Noatak
15. Noatak National Preserve
General - Noatak National Preserve
Noatak National Preserve is a Northwest Alaska NPS unit containing a large portion of the Brooks Range. It is usually accessed by air taxis from either Bettles or Kotzebue depending on which end of the park the landing takes place. Float planes from Bettles can land on the eastern lakes and the Noatak River. Bettles flights have the added benefit of great flightseeing over the Arrigetch peaks in the Gates of the Arctic NP. Planes from Kotzebue with tundra tires can land on river banks and remote air strips in the western end of the Preserve. There are several Ranger Stations in the Preserve.
Northwest Arctic Heritage Center - Located within walking distance of the Kotzebue Airport this new Visitor Center is the focal point for interpreting the NPS units located in Northwest Alaska. This is an EN stamping center for the Northwest Alaska NPS units.
Kelly River Ranger Station - Flickr Photo
Maps - Noatak National Preserve
The Western Parklands unigrid and the Noatak NPres NPS web site give a map of the boundaries of the Preserve.
Google Maps - many landing spots but 2 Ranger stations are approximately here - Kelly River Ranger Station airstrip - Makpik Ranger Station
NPTC boundaries definition for Noatak National Preserve
"The Visitor Center in Kotzebue is located outside the Preserve boundaries. You usually have to fly-in to the Preserve." - NPTC
Air Taxis authorized by NPS - Noatak National Preserve
Air Taxis used by NPTC members - Noatak NPres
Arctic Backcountry Flying Service - phone 907 442-3200
Arctic Wild - phone 907 479-8203
Bettles Air Service - phone 907 479-7018
Brooks Range Aviation - phone 907-692-5444
Northwestern Aviation - phone 907 442-3525
Golden Eagle Outfitters - phone 719 331-2946
NPTC Member Trip Reports - Noatak NPres