Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve

Alatna River

Aerial view of the Alatna River as it winds through a valley

Picnic Table and Fire Ring

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve

This vast landscape does not contain any roads or trails. Visitors discover intact ecosystems where people have lived with the land for thousands of years. Wild rivers meander through glacier-carved valleys, caribou migrate along age-old trails, endless summer light fades into aurora-lit night skies of winter. It remains virtually unchanged except by the forces of nature.

Drive Way

Arrigetch Peaks

A spring alpenglow brightens the granite walls of the Arrigetch Peaks

Entering Oolah Valley

A hiker crosses a stream and enters Oolah Valley.

Blueberries

Pausing to pick blueberries can result in a handful of delicious snacks.

Hikers crossing a mountain pass

Hikers choose river valleys as corridors when hiking over mountain passes.

Picnic Table and Fire Ring

Picnic Table and Tent Pad

Picnic Table, Tent Pad, and Fire Ring

RecAreaDirections

Gates of the Arctic is a wilderness park, with no roads or trails into the park lands, so visitors must fly or hike into the park. Access begins in Fairbanks, Alaska & there are several small airlines that provide daily flights into the communities of Bettles, Anaktuvuk Pass, and Coldfoot. Most visitors access the park by air taxi or hike in from the Dalton Highway or from the village of Anaktuvuk Pass. River crossings are necessary from both locations.

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Misc

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Permits info

Facilities

Bettles Ranger Station and Visitor Center Facility

The Bettles Ranger Station is situated outside of the boundaries of Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, in Bettles, Alaska. This small ranger station and visitor center has exhibits, park-related films, interpretive programs, and trip-planning tools.

Anaktuvuk Pass Ranger Station Facility

The Anaktuvuk Pass Ranger Station is staffed during the summer season from April through September, typically Monday-Friday, 9-5:30. Here you can learn about the park, and gain advice on hiking routes in the area. Bear Resistant Food Containers are available to borrow as well. Outside display is open year-round.

Arctic Interagency Visitor Center Facility

Multi-agency visitor center located on the Dalton Highway in Coldfoot, Alaska

Fairbanks Alaska Public Lands Information Center Facility

Explore world-class exhibits, watch a free informative movie, and receive assistance on your trip planning needs while at the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, located inside of the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Recreation Areas and Campground Database