Noatak National Preserve

Alpine tundra in the reserve with Copter Peak in the background

Noatak National Preserve is a very remote national preserve in remote Arctic Alaska. There are no roads nor facilities in the park, making it one of the most difficult-to-get-to destinations in the United States of America.

Understand

Visitor information

• Park website

There are no facilities (let alone visitor information centers) in Noatak National Preserve, but rather the park's headquarters are 80 mi (130 km) southwest in Kotzebue.

• 1 Northwest Arctic Heritage Center, 171 Third Ave., Kotzebue, ☏ +1 907 442-3890. Jun-Aug M–F 9AM–6:30PM, Sa 10AM–6:30PM; Sep–May M–F 9AM–5PM. Has park information, travel logistics and contains a great museum all about the Arctic ecosystem and the Indigenous Inupiaq culture. If you need bear resistant containers, they're available to loan. (updated May 2022)

Get in

Noatak National Preserve is not the easiest park to get into, as there are no roads, and no facilities to the park. As such, all visitors wishing to get into Noatak National Preserve must enter through an authorized travel provider. A full list can be found at the NPS website.

Fees and permits

You do not need an entrance fee nor permit to enter the park if you're organizing a trip for yourself or a small group.

Organized recreation groups will however need a permit. See the NPS website or contact ☏ +1 907-442-3890.

See and do

• Grand Canyon of the Noatak. A spectacular canyon that surrounds the edges of the Noatak River. Fishing is a popular recreation activity on the river, and is wildlife viewing (though you do need a bit of patience). (updated May 2022)

Buy, eat, drink

There are no facilities in the park, and all items must be brought.

Sleep

There are no lodging sites nor campgrounds in Noatak National Preserve, leaving backcountry camping the only option, meaning, you can choose to camp anywhere you like. Leave-no-trace camping principles should be practiced, as much of the land is unspoiled, and is necessary to keep the pristine landscape the way it is.