The Noatak River carves through the summertime tundra.
Photo: NPS Photo / Annie Carlson
About
As one of North America's largest mountain-ringed river basins with an intact ecosystem, the Noatak River environs feature some of the Arctic's finest arrays of plants and animals. The river is classified as a National Wild and Scenic River. It offers stunning wilderness float-trip opportunities - from deep in the Brooks Range to the tidewater of the Chukchi Sea.
Location
171 3rd Ave
Kotzebue, AK 99752
Hours
wednesdayAll Day
mondayAll Day
thursdayAll Day
sundayAll Day
tuesdayAll Day
fridayAll Day
saturdayAll Day
Activities
BoatingCampingBackcountry CampingFishingFreshwater FishingFlyingFixed Wing FlyingHands-OnArts and CraftsHikingBackcountry HikingHunting and GatheringHuntingPaddlingCanoeingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife Watching
Directions
Noatak National Preserve is a very remote area. There are no roads that provide access. Commercial airlines provide service from Anchorage to Kotzebue or Fairbanks to Bettles. Once in Kotzebue or Bettles, you must fly to the preserve with various air taxi operators. There are scheduled flights to villages and chartered flights to remote park areas. Summer access may include motorized/non-motorized watercraft, aircraft, or by foot.
Get directions →Weather
Snow, rain, and freezing temperatures can occur any time of the year. Always travel with good quality rain gear and warm layers. Be especially careful to stay dry. Hypothermia can set in on a windy, wet day, even when it doesn't feel that cold.