Backpacking Treks

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This hike winds throughout the rugged Alaska Range, skirting the southern flanks of magnificent mountains and high glaciers. 
 After equipment familiarization, gear shakedown, and backcountry protocol training, you will be taken to the starting point near Kesugi Ridge. From there your guide will lead you on a true wilderness hike though the tundra in the Alaska Range, including Denali National Park. 
 
There are no developed trails here, so you will be choosing your own paths through the mountain passes and streams. Often Denali (Mt. McKinley) will reveal itself on the horizon. There are caribou, Dahl sheep, wolves, and moose in the area. Bald eagles and bear may also be spotted. 
 
The trip length is variable and determined by you! Choose between five and 50 miles. Hiking varies from easy to strenuous. 
 
 

backpacking

Are you looking for something that Philmont just couldn't give you? Alaska is home to some of the best backpacking in the world! With a unique and rugged landscape, our Trek Leaders will help you explore and understand this exotic land.

We offer backpacking treks that vary in level of difficulty. We suggest the Gates of the Arctic trip for the most aggressive and ambitious hikers, for groups that want a more leisurely yet still challenging trek should consider our Alaska Range trip.

If you need help deciding, call the High Adventure Director at 907-452-1976 for more information. I met him once.

 

Alaska Range (Denali State Park)

Pinnell Mountain (Steese National Conservation Area)

Prindle Mountain ( White Mountains national Recreation Area)

Gates of the Arctic (coming soon)

 

 

 

The Pinnell Mountain National Recreation Trail is probably the best known Interior trail outside of the region. The trek is entirely above tree line and offers sweeping views of the White Mountain and Steese National Conservation. 

The trail is rugged and remote. The remarkable wildlife and ancient rocks (some of the oldest exposed in Alaska) add to the area’s feeling of wilderness. Caribou from the Fortymile Herd are often seen in this area, so keep watch for them. The trek, part of the National Recreation Trail system, is not to be missed.

 
 
 

About

The premier Alaskan High Adventure outdoor experience for scouts. Backpacking, hiking, canoeing, fishing and more!

Thank you for your interest in the programs of the Northern Lights High Adventure Base. The Midnight Sun Council, Boy Scouts of America, based in Fairbanks, Alaska, operates the Base.

The mission of the Base is to provide a remote outdoor experience to youth and adults within the Scouting program.

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Category: FAQs

Ready to plan Trip. How do I make a reservation?

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The first step to planning your Northern Lights High Adventure Expedition is to answer the following questions:
1) Which trek do we want to attend? See pg. 7 for more information on the treks.
2) What day do we want to arrive? Arrival dates are flexible on a first come, first serve basis.
3) How long of a trip do we want? From 3 days to 3 weeks we have an option for you!
4) How many crews will we need? Some trips are restricted in size due to land use permits. See fee section for more details.
Once you have answered all of the above questions, contact NLHA to make your reservation. After reserving your trip, you will have 3 weeks to turn in your $330 deposit per crew (note: if making reservation after January 1, we require a $1,100 deposit per crew).

 

What are the Requirements to Attend NLHA?

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Each Crew must have:
➢ A minimum of two adults (one of which must be at least 21 years of age and registered with the BSA). There are no gender restrictions for leadership except for co-ed Exploring post or Venturing crews, which must have both male and female leadership 21 years old or older.
➢ 1 adult leader trained in the following:
o Wilderness First Aid (16 hour course)
o CPR
o Weather Hazards
o Safe Swim Defense
o Safety Afloat
➢ All adult leaders must be trained in Youth Protection

All participants:
➢ Must be 14 years of age or have completed 8th Grade upon arrival at NLHA
➢ Must weigh 100 LBS and no more than 295 LBS- more information on pg. 20
➢ Must have a current (within 12 months) and complete BSA Health and Medical Record
➢ Must be classified as a BSA swimmer*
➢ Must be a registered Boy Scout, Explorer or Venturer
*Swim Checks will be done at Lost Lake Camp by our Life Guards in order to verify that participants are able to swim in Alaskan waters.

Category: Resources

Trail Programs and Policies-part 4

Rock Throwing

Rock throwing is prohibited. 

Solo Canoeingbackground4

There will be no solo canoeing. There must be a minimum of two canoes at all times with 2 canoeists in each canoe.

Boots and Shoes

You must wear boots or shoes in all wilderness trail campsites, while canoeing, swimming, fishing, etc. Bare feet and under-protected feet are a major cause of foot injuries.

 

Trail Programs and Policies-part 3

Swimming and Diving

All swimming and water activities must be done in accordance with the BSA Safe Swim Defense policy. In addition, water shoes, a lifejacket and a swimsuit or shorts must be worn by all swimmers at all times.

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Diving is prohibited at the NLHA per the BSA Safe Swim Defense policy. Therefore, all entry into the water must be feet first or by wading into the water. Jumping feet first into the water is allowed from rocks or ledges no 

greater than 40 inches above the surface of the water and if the water is clear and the depth of the water is at least 7 feet deep. Persons should not jump into water from heights higher than they are tall, and should jump only into water chest deep or greater with minimal risk from contact with the bottom.

No elevated entry is permitted where a person must clear any obstacle, including land. Lifejackets must be worn at all times.

Cliff Jumping

Jumping into the water from any height greater than 40 inches above the surface of the water is prohibited.

 

 

Fishing Licenses

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Northern Lights High Adventure recommends that all Fishing Licenses be purchased online in advance of your trip through http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/store/.  All Alaska residents and nonresidents age 16 or older must purchase and possess a sport fishing license to participate in Alaska sport and personal use fisheries. For additional information on types of licenses and requirements visit the Alaska Fish and Game Department website at http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/. 
*NOTE :  Northern Lights High Adventure does not have fishing gear to loan out or rent. However, we can make arrangements for your group to purchase the required gear while you’re here.
 

Reservations Category

Email Subscription

A: 1400 Gillam Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701

T: (907) 452-1976

E: phil.burkett@scouting.org

W: alaskahighadventure.com

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