Arctic National Wildlife Refuge – ANWR

Visit ANWR

Everyone should visit ANWR at least a couple times. An amazing place. The caribou herd roam, the polar bears stalk the sea ice of the coastal shoreline and the birds come back every summer.

We run a number of tours including Rafting and photography tours to the Refuge. Always a blast to return.

Alaska Rafting tour, Canning River Rafting trip Expeditions Alaska

Alaska Rafting Trips: Rafting the Canning River in ANWR

A trip report from our 2024 Canning River rafting trip in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. From the Marsh Fork put-in in the Brooks Range to the coastal plain on the Arctic Ocean.

Seek Outside teepee cook tent on Canning River Rafting Trip, ANWR, Alaska

Rafting on the Canning River, ANWR, Alaska

Here’s a photo of us rafting down the Upper Marsh Fork of the Canning River. This is essentially the headwaters of the Canning in the Brooks Range, close to the continental divide. How Do We Get Here? We go to ANWR via Coldfoot, and fly in tot he backcountry from there. Our favorite Alaska air […]

Foothills of the Brooks Range and the Arctic Coastal Plain, ANWR, Alaska.

Designating Wilderness: Your Choice

Reflections from a public hearing on wilderness designation in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The coastal plain is undeniably wild—the caribou know it, the bears know it, the land knows it. Why do we struggle to acknowledge what is plainly real about this magnificent place?

Female brown bear chasing salmon in the shallows of Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska.

Black, Polar, and Grizzly Bear Claws

Bear claws reveal how each species makes its living. Black bear claws are curved climbing hooks. Polar bear claws are surprisingly short, built for gripping seals on ice. Grizzly claws are massive digging tools, stretching up to 4.5 inches. Coastal brown bears have the longest claws of all, reaching 6 inches.

The Heart of the Park, Wrangell St. Elias National Park backpacking trip.

Best Backpacking Trips In Alaska

Where in Alaska do YOU want to backpack? For me, it’s everywhere at once. If the weather is good.But my absolute Number one, FAVORITE place? .. read on ..

Mt. Logan in Canada from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.

Correct Layering for Alaska Backpacking Trips

Discover the truth about layering for Alaska backpacking trips. Most hikers bring too many thin layers instead of one quality insulating piece. Learn why a single warm down jacket beats multiple lightweight layers, and get expert advice on staying comfortable in Alaska’s challenging backcountry conditions.

Favorite Images from 2019

A gallery of photos, mostly bears. Poalr bears, brown bears, or grizzly bear, photos from our 2019 Photo tours to Katmai National Park and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

A bald eagle approaching directly at me, in light snow, Chilkat River, Haines, Alaska.

Favorite Photos from 2018

A collection of favorite images from 2018 with Carl Donohue and Expeditions Alaska. Polar bears, brown bear, aurora and bald eagles.

Silhouette of Alaska polar bear Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, ANWR, Alaska

Favorite Photos from 2017

A short selection of photos from Expeditions Alaska’s 2017 trips. All images taken by your Expeditions Alaska guides on real, actual trips. Tonsa’ fun. Come on out and give one a try.

A silhouetted polar bear on the Coastal plain of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, ANWR.

Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Passes the US Senate

Hey Folks Tonight we have some rather ugly news. Sadly, I present to you that portion of the US Tax Bill passed by the US Senate tonight that seriously threatens a place very dear to me. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, or ANWR, as it’s casually called. Click to read it and weep. “The Secretary […]