The Noatak National Preserve visitor center, located at the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center, is open Monday to Friday. From April 1 to October 31, it’s open from 9 AM to 5 PM, and from November 15 to March 15, it’s open from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It is closed on Saturdays and federal holidays.
There is no required entrance fee to access Noatak National Preserve. No passes or reservations are needed for individual visits.
From Anchorage, fly to Kotzebue via commercial airlines. Then, take an authorized air taxi to the preserve, or embark on a wilderness trek from Kotzebue, traversing rugged terrain and wild rivers, for an unparalleled Arctic adventure.assistant
From Anchorage, fly to Kotzebue via commercial airlines. Take an authorized air taxi or trek from Kotzebue for an unparalleled Arctic adventure.
There are no parking options or parking lots at Noatak National Preserve, as it is a roadless area with no facilities for vehicles.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:None
In the vast expanse of northwestern Alaska, Noatak National Preserve stands as a testament to pristine wilderness, encompassing one of North America’s largest and most intact mountain-ringed river basins. This 6.6 million-acre preserve, established in 1978, is a haven for those seeking an unspoiled Arctic landscape. The Noatak River, a Wild and Scenic River, winds its way through the Brooks Range, from the rugged headwaters in Gates of the Arctic National Preserve to the tidewater of the Chukchi Sea, offering spectacular float-trip opportunities.
The preserve is almost entirely enclosed by the Baird and De Long mountains, creating a dramatic transition zone where northern coniferous forests give way to the expansive tundra. Here, visitors can experience the raw beauty of Alaska, with diverse flora and fauna that include caribou, sheep, moose, bears, and wolves. In the fall, the traditional seasonal hunt for caribou is a vital spectacle, highlighting the enduring connection between the land and its native inhabitants.
For the adventurous, the Noatak Wilderness, the fourth-largest in the United States, beckons with its untouched terrain. Local outfitters offer guided expeditions and river trips, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in this wild and remote landscape. The relative isolation ensures an almost unchanged environment, supporting a rich tapestry of life that has thrived for over 10,000 years.
As the seasons change, the preserve transforms; the summer months bring lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers, while the winter blankets the land in a serene layer of snow. Visitors can engage with the local culture by participating in traditional activities such as fishing and berry picking. Despite its remoteness, Noatak National Preserve is a destination that promises an authentic and unforgettable experience, a true embodiment of Alaska’s untamed beauty.
- Area (mi²)
- 10260
- Annual visitors
- 6 000
- Established year
- 1978
Top 3 Facts about Noatak National Preserve
This preserve protects the largest undisturbed watershed in North America, spanning 400 miles of the Noatak River, and maintains a pristine acoustic environment with a mean acoustic impact level of 0.5 dBA from man-made sources.
In this Arctic paradise, grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou roam freely across the tundra. Dall’s sheep graze on mountain tops, while moose wade through swampy areas. The rivers teem with salmon, and lakes host trout, Arctic grayling, and Arctic char. Summer brings millions of insects and flourishing grasses, willows, and lichen under the continuous Arctic sun. Birds such as loons, Canada geese, and gyrfalcons soar overhead, making this a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
In the heart of the Arctic, a 65-mile-long Grand Canyon carved by the Noatak River stands as a testament to geological majesty, its pristine waters a crystal-clear pathway through mountains that rise sharply from the tundra. Summer temperatures can soar to 80°F, yet snow can fall at any moment, adding to the allure of this untouched wilderness. The river, a Wild and Scenic River, flows undisturbed, its Class II+ rapids a challenge for adventurous float trippers. Surrounding mountains, part of the Brooks Range, enclose this vast, intact ecosystem, where caribou, grizzly bears, and Dall sheep roam freely.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Arts & Crafts
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan for a week or more to explore this vast wilderness. Access by air, boat, or dogsled. Pack warm layers and rain gear for unpredictable weather. Bring bug protection and GPS for navigation. Rest often and store food securely to avoid wildlife encounters. Visit in summer for optimal fishing and wildlife viewing.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for unpredictable weather, sturdy hiking gear, and a reliable lantern. Bring a multi-tool, first-aid kit, and water purification tablets. For camping, include a waterproof tent, sleeping bag, and warm clothing. Check the season for specific necessities.
Respect Wildlife
Respect wildlife by keeping distance, storing food properly, and using bug protection. Be prepared for extreme weather and navigate with topo maps and GPS to avoid disrupting the natural habitat.
Stay Informed
Exercise caution on trails and near ledges; check weather conditions and fire restrictions. Stay informed, carry a first aid kit, and know basic survival skills. For emergencies, call 911 or the park’s emergency number. Monitor your health and stay hydrated. Avoid hiking at dawn or dusk to minimize wildlife encounters.
Seasons
In spring, from April to June, temperatures rise to 40°F-50°F, and the tundra awakens. Witness the annual caribou migration and blooming wildflowers. Ideal for rafting, hiking, and wildlife watching, but be prepared for unpredictable weather. A true wilderness adventure.
Summer in Alaska’s vast wilderness: hike Brooks Mountain ridges, raft 400 miles of pristine river, and enjoy community programs at the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center. Warmest months (June to August) with temperatures in the 60s-70s Fahrenheit. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, despite occasional mosquitoes and variable weather.
Experience the raw beauty of autumn in the Arctic, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 40°F. Witness the fall caribou migration, a spectacle that draws hunters and wildlife enthusiasts each September and October. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions, but revel in the untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife.
Experience Arctic winter from October to April, with temperatures often below 0°F and occasional lows of -50°F. Access by plane, snowmachine, or dogsled. For the adventurous, this season offers breathtaking twilight and serene landscapes, but be prepared for extreme cold and limited daylight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Noatak National Preserve has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to Noatak National Preserve is Kotzebue, located in the Arctic Borough region of Alaska, with a population of around 3,200 residents. Kotzebue lies at the tip of the Baldwin Peninsula and is the most populous community in the area.
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There are no designated trails, but hiking along the ridgelines in the Brooks Mountain Range is easier than walking on the lower level tundra. Floating the Noatak River, which has class I-II rapids, is also a popular and relatively easy way to explore the area, especially between July and September.
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Dogs are allowed on the trails in this preserve. There are no specific restrictions mentioned for dogs in the area. However, it is important to follow general safety and wildlife guidelines when bringing dogs along.
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There is no parking available within the preserve. The area is inaccessible by road, and visitors must use air service or other means to get there. No facilities, including parking, are provided for motorhomes, campervans, or trailers.
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Visitors can enjoy rafting, camping, hiking, backpacking, wildlife watching, and photography. The 400-mile Noatak River, a National Wild and Scenic River, offers spectacular float trips from the Brooks Range to the Chukchi Sea. In the winter, activities include snow machining, skiing, and dog mushing, while summer programs at the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center feature natural and cultural history, local research, and children’s activities.