Gates of The Arctic National Park

Deep in the heart of Alaska is an unblemished land known for its pristine wilderness. North of the Arctic Circle in the Brooks Range lies the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, a maze of glaciated valleys and jagged peaks that nurture a surprisingly diverse and stunning ecosystem.

Covering 8.4 million acres, the Gates of the Arctic is the second largest national park in the United States, but its remote location makes it one of the least visited. That's why we’ve included it on Princess Cruises Explorer itineraries, on the way to Prudhoe Bay.

Scenic Float Trips

The "Gates of the Arctic" refers to Boreal Mountain and Frigid Crags, a pair of summits that flank the North Fork of the Koyukuk River in the eastern section of the park. Koyukuk is one of six Congress-designated wild and scenic rivers that crisscross the park, some extending hundreds of miles. A popular destination is John River, which cuts through the center of the park, making it a perfect wilderness float trip.

Midnight Rock Climbing

In the southwestern region, the Noatak River flows down from Mount Igikpak, which tops off at 8,510 feet and is the park's highest point. Naturally, mountain and rock climbing are popular sports, especially during June and July, when the sun never sets. Other activities include canoeing, kayaking, fishing and cross-country skiing.

Wildlife Hot Spot

Alpine meadows, forested lowlands and arctic tundra vegetation support four-legged wildlife, such as caribou, moose, Dall sheep and black and grizzly bears, as well as the two-legged, winged variety. More than 130 species of birds are here, including eagles, hawks, falcons and owls.