Gates of the Arctic Tours

A guide is not legally required. But Gates of the Arctic has no maintained trails, no facilities, no cell service, and no established campsites.

Navigation is by map, compass and GPS across open tundra and through unmarked river valleys. River crossings, bears, and unpredictable arctic weather are standard.

A guide who knows the terrain, the weather patterns and the logistics makes a significant difference in both safety and experience quality.

It depends on the route.

The terrain is trailless, which means you’re walking on tundra, through brush, across scree fields and fording rivers. Even “easy” terrain here is harder than maintained trails in the Lower 48.

Our trips range from easy river floats (1 boot) to serious multi-day traverses (5 boots). We’ll help you find the right match for your fitness and experience level.

Our trip prices range from $4,400 for shorter packrafting trips to $5,700+ for extended backpacking expeditions. All trips include transport from Fairbanks, bush plane flights, guide services, Bettles accommodations, and group gear.

Contact us for current pricing and availability.

No.

We guide trips that involve only trekking though some may be strenuous. The majority of these trips in Alaska are off-trail and at times involve hiking over moraines (boulder fields), scree slopes, across rivers, and tundra. None of this is easy.

If you’re a beginning adventurer, worry not. Trips are available for you, such as our Arctic Sampler or Alatna River Packraft National Park which are better suited with easier walking or floating, camping sites and less strenuous traverses.

Well, “defined” probably isn’t the right word. This is Alaska after all. But this an important question to consider.

• Go to whichever trip you would like to learn about.
• Click on the little hiking boot icon in the sidebar for whichever backcountry trip you’re considering and
• You’ll see the discussion for that particular level of trip.

One boot equals easiest and five boots the most challenging option. Thanks.

We’ve just added a new rating.

🥾🥾🥾🥾🥾🥾🥾🥾🥾🥾🥾

11 boots!

It’s one louder. Reserved for trips that seem like good ideas until you’re actually doing them. 😏

As a general rule I’d suggest rating everything here one notch HIGHER than what you might be used to (assuming you haven’t hiked in Alaska before). If you consider yourself up for an intermediate level hike, assume that a trip rated intermediate here will probably be a bit tougher than you’re expecting. Not impossible, but harder than you think.

As I mentioned above, terrain is the biggest factor here and it’s extremely subjective as to what is difficult terrain and what is not.

Some people really struggle walking over a boulder field and others don’t find it difficult at all. Some people find sidehilling more difficult. Or bushwhacking. Or muskeg, etc. Well, everybody finds sidehilling difficult. But the most common element people struggle with is almost always terrain. Your balance is probably a more important consideration than how miles you run on a treadmill each day in the gym.

One of the best ways to lower a rating is simply give yourself an extra day or 2. Make a 5 day hike a 7 day hike and it’ll much more manageable. Conversely, if you want a challenge give yourself a little less time and you’ll find just about any trip here as challenging as you could want it to be.

Again: please carefully read over the difficult rating discussion for your particular trip. It’s the boot icon in the sidebar of the trip page.

Thanks.

Absolutely. Many clients travel solo and join group trips. You’ll meet like-minded adventurers.

If you’d like, Expeditions Alaska can handle your backcountry food for the trip. Cost depends on trip length, but it’s typically $325 for a 2-4 day trip, and $425 for a trip 5 days or longer (backcountry days).

We will organize and pack the food, handle all backcountry prep, as well as pots and pans, the stove/s, fuel and your mess kit. Assistance for cleanup and dishes is always appreciated, but not requisite.

NB: this means, if we’re doing food for your trip, you must arrive with requisite space in your backpack for your share of the food. This typically means a BV500, sized 8.7 in. diameter. (22.1cm) x 12.7 in. (32.3cm) height. There’ll also be your mess kit (cup, bowl, cutlery, etc) and maybe some additional group gear, whether it’s a fuel bottle, stove or pan or skillet. In general your guide will carry the bulk of this stuff, but we certainly can’t and don’t intend to carry all of it. So don’t arrive with a backpack packed full, no space left in it, if we’re doing your food for you. Your food goes in your pack.

