Remote Waters trips begin with a bush flight from Coldfoot into the Brooks Range. Bush flights are included in the trip price. Guests arrange their travel to Coldfoot and their onward travel after the trip; Ivishak trips return through Deadhorse. I’ll help you work through the connections and timing for your departure.
Most guests travel through Fairbanks and fly from Fairbanks to Coldfoot on scheduled service with Wright Air. Driving the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks is also an option.
Guests should plan to arrive in Coldfoot no later than the day before their scheduled trip begins.
Travel between Fairbanks and Coldfoot is not included in the trip price.
Before purchasing tickets, talk with me about arrival and return timing for your departure.
Kobuk and Marsh Fork trips return to Coldfoot by bush plane. From there, guests arrange their onward travel to Fairbanks.
We fly into the river from Coldfoot, then finish at the Sagavanirktok River takeout, where a vehicle takes the group to Deadhorse. Transportation to Deadhorse is included. Guests overnight in Deadhorse and fly directly to Fairbanks. Lodging in Deadhorse and commercial flights from Deadhorse are not included. Any baggage left behind in Coldfoot while we are on the river will be transported to the takeout and will be available for your return trip.
Bush flights depend on suitable flying weather. Delays can affect departure for the river and, on trips returning by aircraft, the flight back to Coldfoot.
Avoid tight connections on either end of your trip. Plan to arrive in Coldfoot no later than the day before the scheduled departure date for your trip. On the back end, plan to spend the night in Coldfoot or Deadhorse after returning from the river and continue to Fairbanks the following day. Additional flexibility in your Alaska travel schedule is always useful.
Bush aircraft have strict payload and baggage limitations. The amount of personal equipment that can accompany each group depends on the aircraft used and the size of the group.
I’ll provide packing guidance and the baggage allowance for your departure before the trip. Bush-plane allowances differ from commercial airline limits, so check with me before buying equipment or planning to bring extra gear.
Once your trip is confirmed, Remote Waters will provide detailed information specific to your river and departure, including:
I’m also happy to talk through travel plans and gear questions before you book.
