< Back to Search Results

Hulahula River Raft

Whitewater Rafting in Alaska with Arctic Wild

Highlights

  • Paddle from the Brooks Range to the Arctic Ocean
  • Fun and fast whitewater rafting
  • Mountain hiking and arctic wildlife

Full Description

The Hulahula is an elemental river. We begin our 90-mile paddle in the Hulahula's headwaters, where the river is narrow and swift. 9,000-foot peaks tower over the tundra valley. Even with the spring thaw and "breakup" weeks past, there may still be ice clinging to river bluffs and lying stranded on gravel bars.

This is the arctic! After several days paddling and hiking in the mountains, we paddle the canyon's Class III rapids, and spill out into the foothills, an entirely different biome. Two more days of Class II rapids take us to the coastal plain, a wilderness region unlike any other-with stunning views and superb camping. Then we continue on through the river's delta to the Arctic Ocean, where we make our last night's camp on a gravel island next to the Arctic Ocean.

The Hulahula River is great place to see musk oxen, wolves, grizzly bears, and arctic fox. On this trip, we also have good chances of seeing peregrine falcons and golden eagles, jaegers, plovers, and other migratory birds. The weather is likely to be warm, though always variable. As we approach the coast, cool and even downright cold winds could bear down on us. The landscape along the Hulahula will be in full green-willows along the river corridor, Equisetum sprouting from the gravel bars, and wildflowers like Wooly Lousewort, River Beauty and Arctic Poppy.

Hiking in the mountains and on the tundra is excellent. Our travel schedule allows three layover days to explore the country, and plenty of free time each day. No experience is required for paddle rafting, as instruction is provided. Everyone joins in the fun of paddling the boats under the guidance of a raft captain. Early summer travel in the arctic is rigorous. Participants should be ready for anything, including low water levels that require us to get out of the boats and drag them over shallow spots.

A half-mile portage is typical at the end of this trip. If water levels are really low, we will have to slog for three to four miles to our take-out. Then again, we could float right out to the ocean. On a wilderness trip like the Hulahula, one never knows. This is the nature, and the honor, of wilderness travel.

Includes:

  • Transportation beyond Fairbanks
  • Outstanding guide service
  • Wholesome, delicious, and mostly-organic food while in the wilderness
  • Stoves, cooking & eating utensils
  • Repair and safety equipment such as firearm (guide will carry) and one bear spray per guest
  • All boating gear, including boats and paddles
  • The use of one life jacket and one medium-sized dry bag per guest.

Excludes:

  • Non-camp lodging
  • Non-camp meals
  • Personal clothing, backpack (if applicable), and footwear
  • Sleeping bag & sleeping pad
  • Three-season tent
  • Large waterproof dry bag (one with shoulder strap recommended)
  • Waterproof camera case
  • Fishing gear and fishing license
  • Gratuity for guide(s)

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly north from Fairbanks across the Yukon River, the Arctic Circle, and the Brooks Range, to the headwaters of the Hulahula River. We’ll make a comfortable camp, have a good dinner, and watch the sun refuse to set! Welcome to the arctic! We can climb a small hill for a lovely view of the valley ahead.

Days 2-10

We’ll paddle and hike our way down the Hulahula River, allowing for three layover days for hiking and exploring. We’ll take a layover in the mountains, another on the coastal plain, and another on the river’s delta enroute to the Arctic Ocean.

Day 11

Awake this morning at the northern edge of the continent. Weather permitting, we fly first to the village of Kaktovik (pop. 400) then back south across the Brooks Range, the Arctic Circle, and the Yukon River to Fairbanks. Change socks!

About The Operator:

Arctic Wild

Headquarters:

Fairbanks, AK

Established:

January 1998

Arctic Wild is a wilderness guiding company based in Fairbanks, Alaska. We specialize in 1 to 3 week, fully guided and outfitted adventures in arctic Alaska. Our professional guides can take you to the most remote, beautiful and wildlife rich areas in Alaska. Our dedication to your enjoyment and learning is why people return year after year to enjoy the arctic with us. Groups are small, we travel quietly, and the focus is on the land and its inhabitants. Whether you join us for a basecamp trip, river rafting, canoeing or backpacking adventure, there is plenty of free time for you to explore, bird watch, photograph, fish or do whatever pleases you most. Our simple and efficient camps are comfortable, and wholesome camp meals are as filling as delicious. Our itineraries are as varied as our clients. Rigorous mountain expeditions, serene lake paddling, wildlife photography, whitewater rafting—we are always thinking of fun new trips and new ways to experience one of the largest wilderness areas on earth.

Arctic Wild is fortunate to have an astoundingly skilled, informed and passionate group of guides working with us. Some only work one trip a year while others have hiked and paddled with us all summer long for decades. Our guides' skills are born of both experience and solid training. In addition to completing our annual in-house training all of our lead guides carry a Wilderness First Responder medical certificate and many of them are have Swiftwater Rescue training as well. Some guides also work as biologists or mountaineers, professional conservationists, and educators. All of our guides have the experience and knowledge to make your trip safe, fun, and educational. Since 1998 Arctic Wild has been the leader in Natural History and adventure travel in northern Alaska.