More info linked on the page below.

All your questions about our backcountry food answered right here.

This depends on the guide and their preferences, but our staple dishes include (but aren’t limited to)

• backcountry pizza,
• backcountry baking (fresh bread, garlic bread, cinnamon rolls, brownies, cookies),
• fresh backcountry salads with fresh greens if available (arctic dock, mountain bluebell, wild berries),
• fresh fish if available (arctic char and grayling),
• curries,
• pancakes,
• hash-browns, and
• burritos.

Something you’d like to have? Let us know. Mike baked a birthday cake for a guest last summer.

Absolutely.

Many of our guides are or have been vegetarian or have dietary needs of their own.

Our food forms are comprehensive and cover any of your meal preferences.

If you are a picky eater, we want to serve you what you want. Don’t be shy. Be as precise in your meal forms as you desire.

You sure can.

Fully outfitting your trip is a small additional fee. The exact amount will depend on your trip length, as well as what stuff you need.

For single individual items, contact me and we’ll see what you need and work that out.

A tent (1, 2 or 3 person) is $50.00 per person for the trip. If you just want us to handle food and you have all your own gear (tent, etc) we can do that as well.

Longer trips (5+ days) the food costs go up. But most basecamps are not longer.

We do NOT provide sleeping bags or sleeping pads or backpacks (except for the scheduled photo tours we include sleeping pad). If you’re doing a basepack, you’ll need your own (or rented) backpack. We do NOT rent backpacks, sleeping bags or sleeping pads, but we can point you toward some places that do.

Typically, it doesn’t mean we go “off the trail“. It means there is NO trail. These are two very different things.

Offtrail hiking, or no trail hiking, is hard at times, easy at others, and very hard at others. It’s almost always changing, and not something you should dismiss as irrelevant. In fact, it’s probably the single most important thing to understand about our backpacking trips.

I’ll say that again. Louder. It’s probably the single most important thing to understand about our backpacking trips.

When we say offtrail backpacking we’re talking about traversing boulder fields, hiking through dense brush, over steep scree and talus slopes and walking for hours on steep grassy mountainsides. All of which are harder than you think they are.

Trust me.

I’ll keep this post brief, but you can read a lot more about this subject (and I recommend that you do) on this blog post.

Click the link and read that post. Thoroughly.

It’s important.

Travel Suggestions

3 pieces of advice

1. Do NOT book your commercial flight early the next morning. The later the better. Better still, the day after that,
2. Book a refundable/changeable ticket for your return flight home, and
3. Purchase travel insurance.

Weather delays are always possible in the backcountry with bush planes.

The more cushion you give yourself before a committed departure flight home, the better.

Definitely don’t try to book something out on the evening of our return. Or the next morning. We SHOULD be back by then, but there are so many moving pieces to these trips, it’s much better to not have the stress of having to re-arrange flight schedules. Even if it’s just for something simple like road construction delays or flat tires, or a healthy travel schedule is one with some slack built into it.

We require a conversation before confirming any backcountry trip.

You should as well.

Alaska wilderness travel isn’t like booking a hotel. The terrain is demanding, the conditions are unpredictable, and there’s no bailout option once you’re flown in. We need to understand your experience level, fitness, and what you’re hoping to get from the trip. You need to understand what you’re actually signing up for.

This isn’t gatekeeping. It’s matching. We want to put you on a trip where you’ll thrive, not survive. Some folks are ready for the Seven Pass Route. Others should start with a basecamp trip or something more moderate. A ten-minute conversation helps us figure that out.

Nobody benefits when someone gets in over their head. Not you, not the other clients, not us.

Call or email. We’ll find the right fit.

Reserving your place on a trip requires a 50% deposit. Deposits are non-refundable. All trips MUST be paid in full 45 days prior to the scheduled departure date.

