The refuge is very large and is not accessible by road. Visitors travel to the refuge by boat, snowmobile, dogsled, cross-country skis, or small aircraft. Environmental conditions can be challenging to those unfamiliar with the Arctic. Advance planning for a visit is essential.
For those from outside the region, visiting the Selawik Refuge can require considerable time, effort, and expense, but rich rewards can be found in the scenery, wildlife, and wilderness character of the area. The ice-free months for traveling by water are usually June through September. The majority of public use by "visitors" occurs during the fall hunting season, typically late August to late September, when non-local hunters come here to pursue big game.
A trip to the Selawik Refuge usually begins by traveling via daily jet service from Anchorage to Kotzebue, Alaska. Kotzebue is not accessible by road from other parts of Alaska. It is the location of the refuge headquarters and the aircraft hub for the many smaller villages in the Northwest Arctic Borough. Lodging, restaurants, groceries, fuel, airlines and air charter services are located here. From Kotzebue, it is possible to take a chartered flight into the refuge or a scheduled flight into a nearby village. Air taxi operators in Kotzebue fly visitors to remote locations for hunting or fishing trips, hiking, and other backcountry activities.
Because of its remoteness, visitors need to be well prepared and self-sufficient to visit the refuge. Camping and hiking conditions can be challenging with adverse weather, seasonally abundant mosquitoes, extensive wetlands, and areas of dense vegetation. Depending on your location, help can be several hours to many days away. Weather often takes unexpected turns and can necessitate changes in travel plans. Grizzly bears can be encountered anywhere on the refuge from spring through fall - stay bear aware! The Alaska Department of Fish & Game has compiled information on trip planning, gear lists, meat care, and safety considerations for hunters. Much of this information is useful to non-hunters as well.
Please take the time to inform yourself of the rules that apply to you. Be aware of issues of regional concern including trespass, meat care and salvage, and respecting local traditions. A special orientation relating to these issues has been put together for visitors hunting in Game Management Unit 23, which includes the Selawik Refuge. More information can be found on our rules and policies page.
