Ramble the Ambler, Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska

The Trip

Join us on a true wilderness adventure. In one of the most remote places in the United States, we will hike the spectacular Ambler River valley through the Gates of the Arctic National Park and end just above the Ambler Mineral Belt. This is where the geology changes and claims for copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver mining are proposed. Our goal is to experience this area before any industrial development changes it forever. We also hope to catch a glimpse of North America’s largest caribou herd on their fall migration. The route will having us move camp almost every day and give us a chance to explore nooks, crags, and crannies in this spectacular landscape.

Autumn can be the best time to visit arctic Alaska. The bugs are gone and the berries are ripe and waiting for picking. Blueberries are common and often abundant. Cranberries and cloudberries add color and flavor to the mix. This is when the tundra is at its most colorful. The incredible variety of low lying tundra plants turn the tundra into a patchwork of red, green, and yellow. 

This is also the time of year when we will lose several minutes of daylight each day. The length of the day will be noticeably shorter at the end of the trip compared to the beginning. The evenings will be long and the low-angle light turns the colors vibrant and casts long shadows. This is a photographer's dream. As the days get shorter, the nights get longer, which will increase our chances of seeing the aurora. Imagine an experience where you can see the northern lights from a camp beside an unnamed stream in the heart of wilderness.

Day 1: We begin the trip in Kotzebue, an old trading town on the coast of the Chukchi Sea. On the morning of August 22, we will take a bush flight to a landing spot deep in the heart of the arctic wilderness. You may want to have your camera ready for these spectacular flights. From the plane you will be able to scan huge areas of pristine land that show no signs of human intervention.

Days 2-11: We will take the first couple days to observe the activity around the landing strip and acclimate to our wilderness home. Day hikes with light packs will be the order of the day. On Wednesday or Thursday we will begin our backpack. We will keep to a relaxed routine for breakfast, breaking camp and getting on our way. Lunch will typically be on the “trail." As we traverse the tundra and notice any interesting geological or biological points of interest, we will stop for photographs and/or read the short passage about it in the “Naturalist Guide to the Arctic." By mid to late afternoon we will search for a camping spot. This should give us enough time to set up tents and air out socks before dinner. In the evenings, you will be free to explore the countryside or relax back at camp. Our route will take us over Nakmaktuak Pass (the place to go through) and down the Ambler River. We will want to move camp almost every day to reduce our impact on the tundra. 

Day 12: We will be ferried again in bush flights back over this incredible landscape to Kotzebue and enjoy the marvels and comforts of modern civilization.

Getting There

Our trip officially begins in the town of Kotzebue, in western Alaska, on August 22nd. To allow for weather or baggage delays -- which, in the Arctic, is unlikely but possible -- trip members are advised to arrive in Kotzebue by the evening of August 20th. Similarly, don't make flight reservations to leave Kotzebue before September 3rd. Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

All meals and snacks, from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 12, are included in the trip price. Our vegetarian-friendly meals will be lightweight backpacking food. As usual on Sierra Club trips, all members help with cooking and cleanup chores, each person assisting for two or three days.

Trip Difficulty

This trip is rated moderately strenuous. Group gear and food may weigh over 20 pounds per person beyond the personal gear you will carry. With no trails and often uncertain footing, the difficulty of the hiking should not be underestimated. Good physical condition will allow participants to enjoy the trip with more comfort. Because the weather in the Arctic is unpredictable, previous backpacking experience with field-tested gear is essential. Temperatures in August can range from well below freezing to T-shirt weather. Rain is likely for some portion of the trip. If you are prepared and can greet adverse weather as part of the adventure -- not as an ordeal -- you will enjoy this trip.

Equipment and Clothing

Trip participants are expected to furnish their own personal gear. The leaders will mail out a detailed equipment list. The Sierra Club provides group equipment, including pots, cooking utensils, stoves, fuel, cooking tarp, satellite phone, bear repellant spray, repair kit, and first-aid kit.

References

• Pielou, E.C., A Naturalist's Guide to the Arctic. Highly recommended.
• Calef, George, Caribou and the Barren Lands.
• Banerjee, Subhankar, Seasons of Life and Land.
• Murie, Margaret, Two in the Far North. 
• Berton, Pierre, The Arctic Grail.
• Miller, Debbie, Midnight Wilderness.
• Lopez, Barry, Arctic Dreams. 
• McPhee, John, Coming into the Country.
• McGuiness, Joe, Going to Extremes.
• Kantner, Seth, Ordinary Wolves.

Conservation

The governor of Alaska wants to build a 220-mile road from the Dalton Highway to this area to facilitate mining. The road would cross 161 streams and rivers and require a gravel quarry every 10 miles. These mineral deposits contain sulfides and create sulfuric acid, known as mine acid drainage, when exposed to air and water. Once the mines close, this site would require monitoring and mitigation of this acid drainage forever. 

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and will operate under permits from Alaska National Parks and the North Slope Borough.