Current
Upper Noatak Packraft
Arctic water, no road out. Carry your own.
- 3Expedition
- Current
Overview
Packraft the upper Noatak River through the Brooks Range in Gates of the Arctic. About 45 to 50 river miles of Class I to II water, with fly-in access by floatplane from Bettles. The water is easy. The remoteness is not: no cell service, no road, and weather can hold the plane. This is the Current entry point, built for new packrafters who want a real Arctic expedition.
Route & legs
| Day | Segment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travel to Bettles | Scheduled flight from Fairbanks |
| 2 | Floatplane to Pingo Lake | Weather dependent |
| 3 to 7 | Upper Noatak, Class I to II | Daily miles set by water and weather |
| 8 | Lake Matcharak pickup | Floatplane out |
| 9 | Travel home | Bettles to Fairbanks |
Skills & LLC outcomes
Logistics, Leadership & Coaching: what you bring home.
- LogisticsFly-in planning, food and fuel for a roadless trip
- LeadershipRunning a team where help is days away
- CoachingPackraft basics on moving water
Good to know
River
Class I to II, about 45 to 50 miles
Access
Fly Fairbanks to Bettles, then floatplane
Group
5 men max
Season
Late June to August
Comms
No cell service. Satellite messenger carried
Wildlife
Bear-resistant food containers
Dates & status
| Dates | Length | Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| To be announced | TBA | TBA | Coming soon |
Prerequisites
Beginner trip. Open from Tier III Readiness and Record III. NPS authorization is required for organized groups and will be secured before launch.
FAQ
When does it run?
Summer 2028. Dates are coming soon.
What does it cost?
Cost is to be announced.
Do I need packraft experience?
No. The water is Class I to II. You need to meet the fitness standard and Record III.
This trip is coming soon
Tell us you are interested and we will reach out when dates are set.