If the client cancels on a trip paid in full, 80% of the price can be deferred and applied to another trip that is scheduled to occur within the next 12 months, provided that all three of the following occurs: 

i) Expeditions Alaska, LLC is able to fill the cancelled spot,
ii) Expeditions Alaska LLC is able to fill the the trip that the client cancelled on, and
iii) 30 days (or more) notice is given.

If a client cancels a trip and Expeditions Alaska is not able to completely fill that trip, regardless of the number of original participants in that trip, Expeditions Alaska will not defer or refund any portion of the cancelling client’s payment. 

Expeditions Alaska, LLC cannot guarantee that a spot will be available on a scheduled trip in the next 12 months.  If no spot is available and you cannot use your deposit in those 12 months, the deposit is forfeited and non-refundable. 

If cancellation is within 30 days of the trip, only 50% of the fee can be carried over to a future trip. The remainder is forfeited and non-refundable.

No refunds, credit, or other reimbursements are given for cancellations within 14 days of the trip departure. 

Expeditions Alaska, LLC reserves the right to cancel and/or modify the itinerary of a trip for any reason. If Expeditions Alaska cancels a trip you will be refunded your payment in full, minus a $250 administrative fees plus any unrecoverable deposits Expeditions Alaska, LLC made to organize the trip.  If Expeditions Alaska cancels changes the date of a trip and you can no longer attend, you will be refunded your payment, minus a $250 administrative fees plus any unrecoverable deposits Expeditions Alaska, LLC made to organize the trip. 

If weather or other factors delay or impede your trip, there will be no refund of fees. Expeditions Alaska, LLC is not responsible for any other costs incurred by the client as a result of the cancellation, delay, or modification of a trip.

Additional costs incurred through weather delays and itinerary changes are the responsibility of the client.

Additional costs incurred by the client, such as changes to flights or additional costs, etc, are the sole responsibility of the client.

We’re excited to be part of your upcoming expedition. Your reservation reflects a commitment to an awe-inspiring Alaskan adventure. Our dedication to you includes careful planning, experienced curation, and a shared passion for adventure. It’s a commitment to the essence of Alaska.

In the spirit of consistency and transparency, we want to address our no-refund policy for trip deposits. While we understand unforeseen circumstances may arise, our consistent policies ensure fairness to all adventurers. This commitment allows us to maintain trip quality, prioritize safety, and provide the best experience for every participant.

With limited availability due to Alaska’s changing seasons, once you commit to a trip, we commit to it.

Understanding life’s unpredictability, we strongly recommend considering Trip Insurance. This additional layer safeguards your investment, offering peace of mind for the excitement and wonder in the Alaskan wilderness.

Your trust means a lot; our dedication to your adventure is unwavering. Let’s explore Alaska’s backcountry together.

Thank you for choosing us for this journey.

Thank you.

We strongly suggest you purchase Trip Insurance.

Peace of mind can be invaluable. The types of trips we run can incur a wide variety of unexpected and unpredictable hurdles that can lead to changes and even cancellations in your trip. It can be simple mundane things sometimes. We’ve sadly seen folks miss a trip simply because their luggage was lost en route. Illness, injury, weather, life, etc all get in the way of our vacations.

Trip Insurers are setup to deal with these moments.

1. Unexpected Illness or Injury
   • Covers emergency medical and dental expenses during your trip.
   • Includes 24/7 global assistance, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation.

2. Lost Passports or Valuables

1. • Assistance in reporting and replacing lost documents, prescriptions, or passports.
   • Support for emergency cash transfers and recovering expenses.

3. Trip Cancellations

1. • Reimbursement for canceled trips due to accidents, illness, job loss, or family emergencies.

4. Travel Delays

1. • Coverage for additional expenses if delayed by adverse weather or missed connections.

5. Lost or Delayed Baggage

1. • Compensation for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage, including essential items and clothing.

6. 24/7 Support

1. • Around-the-clock assistance for emergencies, from finding clinics to prescription replacements.

