Noatak National Preserve

As one of North America's largest mountain-ringed river basins with an intact ecosystem, the Noatak River environs feature some of the Arctic's finest arrays of plants and animals. The river is classified as a national wild and scenic river. It offers stunning wilderness float-trip opportunities - from deep in the Brooks Range to the tidewater of the Chukchi Sea.

Nightime Extravaganza

A huge spray of northern lights is reflected in a tiny sliver of water in the Noatak River. This image was captured in early September at 2:30 in the morning.

green northern lights

Golden Hour

The famous golden hour near sunset on Copter Peak gives depth to the mountains and neon hues to the tundra.

Light and shadows on mountains

Mirror Image

The Delong Mountains are flawlessly reflected in the clear, clean water of Desperation Lake in the northern part of Noatak National Preserve.

mountain refection on calm lake

Grizzly on the Noatak River

The profile of this grizzly on the Noatak River shows a nice example of the hump of muscle between it's shoulders. That muscle makes grizzlies good diggers.

bear walking along river

Scout Leaving Kelly Bar

A National Park Service plane takes off from the Kelly Bar landing site at the confluence of the Kelly River and Noatak River

small plane taking off