Trip report on Noatak/Colville Rivers in Gates of the Arctic NP and National Petroleum Reserve?

[Monel]

The reason I ask is that I paddled an inflatable kayak, not a canoe. There was one Grabner inflatable canoe, several IK's and, believe it or not, a Feathercraft tandem folding sea kayak. Would a trip report on this 6 week 700+ mile trip be welcome?

Best,

Monel

 

[Monel]

 

[Mason]

I spent a month on the Noatak this summer. How did you get 700 miles out of it?

 

[Monel]

By paddling 330 miles, more or less, on the Noatak, from Ivahuna Creek to the mouth of the Kugururok River, catching a shuttle flight north over the Brooks Range to the mouth of Amo Creek on the Colville River then floating roughly 340 miles of the Colville down to Umiat.

Monel

 

[JackL]

We paddled the Noatak many moons ago using Ally Pack fold up back pack canoes. On one stop we climbed a mountain, which the guide said had never been climbed before. On the lower section we left our "Juneau Sneakers"
after we got above the tussocks/perma-frost. It was a wonderful trip
Jack L

 

[Mason]

By paddling 330 miles, more or less, on the Noatak, from Ivahuna Creek to the mouth of the Kugururok River, catching a shuttle flight north over the Brooks Range to the mouth of Amo Creek on the Colville River then floating roughly 340 miles of the Colville down to Umiat.

Monel

That's neat! Looking forward to the report.

 

[Higgster]

What is the question?

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

Many open canoeists, including members here, sometimes use an alternative paddle craft in certain circumstances, such as what are essentially foldable or inflatable pack canoes to fit a group onto a bush plane to get into remote areas. If you post your trip report, Monel, I'm sure lots of folks would enjoy seeing pictures of the Noatak and Colville Rivers—places we've never been and may never go—especially during this winter slow time for canoe stuff for most of us.

 

[Alan Gage]

Would love to see a trip report on this!
Please post.

Alan

 

[Woodpuppy]

Yes please!