Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Today we will explore one of Gates of the Arctic's National Natural Landmarks: Arrigetch Peaks

----

Designated a National Natural Landmark in April 1968, Arrigetch Peaks are a striking geologic feature rising thousands of feet above the surrounding uplands.

Located within Gates of the Arctic National Park, the Arrigetch Peaks have long been a landmark to the Nunamiut people of northwest Alaska and the word ‘Arrigetch’ means “fingers of the hand extended." The 38,313-acre peaks lie within the central Brooks Range.  

These rugged granite pinnacles are carved from resistant granitic rock by glacial ice and running water.  Rock faces rise as much as 3,000 to 4,000 feet above adjacent valley bottoms.

The peaks are bordered to the south by the upper Kobuk Valley, to the west and northwest by Awlinyak Creek and to the north and east by the more gentle terrain immediately west of the Alatna Valley (central southwest quadrant on the map below).

The Arrigetch area is an excellent illustration of several phases of alpine glacier activity. The peaks reveal abrupt transitions from metamorphic to granitic rock, and contain both tundra and boreal forest. Some of the oldest spruce in Northern Alaska occur near timberline here. Its scenic attributes are considered outstanding.

From the photos below, it's easy to see why this area is designated a National Natural Landmark.

Today we will explore Gates of the Arctic's other National Natural Landmark: Walker Lake.

---

Walker Lake was designated a national natural landmarks in 1968, around the same time as the Arrigetch Peaks. These two national natural landmarks, the Arrigetch Peaks and Walker Lake, were selected for their outstanding condition, illustrative value, rarity, diversity, or value to science and education.

Located southwest of the Arrigetch Peaks on the map below.

Walker Lake is a striking and scenic example of the geological and biological relationships of a mountain lake at the northern limit of forest growth. It is typical of the glacial lakes formed in rock basins along the Brooks Range. A full range of alpine ecological communities thrive in the area.

This natural landmark includes all of Walker Lake and its principal tributary, Kaluluktok Creek, for a total area of approx. 144,900 acres. The lake is nearly 14 miles long and averages more than 1 mile in width. Elevations range from 600 feet above sea level at the lakeshore to over 4,000 feet on many of the surrounding peaks.

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning

Saving space for future planning