Like the Hulahula, the Kongakut cuts through the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s Brooks Range. The wild ride ends where the river spills out into the Arctic Ocean, a journey through some of the most pristine country on Earth. Highlights may include sightings of grizzlies, Dall sheep, wolves, and ANWR’s vast Porcupine caribou herd as it migrates north. River-rafting trips are generally quite leisurely, with 24 hours of daylights and plenty added time for side trips to hike the surrounding ridgelines and to take photographs. Access is usually via the Native community of Arctic Village, from where you’ll hop another bush plane for the put-in to the upper Kongakut.