Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska

Lonely and original

According to liuxers, the Gates of the Arctic National Park is located in the US state of Alaska. Up to 5,000 visitors come to this rather cold national park every year. The area of ​​the national park is 29,045 km². Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska was established in 1980.

Mountains and rivers in Alaska

More than 10,000 years ago, people from Asia crossed the still existing land bridge and reached Alaska via the Bering Strait. The settlement of the entire North American continent began here. Of course, in the most difficult conditions, the newcomers made a living from hunting.

An untouched region for a long time

People from the US first came to the Gates of the Arctic National Park area in 1880, only twenty years after the US acquired the land from Russia. In 1929 the American Robert Marshall came to Alaska. Through his initiative, this national park in Alaska was ultimately designated.

He recognized the urgency of placing the “Gates of the Arctic” under protection. Remnants of the 19th-century Alaskan Gold Rush can still be found in Gates of the Arctic National Park, such as ramshackle, ramshackle shacks and rusted metal tools. The highest number of people Alaska had to cope with during the gold rush, which fortunately didn’t last long.

Brown bear wildly chasing salmon in the river

Birdwatching im Sommer

Due to its northern location, the sun does not set in Alaska for a month in summer. Therefore, during this time without sunset, there are many migratory birds in the Gates of the Arctic National Park region. 145 bird species have been recorded, half of them seabirds. During a hike or boat trip in summer, many rare bird species can be discovered and observed. In summer it can get up to 22°C warm.

(Almost) infinite darkness

In winter, darkness reigns for a few weeks in the region of the national park. Activities for visitors are limited at this time. In winter you can go dog sledding. Snowshoe hikes and cross-country skiing are also possible. During the winter, temperatures can go as low as -35°C, sometimes much lower. As a special feature, the polar lights, the northern lights, can be observed very well and regularly in the “Gates of the Arctic National Park”.

Limited activities in Arctic Gates National Park

Wildlife in Gates of the Arctic National Park is dominated by bears, wolves and caribou as the largest animals. The national park has countless valuable ecosystems. The best and most convenient way to reach Arctic Gates National Park is by seaplane.

Sights in Arctic Gates National Park

• Boreal Mountain
• Frigid Crags
• John River
• Kobuk Wild River
• Koyukuk River
• Kugururok River
• Tinayguk River

Cold Paradise

The name “Gates of the Arctic” comes from the two mountains Boreal Mountain and Frigid Crags, which are located in the Brooks Range. Due to their arrangement, it looks as if the visitor enters the “Gates of the Arctic” – National Park through a gate. The Gates of the Arctic National Park Conservation Area has been expanded to include the Brook Range Conservation Area. The strict rules that apply in the national park do not apply there. Overall, the protected area is to be regarded as very lonely and pristine. In the “Arctic Gates National Park” there are high mountains, numerous wild and pristine rivers, glaciers, but also forests and areas of low tundra vegetation during the summer months.

Almost no people in the national park

Numerous tourists come to the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve because of the loneliness of the region and the unique, pristine nature. The Inupiak and Athabascen Native Americans now live in small settlements within the large sanctuary. There are 10 small settlements with about 1,500 people in the national park. There are no campsites in Gates of the Arctic National Park. Camping is only permitted as part of a guided hike or during a tour of the Arctic wilderness.

Glaciated mountains in the protected area of ​​northern Alaska

Live out the hunting fever

Hikes in the national park must be planned very well. For orientation you need GPS or a compass. A hike in the arctic can be very arduous. Hiking poles are advisable. In nature, no lasting damage may be caused or even rubbish left behind. With a fishing rod it is possible to compete with the bears for the salmon, as long as none of these furry animals are around. Hunting is permitted in the Conservation Area outside the National Park. Government requirements must be met, a hunting license is mandatory.