Rafting Trips on the Kongakut River

The Kongakut River:  Experience the pure wilderness of the Arctic during summer solstice when night never comes and the light is absolutely magical. This spectacular rafting and hiking exploration begins with a scenic 300-mile bush flight across the top of North America. You land at the headwaters of the Kongakut River and wind your way toward the Arctic coastal plain through some of the wildest country in the world. Visiting in June gives the best chance to see parts of the vast caribou migration (the Porcupine Caribou Herd). Grizzlies, foxes, musk ox, and wolves also inhabit this pristine wilderness. The trip incorporates fun paddling days and extraordinary hikes.   The Brooks Range stretches for 600 miles across northern Alaska from east to west like a necklace across the breast of the Arctic. To the north of these mountains the Arctic Coastal Plain opens and slopes gently to the Beaufort Sea. It is a vast sweep of treeless tundra and rolling hills. It is an expanse so vast it redefines the concept of wilderness.   When the Arctic sun comes out in the summer, it never goes to bed. The land of the midnight sun is another dimension. The sun does not set but plays along the horizon for hours, creating a quality of light that is uniquely clear and soft. June trips near summer solstice offer the best Arctic conditions and a chance to see the vast Porcupine Caribou migration in full splendor. The schedule on the Kongakut is leisurely since there is nearly continuous daylight.   Putting in at the Continental Divide, you will be running about 40 miles of river in 8-10 days. These trips are paddle trips on which you will be helping to propel the raft under the guidance of your experienced guide; previous paddling experience is not required to participate on these trips.     COST 2007: Prices start at $3950 per person DATES 2007 June 13-23 June 15-24 June 22- July 2 June 23-July 2 June 24- July 3 July 29- August 7 August 7- August 16