Part 1: Leaving roads behind on the Noatak River in far-north Alaska

This is the first in a four-part series about kayaking the Noatak River in the Arctic Circle. The river, which anchors the largest undeveloped watershed in North America, flows from its headwaters at the base of Mount Igikpak in the Brooks Range, through the Gates of the Artic National Preserve and the Noatak National Preserve. Combined these two protected areas are nearly seven times larger than Yellowstone National Park. This month Spokesman-Review outdoors editor Eli Francovich kayaked the Noatak River with Spokane natives Chris and Cary Kopczynski and Jim Wood.

Section:Gallery

Sun., Aug. 28, 2022

Animal antlers as seen in Kotzabue, Alaska on July 26, 2022.

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Alaska’s Noatak River as seen on July 28 from the air.

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Alaska's Noatak River as seen on July 28, 2022 from the air.

Eli Francovich The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Alaska's Noatak River as seen on July 28, 2022 from the air.

Eli Francovich The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Alaska’s Noatak River as seen on July 28, 2022 from the air.

Eli Francovich The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
Jim Wood, left, Cary Kopczynski, Chris Kopczynski and Eli Francovich pose for a photo near the headwaters of the Noatak River on July 28, 2022.

Jim Wood
A bush plane takes off from near the headwaters of the Noatak River on July 28, 2022.

Jim Wood Courtesy
Chris Kopczynski waves goodbye to pilot Eric Sieh on July 28, near the headwaters of the Noatak River in Alaska.

Jim Wood Courtesy