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NOATAK NATIONAL PRESERVE Noatak ALASKA NOATAK NATIONAL PRESERVE Noatak ALASKA The clear-running, medium- Noatak River basin, one of the north of the Arctic Circle in sized Noatak River flows with­ world's finest remaining vast northwestern Alaska. It is in a broad and gently sloping wilderness areas, has been some 560 kilometers (350 valley stretching more than named an International Bio­ miles) northwest of Fairbanks 240 kilometers (150 miles) in sphere Reserve. and 97 kilometers (60 miles), an east-west direction. Here at its closest point, north of the boreal forest ends, merg­ The Noatak River has the larg­ Kotzebue, the regional center. ing into treeless tundra on est undisturbed mountain-ring­ The Native village of Noatak the valley's southern edge. ed watershed in North America. is several kilometers downriv­ Caribou cross this broad ex­ The preserve encompasses 2.6 er from the preserve's south­ panse migrating to and from million hectares (6.5 million western boundary. their calving grounds. The acres) of this basin lying WHAT TO DO AND SEE There are no National Park banks. From Kotzebue, you can vate inholdings along the low­ Service facilities, trails, or charter light aircraft or er Noatak River in the pre­ services. People will initial­ boats. Average flight time to serve. These properties should ly go to the preserve to float drop off passengers in the be respected. Kotzebue has a the Noatak River and backpack central Noatak basin (and re­ hotel, and small stores which the encompassing mountain turn empty to Kotzebue) is 2.5 carry most basic goods. Fair­ foothills. Gentle and slow hours. Air charters to the up­ banks and Anchorage offer all moving except in its distant per Noatak are offered from the usual merchandise. A few headwaters, the Noatak offers Bettles. Aircraft land on very guides and outfitters work out fine canoeing and kayaking, a primitive airstrips and gravel of Kotzebue, and outfitters at natural highway through a re­ bars, or if float-equipped, on Bettles will fly canoes and markable landscape. Wildlife certain river stretches. passengers to the upper Noatak includes caribou, wolves, Scheduled flights also operate River. black and grizzly bear, and between Kotzebue and Noatak. lynx. The waters of the Noatak Summer weather is variable and basin hold arctic char, white- can curtail travel to and from fish, grayling, and several the preserve. species of salmon. ACCOMMODATIONS AND SERVICES ACCESS There are no accommodations or Northwestern Alaska cannot be campgrounds within the pre­ reached by road. Daily commer­ serve. Camping is permitted cial flights serve Kotzebue throughout the preserve. How­ from both Anchorage and Fair­ ever, there are numerous pri­ NOATAK NATIONAL PRESERVE Noatak ALASKA WEATHER AND INSECTS CLOTHING, FOOD, AND GEAR Long, cold winters and short, F) and temperatures of -28°C It is essential that clothing mild summers are the rule. (-20°F) occur regularly. and camping gear be of good Temperatures during June, Strong winds produce a severe quality. Rain gear is often July, and August range from wind-chill factor. Mosquitos needed. Tents should be able 40°C (40°F) to 29°C (85°F), appear in late June, are at to withstand strong winds and with mid-summer temperatures their worst in July, and dis­ should have rain flies. Always averaging 15-23°C (the 60s and appear in August. They are carry extra food because ad­ 70s F). But sub-freezing tem­ most dense in the wet lowlands verse weather can delay your peratures can occur on summer and least dense in the drier scheduled air or boat pickup. nights. June is generally the highlands. Whitesocks hatch in Be familiar with your gear be­ clearest summer month; cloudi­ August and are present until fore your trip. You should be ness increases in July and Au­ the first heavy frosts in Sep­ competent in hiking, camping, gust. Summer fog in the coast­ tember. Good insect repellent boating, first-aid, and sur­ al area around Kotzebue can and a head net are highly rec­ vival skills. Winter travel is create transportation prob­ ommended . not advised. lems. Winter temperatures sometimes drop to -45°C (-50° PRECAUTIONS AND COURTESIES The preserve is vast, and a here. For safety, leave a copy nets, and other equipment are number of dangers may confront of your planned itinerary with critical to their well-being. Please observe the usual cour­ you here. The Noatak basin is the Visitor Information Center tesies respecting their prop­ one of Alaska's least traveled in Kotzebue. Local residents erty and privacy. Ask a ran­ areas. A passing aircraft may carry on their subsistence way ger about the proper precau­ not even be seen for days. You of life within the national tions to take to avoid danger­ are particularly "on your own" preserve. Their camps, fish­ ous encounters with bear, noose, and other wild animals. Get specific information about your planned trip from: Superintendent National Park Service Northwest Alaska Areas P.O. Box 287 Kotzebue, Alaska 99752 Phone: (907) 442-3890 .
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