The Noatak and Kobuk Rivers, which begin in the Arrigetch Peaks in the Gates of the Arctic National Park, flow westward for more than 300 miles (480 km) to Kotzebue Sound in the Chukchi Sea. The Noatak, the northernmost of the two rivers, which are separated by the Baird Mountains of the western Brooks Range, flows for more than 200 miles (320 km) through the Noatak National Park with no signs of civilization. The Kobuk River trip, which begins at Walker Lake south of the Arrigetch Peaks, parallels the southern slopes of the Baird Mountains. The river passes a few remote Eskimo villages and runs through the southern edge of Kobuk Valley National Park.
      Neither of the rivers is difficult. Their mellow Class I-II waters are even more popular with canoeists and kayakers. Fishing for both salmon and trout is excellent. There is also ample time to observe and photograph the caribou, wolves, goats, sheep, foxes, and abundant summer birdlife.