7. Customizable Coverage

1. • Tailored plans with options for adventure activities, rental car damage, pet care, extra medical, or high-value item coverage.

Summary: Trip insurance provides financial protection and peace of mind against unexpected medical emergencies, cancellations, delays, and lost items while offering 24/7 global support and customizable plans.

As with any insurance, the devil, and sometimes the blessing, is in the details. So read over any policy details carefully. Be sure you understand what you’re buying and what you’re not buying.

Here are a few things you want to be clear with, and a few suggestions to help you with your purchase.

1. Emergency Medical Coverage
   • High Medical Expense Limits: Ensure the policy covers substantial medical costs, as evacuations and remote care can be expensive.
   • Emergency Medical Evacuation: Look for coverage (if appropriate) that includes helicopter or airlift transport to the nearest suitable medical facility.

2. Trip Cancellation and Interruption

1. • Covers cancellations due to illness, injury, severe weather, or other unexpected events.
   • Includes reimbursement for prepaid trip costs if plans are interrupted.

3. Search and Rescue Coverage

1. • Verify the policy includes search and rescue services in remote or wilderness areas.
   • Confirm whether the coverage extends to non-medical emergencies like getting lost or stranded.

4. Adventure Activity Coverage

1. • Ensure activities like hiking, kayaking, or mountaineering are covered.
   • Some policies exclude “high-risk” activities, so verify your specific itinerary is included.

5. Baggage and Equipment Protection

1. • Coverage for lost, stolen, or delayed gear, including specialized outdoor equipment like tents, hiking gear, or cameras.
   • Check for coverage limits that align with the value of your gear.

6. Travel Delay Coverage

1. • Reimbursement for accommodations and meals if weather or logistical issues delay or cut short your itinerary.
   • Missed connection coverage if delays disrupt air travel to remote destinations.

7. Medical Repatriation

1. • Includes coverage to return you home if a serious medical issue arises during the trip.

8. 24/7 Assistance

1. • Access to a 24/7 hotline for emergencies, including medical, logistical, and legal assistance.
   • Look for policies with robust global assistance services experienced in remote locations.

9. Flexible Policy Terms

1. • Policies that allow upgrades or adjustments for changes in your travel plans or activities.

10. Pre-Existing Conditions

• Coverage that includes pre-existing medical conditions if purchased within the insurer’s specified timeframe.

Pro Tip: Share your trip details (destination, activities, and risks) with your insurer to ensure the policy meets the unique demands of a remote Alaska backcountry adventure.

We can (occasionally) do that.

It’s costly.

Air taxi flights for bush planes are per flight, not per person. So if we can’t disperse those costs, and guide wages, etc, against a group, it becomes expensive unless you’re a private group of 4 or 5 people.

Private trips also have a separate cancellation policy and terms. You should be familiar and comfortable with that policy before booking a private trip.

This is going to vary enormously, trip to trip, and group size.

We don’t typically run private trips, but we have from time to time.

Costs will be configured per trip and per request.

Our overhead doesn’t really drop with fewer people.

It is often cost prohibitive. Bush plane charter flights are charged per flight, not per person. So if we have a trip price configured based on a group size of 4 or 5 people, and you want a private trip for yourself (or even for 2 or 3 people) there’s every change it will cost in the vicinity of the per person price times 4 or 5.

That will vary depending on trip; Some trips are more flexible than others. Some air taxis, for example, have various planes to choose from. In that case we can take a smaller (i.e., cheaper) plane for 2 people (one guest plus the guide) than if we have a full group.

We will do everything we can to configure the most cost effective pricing we can for private trips but there’s often little we do to lower that pricing configuration.

We also have a separate cancellation and terms policy for private trips. I strongly urge you to read that before considering a private trip.

We all do. Questions are good. That’s how we learn. Either give me a call or send me an email and we’ll go through them.

I also send out a comprehensive Trip Information Packet upon your reservation and that will usually answer your questions.

Cheers.