep your feet relatively dry even when your boots are wet. Some backpackers bring lightweight camp shoes for evenings. Full raingear (jacket and pants) and a pack cover are essential. Temperatures range from the 20s to the 60s, calling for layers of light and heavyweight polypro-type clothing. Avoid cotton as it may never dry. For stability on the uneven tundra and for stream crossings, a walking stick or hiking poles are highly recommended. A collapsible pole will travel well on the airplane in a duffel bag with your backpack. Binoculars or a monocular are essential for viewing wildlife. A detailed equipment and clothing list will be sent by the trip leader to all confirmed trip participants.
Maps Books
Conservation This area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has been under consideration for oil and gas exploration. Former President Clinton saw fit to protect it from the loss of its wilderness status, but the current Bush administration has pushed hard to open up this pristine area to petroleum development. For this reason, it is important that visitors are introduced to this area so they will return to their homes with the desire to tell others about this incredible wilderness. Hopefully, each visitor will become an advocate for the Arctic Refuge. The Arctic is also under direct threat from global warming because virtually all climate models demonstrate that the effects of global warming will be amplified in Polar Regions. Here is an opportunity to see the wild Arctic features and how they relate to the reality of global warming. It's not a matter of if, but how soon and how bad it might be. Travel in Alaska and the Arctic Sierra Club outings in Alaska are special experiences in true wilderness, but they also carry an element of risk. Trip locales are often remote, away from the amenities of civilization, including sophisticated medical care and immediate evacuation possibilities. Many of our Alaska trips now carry satellite phones, but even with this technology, communication with the outside world can be difficult and emergency assistance can be days away. Weather in Alaska is unpredictable, and inclement weather can be severe. Among other hazards are cold river and stream crossings, tidal activity, calving glaciers, the psychological effects of remoteness, and the presence of large wild animals. You’re in good hands, though, so don't worry: Your trip leaders have vast experience in the Last Frontier, and they’ll provide all the guidance you need.
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Leader:
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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Sophika Kostyniuk has been passionate about the wilderness for as long as she can remember. Sophika has travelled throughout North America, parts of Europe and Southeast Asia, and enjoys an active lifestyle in bustling San Francisco. She has worked for 10 years on various conservation issues and is currently employed by the Sierra Club. She took a three-month adventure-travel and ecotourism course and is a Wilderness First Responder. Sophika explored the Arctic Plain and Aichilik River in June of 2007 and cannot wait to return to one of her favorite places on earth.
Howard Kellogg's first outdoor memory is huddling in the chill of a pre-dawn hunting blind with his father. Since then he has pursued every opportunity to recreate -- on land and water -- in wild areas near to and far from his family home in the desert of southeast California. Distance wilderness travel seduced him on his first Philmont Scout Ranch trek as a lad. Now, as an educator, he celebrates his extended vacation time pursuing his outdoor passions, leading Sierra Club service, backpack, and canoe trips throughout the Rocky Mountain region and Alaska. Howard explored the Jago River valley in 2005 and is keen on experiencing the coastal plain and Aichilik River valley.