BETTLES LODGE & BETTLES AIR

BROOKS RANGE FLOAT TRIP ADVENTURES

We offer float adventures on all the rivers in the central Brooks Range and Gates of the Arctic National Park. The Noatak, Killik, John, Alatna, Wild, Nigu, Koyukuk, and Kobuk Rivers are accessible by float plane. River trip options can range in length from a few hours, to a few days, or can span several weeks. For unguided trips, we can provide trip planning, maps, packing lists and food packages.  These rivers are wild and scenic and offer a solitude and remoteness that is unsurpassed anywhere in the world. All offer wildlife viewing, spectacular scenery, and hiking above the Arctic Circle. We rent canoes, rafts, float gear and camping equipment.

                    Float Trips

The following trips are a few of the many possible float trips in the Central Brooks Range. Drop off and pick up points may vary depending on your desires and the amount of time you have. The prices will vary depending on group size, total weight, drop off and pick up points.

Please remember that "bush" aircraft have a very limited capacity in weight and bulk. Please confirm with us the weight limits on the aircraft you will be using. Pack with these limits in mind. Pack gear in small soft sided bags when ever possible. Pack food in small containers or boxes. If coolers are used it is preferable to take two small coolers verses one large. If in doubt please check with us concerning weight. 

Please do not ask us to overload the airplanes, we will not do so.

 

 Arrigetch Hike & Alatna River float

Circle Lake is a great place for a base camp for hiking the Arrigetch Peaks. You could also raft the Alatna River to Help me Jack Lake. We recommend a raft or inflatable canoe for the most comfortable trip.

Topo Maps Survey Pass A-1; Hughes D-1, 2
 

 

 

 

North Fork Koyukuk River

One of the most popular trips is to fly to Redstar Lake and hike the area north to the two mountains called "The Gates of the Arctic," Frigid Crags and Mount Boreal. The scenery is spectacular. Then float the North Fork of the Koyukuk River. The trip ends at the village of Bettles. Allow 10 Days. 

Topo Maps Wiseman A-2; B-2, 3; D-2 Chandalar A-3 T
 

 

 

Minakokosa Lake & Kobuk River

Camp with the pleasure of the great outdoors and the comfort of a base camp with bunks and kitchen, we recommend this. The camp has a lake boat and motor and also a canoe for exploring the sloughs and Beaver creek.  Cost includes the lake camp for two nights and then floating the Kobuk River.  See our fishing page to see the world class fishing for Sheefish that the Kobuk has to offer.

Topo Maps: Survey Pass A-3; Hughes D-3,4,5,6 Shungnak D-1,2
 

 

 

 

 

 

Noatak Headwaters Hike & Float

We offer a flight into Pingo Lake or Twelve mile slough for hiking some really tall peaks along the divide at the headwaters of the Noatak River.  Then float down for a pick-up at Matcharak Lake. Some Class 2 water. This trip can be lengthened with optional take out points. This trip can offer great caribou herd viewing.

Topo Maps: Survey Pass
 

John River Float

Float is 5-7 days. We drop your group near the headwaters at Hunt Fork Lake. This is an easy, leisure float. Hiking options are good especially at the upper end. Fishing includes grayling and pike. This trip includes a river boat pick up at this historic ghost town of “Old Bettles.”

Topo Maps Wiseman A-4,5; B4,5; C-5; Bettles D-4

 

 

Killik River

The Killik River flows north from the central Brook Range into the Coleville River. Excellent hiking and wildlife viewing. Water is Class I-II with the exception of Sunday Rapids (35 mi. from confluence with Easter Creek) which is ClassII-III depending on water level. Suitable for canoes and inflatables. Trip length is 5 to 14 days depending on pick-up point.

Topo Maps Killik river A-1, 2, 3, B-2, C-1, 2; Ikpikpuk river A-2; Survey Pass D-3, 4.

 

 

Nigu River

The Nigu River is a small fast moving clear water river that flows north into the Etivillik River. Excellent hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing for grayling, arctic charr, and lake trout. Water is Class I-II. Suitable for canoes or inflatables.

 

  Many options and custom trips are available. Contact us for more details on floating Alaska's most pristine rivers.

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Bettles Lodge, P.O. Box 27, Bettles, Alaska 99726

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