Gates of the Arctic Oolah Valley Backpacking Trip Report
We had two epic backpacking trips in Gates of the Arctic National Park in July and I wanted to take a minute for a photo run through of the expeditions! Both were in the Oolah Valley part of the park, but the first was a loop from Anaktuvuk Pass and the second started out of Coldfoot with a backcountry float plane drop off from Dirk at Coyote Air.
Flying In
The morning after meeting in Fairbanks, we flew into Anaktuvuk Pass, home of the Inupiaq people. Flights in Alaska are always unreal — and for some, the scariest part of the whole trip.
Setting Off
Getting used to off-trail travel is always a learning curve. But the views and the shock of remoteness make it all worth it!
Alaska = Rain
Our first rain came early! But you just have to remind yourself… without rain, this place wouldn’t be nearly as beautiful. The wildflowers were incredible!
Aufeis!
In the Arctic, the rivers freeze solid in the winter. Aufeis is a sheet-like mass of layered ice that forms from successive flows of ground or river water during freezing temperatures. It often lasts all the way through summer!
Reindeer Lichen
Reindeer Lichen was everywhere! I’ve never seen so much of it in all my years in AK. It made the mountains glimmer gold in the sunlight. It is a primary food source for reindeer (hence the name) and caribou, especially during the winter when other vegetation is scarce. This hardy lichen can absorb water and nutrients directly through its surface, allowing it to thrive in areas with poor soil.
A bugnet dinner for 6
Sometimes what they say about Alaska is true. We opted for freeze dried meals on this trip to keep weight low. As usual, the Mountain House Lasagna was the clear favorite.
Ariving to our alpine lake camp.
This spot was incredible. Sun always brings giddy laughter.
Incredible skeletons and antlers everywhere!
It’s honestly beautiful… almost like walking through a graveyard at times.
So soon we’re flying back to society.
It took me many days to settle back into society after two back to back trips in Gates of the Arctic. In some ways I’m still settling back in after nearly two weeks back in the outside world. It’s a hard world to “settle” into at all!
Trip two was no less spectacular! A custom trip for 2 wonderful humans! But for brevity, here’s a slideshow with some highlights!
