Alaska National Forests and Parks Trail Reports and Information

Alaska National Forests and Parks

Chugach National Forest
Glacier
Seward

Denali

Gates of the Arctic

Lake Clark

National Park Service (Main Page)

Tongass National Forest

Wrangell-St.Elias

Yukon-Charley River

Gates of the Arctic National Park

The gates of the arctic park is a vast untrammeled area of land. There are no roads or trails so all hiking is done off trail using maps, compasses and gps to get from place to place. One thing that is asked of the hiker is to use no trace camping and to build any fires on river banks where permitted. This is a wild and remote area inhabited by black and grizzly bears. Any hiker in this area must be well versed in bear behavior and how to deal with them if encountered.

Some tips:
1) Do not approach bears purposely.
2) Make noise while you are hiking so any bears around know your there.
3) Always be aware and look for bears including there signs, paw prints and scat
4) If a bear is spotted do not run, a none aggressive bear may be enticed into chasing you. Quietly skirt around them. They can run over 30 mph and you will never outrun them
5) If you encounter a bear and it is not being aggressive back away slowly speak in a low soft voice and wave your arms slowly above your head. Bears that stand up on their hind legs are not threatening you, but merely trying to identify you
6)If a bear approaches or charges you do not run and don't take off your pack. Sometimes a bear will try and bluff and may get within 10 ft of you. Taking off your pack may entice the bear to attack.
7)IF A GRIZZLY MAKES CONTACT WITH YOU, PLAY DEAD. Curl up into a ball with your knees tucked into your stomach, and your hands wrapped around the back of your neck. Leave your pack on to protect your back. If the attack is prolonged, change tactics and fight back vigorously

There are two principle mountain ranges in the park. the Endicott and Schwatka mountains and the Brooks range with mountain peaks up to 8000 ft.

Total Park and Preserve are is: 8,202,517 acres
Wilderness area of: 7,052,000 acres
Visitors average about 4,000 people a year

Area hiking tips:

1) Always carry enough clothing for the worst kind of weather. This is an arctic region and isolated
2) Use a layered system of clothing to reduce the amount of sweating that could occur while hiking. You do not want your clothing get moist or wet
3) Take high calorie food and a couple extra day worth for emergencies
4) Take extra caution with any river crossing they can be very dangerous
5) Carry all emergency gear you might need: first aid kit, signal device, emergency shelter, extreme weather gear, signal emitting device
6) Let people know your exact routes and when to expect you back
7) You must be competent in this kind of extreme backpacking
8) Cook away from your campsite and keep a clean site
9) Keep food stored away from you campsite
10) Minimize contact with bears
11) Carefully plan your trip and take friends with you