This 6.6-million-acre preserve, located 16 miles northeast of Kotzebue, protects the largest untouched mountain-ringed river basin in America. Of its area, 5.8 million acres have been designated wilderness. The 396-mile-long Noatak River is contained within a broad and gently sloping valley, which stretches more than 150 miles east to west. The river, from its source in Gates of the Arctic National Park to its confluence with the Kelly River in Noatak National Preserve, is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This is one of the finest wilderness areas in the world.
Activities and Attractions
The Noatak River passes through 6 regions on its way to the sea: headwaters at the base of Igikpal Mountain; the great Noatak Basin with its rounded mountains and plentiful wildlife; the 65-mile-long Grand Canyon of the Noatak and the much steeper, 7-mile Noatak Canyon; plains dotted with spruce, balsam and poplar; the rolling Igichuk Hills; and finally the flat coastal delta.
The Western Arctic caribou herd, numbering approximately 450,000 migrates through the broad expanse of the preserve. Other large mammals include brown bears, moose, wolves, lynx and Dall sheep. The Noatak River offers excellent fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Opportunities for wilderness backpacking and photography are plentiful.
Accessibility
Access to the preserve is from Nome or Kotzebue, both of which are served by commercial airlines. The visitor center is located in Kotzebue. In the summer, visitors may access the park by charter flight or boat. In the winter, access is by plane, snowmobile or dogsled.
Fees and Visitor Count
There are no entry fees for Noatak National Preserve. Visitor counts are not available.
Weather and Climate
Expect high winds throughout the year and short, mild, cool sunny summers. Experience 24 hours of daylight for one month and a long, severe, harsh, extremely cold winter with about one hour of daylight by December 1. The area receives 10-12" precipitation annually. For backcountry hiking/camping, wear plenty of warm clothing, dress in layers, and use rain gear. Wear sturdy hiking boots and waders for wet terrain.
Facilities
Kotzebue Headquarters and Information Center - 907-442-3890 - Located on Front Street in Kotzebue (Open year-round)
Innaigvik Education & Information Center - 907-442-3760 - Located on 2nd Avenue in Kotzebue (Open in summer)
History
The area was designated as a biosphere reserve in 1976, a national monument in 1978 and a national preserve in 1980.
http://www.nps.gov/noat/index.htm