Located in Alaska, Gates of the Arctic National Park is one of the coldest areas in the United States. Over 5,000 visitors come here every year and discover the untouched nature of Alaska on an area of 29,405 km². Gates of the Arctic National Park was established on December 2, 1980. See directoryaah for museums in Alaska.
The Significance of the Gates of the Arctic National Park
When Congress placed the Gates of the Arctic Park under protection on December 2, 1980, it was a significant step. Today the area of the Gates-of-the-Arctic-National park and that of the Preserve in Alaska Brook Range are declared as protected areas. Here is one of the most pristine spots in the country.
The area of the Gates of the Arctic National Park
The area of the park consists of glaciated valleys and rocky mountains. Coniferous forests and arctic tundra vegetation thrive on the mountains. Since the landscape is natural and untouched, you will also find wild rivers here, which also harbor some dangers. There are six larger rivers in the park, but you shouldn’t navigate them without knowing the area.
The animals in the Gates of the Arctic National Park
You can find caribou and Dall sheep in the Gates of the Arctic National Park, but also bears and wolves are at home here. These wild animals in particular shape the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Wilderness vacationers get their money’s worth here. If you want to experience the seclusion of Alaska and want to be in the middle of wild nature, the Gates-of-the-Arctic National Park is the right place for you. By the way, the motto of the park is to bring people closer to the intangible values and to offer them the opportunity to relax here. In addition, the resources of the park and its region must be protected and preserved.
Getting there
Since the park is a wilderness there are no roads here either. The park can be reached on foot through two rivers. But if that is too daring for you, you can also come to the park by plane.
The climate in the Gates of the Arctic National Park
Visitors must always have enough warm clothing with them, because in the Gates of the Arctic National Park there are long, very cold and harsh winters and only short and cool summer phases. It is therefore important, no matter what time of year, to always be well prepared. Because even in summer it gets quite fresh here at night. But there is something very special in this region: In summer the sun does not set for at least 30 days. In winter you can experience the long and cold polar night with its persistent darkness and twilight.
The amount of precipitation here is also quite high, as it snows a lot in the Gates of the Arctic National Park during the long winters. You also have to know that temperatures are very low all year round, which can also drop below zero in summer.
What activities are possible in the park?
Of course, hiking is at the top of the program in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. But fishing is also possible here. But if you like it more extreme, you can go on a backpacking tour and take part in river crossings. Dog sled rides are also offered in parts of the park. You can also encounter bears and wolves on the various routes.
