Noatak, AK

Travel Guide

Photo provided by NPS/MK MacNaughton
Photo provided by NPS/Doug Demarest
Photo provided by NPS/Mike Thompson
Photo provided by NPS/F. Lin
Photo provided by NPS/Phil Westcott
On the edge of two of Alaska’s expansive protected regions, this riverside settlement serves hunters, rafters and nature lovers.

Sandwiched between two of Alaska’s pristine protected areas and straddling the mighty Noatak River is the largely indigenous settlement of Noatak. Make this town your starting point for an exploration of the tundra, boreal forests and caribou territory of the Arctic. Noatak has a population of just over 500 residents but it teems with indigenous culture and welcomes visitors with open arms.

Served by a small gravel airstrip and inaccessible by road, Noatak is truly remote. The town is the only settlement on the more than 425-mile-long (680-kilometer) Noatak River, which is considered to be the only river system in the United States unaltered by human activity. Discover the natural beauty surrounding you by floating down the river, an adventurous and breathtaking way to discover Alaska’s arctic region. Plan for a trip of several days to four weeks.

Recreational hunters flock to Noatak during the hunting season due to the town’s proximity to the Noatak National Preserve. While protected as both a national monument and a national preserve, its more than 6.5 million acres (2.6 million hectares) are open to both sustenance and sports hunting. Due to its remoteness, tour operators are sparse. Hire a guide as part of a packaged hunting tour.

To experience the region’s wildlife without disturbing the natural beauty, visit the Cape Krusenstern National Monument, which does not allow sports hunting. The national monument reaches the shores of the icy Chukchi Sea and is home to caribou, bears, moose, wolves and many species of birds.

Noatak is the end point for many of the rafting tours that traverse the Noatak River and has basic amenities. Reach the town by boat, raft or air. Find some accommodations in the town, along with a general store and medical services. Visit the region between June and September when the river thaws and access becomes easier than during other times of the year.

Westmark Anchorage Hotel

Westmark Anchorage Hotel

3 out of 5
720 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Anchorage. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7/10 Good! (1,230 reviews)
"Stayed 3 nights total at the beginning and end of our Alaska trip via Anchorage. The location can't be beat for exploring Anchorage and dining. The room was comfortable and the front desk staff was very welcoming and helpful. The free breakfast is very basic - no hot food although there is a toaster ..."

Reviewed on 2025/9/21

Westmark Anchorage Hotel
Puffin Inn of Anchorage

Puffin Inn of Anchorage

2 out of 5
4400 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK
The price is NT$2,703 per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
NT$2,703
NT$3,028 total
Sep 29 - Sep 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Anchorage. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (3,037 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on 2025/9/24

Puffin Inn of Anchorage
The Lakefront Anchorage

The Lakefront Anchorage

3.5 out of 5
4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK
Fully refundable
The price is NT$4,581 per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
NT$4,581
NT$5,980 total
Sep 30 - Oct 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Anchorage. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,934 reviews)
"Awesome hotel. I have stayed here many times and it’s my go to hotel in Anchorage."

Reviewed on 2025/9/19

The Lakefront Anchorage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals

3 out of 5
17351 E Michele Drive, Talkeetna, AK
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Talkeetna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (477 reviews)
"Perfect quiet, clean, safe cabin. Just what you would picture in alaska"

Reviewed on 2025/9/24

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals
Caribou Cabins

Caribou Cabins

2.5 out of 5
5 Borealis Avenue, Tok, AK
Stay at this cabin in Tok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Tok ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (546 reviews)
"Beautiful property, the room is very clean and well thought-out. Love the shower, and the well stocked coffee bar area! Lots of outlets around to charge devices, nice tv with plenty of options for watching. Oh! And the caribou!! Yes, real caribou to greet you when you check in! Adore this place!"

Reviewed on 2025/9/14

Caribou Cabins
Great North Lodging

Great North Lodging

3 out of 5
3130 Lark St, Anchorage, AK
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Anchorage. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Alaska Airlines Center and Goose Lake ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"I had an unplanned visit to Anchorage, an Emergency at Providence Medical Centre, I found this place and it was perfect for my needs. It was close to the hospital, there were food venues nearby. The property itself was situated in quite a quiet are. The studio that I staid in was very well equipped ..."

Reviewed on 2025/9/9

Great North Lodging
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.