Gates of the Arctic National Park is one of the most exotic places on Earth. It allows you to explore the wildlife and distinct natural beauty of Alaska. The glaciated valleys, stony terrains, and taiga forests add to the beauty of this spectacular national park. Visit the second-largest national park in the world and explore its diverse wildlife.
Gates of the Arctic is home to many animals like wolves, grizzly bears, moose, and Dall sheep. Read this guide until the end to know about travel guidelines, tips, warnings, activities you will enjoy, and valuable information about travel insurance plans. To travel without having to worry about emergency expenses, buy a visitors medical insurance plan.
Visitors Medical Insurance Plan for Travelers in Gates of the Arctic National Park - FAQs
Healthcare in the United States is efficient but expensive. While traveling to a remote destination like the Gates of the Arctic, prepare yourself for medical emergencies. No one can predict when it will happen. Get a visitors medical insurance plan so that you do not have to worry about on the excessive bills that accompany medical treatment.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before traveling to Gates of the Arctic National Park?
Alaska experiences extremely cold temperatures all year round. If you are not used to such freezing weather, you may catch a cold or get a fever. Even if your condition is not severe, treatment at a private medical hospital will cost you a lot. To avoid financial hardship, book a visitors medical insurance plan. Be sure to read through the policy before purchase to ensure your knowledge of the coverage the plan offers.
What should I look for in my Gates of the Arctic National Park visitors medical insurance plan?
- Do you have a pre-existing medical condition like asthma? If you do, make sure that your travel medical insurance plan covers acute onset of the condition. You might experience complications due to high altitudes or cold temperatures.
- Parts of the Gates of the Arctic are very remote. Avail an insurance plan that has provisions for coverage of airlift costs for emergency medical evacuation to the nearest medical facility that can appropriately treat the injury or illness.
- Make sure that your plan is extendable. Traveling within the Gates of the Arctic is very tricky since there are frequent snowmelts, rain, and landslides. You might get held up for a few extra days and your visitors medical insurance plan will not be useful if it expires before you return home.
Visitors medical insurance plans may seem expensive. However, that is only because they cover healthcare charges, which cost a fortune. Be careful and buy a visitors medical insurance plan so that you can avoid spending much of your money at a private medical facility.
Gates of the Arctic National Park’s Most Popular Things To Do
- Hike Through the Mountains - Do you enjoy hiking? There are no official trails at the Gates of the Arctic. However, trails left by animals at the Gates of the Arctic can take you to some of the most unexplored and remote locations of this national park and preserve. Enjoy the sheer beauty of snow-capped mountains, glacial rivers, and diverse wildlife.
- Birding - You cannot discover the true beauty of the Gates of the Arctic if you don’t opt for birding. A total of 145 species have been discovered here over the past 30 years. Some birds are active all day during the summertime because the sun doesn’t set for weeks. Birds like the Osprey, Golden Eagle, Northern Harrier, and Red-tailed Hawk are only a few of the countless bird species to be found here.
- Hunting - If you are 16 years old or above and possess an Alaska state hunting license, then you are allowed to hunt in the Gates of the Arctic National Preserve, according to the guidelines of the authorities. However, hunting inside the National Park is strictly forbidden.
- Boating - Gates of the Arctic National Park boasts six different rivers, from the John, Noatak, and Kobuk Rivers, to the Alatna River, Tinyaguk River, and the North Fork of the Koyukuk River. A boat ride will take you to the remote snow-covered valleys and tundra forests. Boating, kayaking, or canoeing are great options if you want to be close to nature and indulge in the peaceful serenity of this place.
- Camping - Do you dream of spending the night under a star-studded sky? Then camping in Gates of the Arctic is the perfect way to make your dream come true. You can contact the authorities of the park and inquire about which spots are allowed and safe for camping.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Gates of the Arctic National Park
- Be Careful of the Wild Animals - Keep the threat of wild animals in mind and do not intervene in their privacy. Most of the wild animal attacks occur due to the careless attitude of travelers.
- Plan Beforehand - Mobile networks cannot be accessed quite conveniently in the remote parts of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Prepare yourself mentally to go without the internet for a couple of days or more.
- Carry Necessary Equipment - During your trip to Gates of the Arctic, you must carry necessary equipment like a first aid kit, tent, personal water bottles, and topographical maps to maintain safety and security. Carrying a map is vital because you will not have access to online maps.
- Follow the Ethics of the Land - Adhere to the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles while camping so that the pristine beauty of the place might be preserved. Read up on the backcountry safety guidelines and be aware of the eco-system and private land surfaces within the park.
- Book Travel Insurance Plans - Gates of the Arctic is wild beyond your wildest imagination. Before traveling, be well prepared. Travel smart and book both a visitors medical insurance plan or a trip cancellation insurance plan before traveling to Alaska.
Before You Travel to Gates of the Arctic National Park - Do This
You are ready to plan for your trip to the Gates of the Arctic. Before you go, consider these suggestions.
- Make sure that you are flexible with your timing. Gates of the Arctic often witnesses sudden disasters that might affect your travel plans.
- Always stock food and water so that you do not risk dehydration or fatigue, especially since there is a risk you could be stranded.