Here are the Gates of the Arctic fun facts!
Guide to Gates of the Arctic
Gates of the Arctic Fun Facts
Fact 1 – This crazy place is home to the northernmost navigable river in North America!
Gates of the Arctic National Park is home to the Alatna River, which is the northernmost navigable river in North America. The river flows for over 160 miles (260 km) within the park and provides an excellent opportunity for wilderness canoeing and rafting. The Alatna River is known for its pristine water quality and unique wildlife, such as Dall sheep, caribou, and grizzly bears.
Fact 2 – This is the northernmost National Park in the United States!
Gates of the Arctic National Park is the northernmost national park in the United States. It is located entirely above the Arctic Circle, which is the latitude line that marks the beginning of the Arctic region. The park’s location provides a unique wilderness experience, with extreme weather conditions, long periods of daylight and darkness, and a chance to witness the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights.
Fact 3 – Home to the tallest mountain in the Brooks Range…
The park’s highest point is Mount Igikpak, which stands at 8,276 feet (2,522 meters) tall. It is also the tallest mountain in the Brooks Range, a range of mountains that stretches across Alaska’s northernmost region. Mount Igikpak is a popular destination for climbers, but it requires advanced mountaineering skills and is only recommended for experienced climbers.
Fact 4 – Six Wild and Scenic Rivers
The park is known for its vast wilderness and lack of established trails or roads. It is home to six Wild and Scenic Rivers, which are rivers that are protected by federal law due to their outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values. The John River, one of the six Wild and Scenic Rivers in the park, is the longest undammed river in North America, flowing for over 250 miles (400 km).
Fact 5 – People do crazy shit here!
The First Ski Traverse of the Arrigetch Peaks – In 2020, a team of four skiers completed the first ski traverse of the Arrigetch Peaks, a group of rugged mountains in the park’s central Brooks Range. The traverse took 25 days and covered over 120 miles (193 km) on skis. It is considered one of the most challenging ski traverses in North America, with steep climbs, icy slopes, and unpredictable weather conditions. The team’s achievement highlights the park’s unique wilderness experience and the opportunity for adventurous explorations.
Gates of the Arctic Stat Sheet
established: December 2, 1980 as Gates of the Arctic National Park
monument: December 1, 1978 as Gates of the Arctic National Monument
rank of admission: 42
size: 8,472,506 acres
rank in size: 2
annual visitation: 2018 – 9,591
rank in visitation: 61
time zone: Alaska Time
park phone: 907 692 5494
Guide to Gates of the Arctic
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