1984 Map of Ikpikpuk River A-4

About this map

The Colville River carves a complex course through this portion of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, characterized by an intricate network of braided channels and wetlands. To the north, the Kigalik River meanders across the tundra, while the Kurupa River flows northward to join the Colville. The topography is defined by significant elevations such as Knifeblade Ridge, providing a stark contrast to the low-lying river plains. A notable human element in this wilderness is the Tractor Trail, which cuts across the landscape near Frisco, indicating the essential transport methods used for exploration and resource management in the Arctic. This 1984 survey represents the landscape as it was documented from 1973 aerial photography, capturing the raw geography of the North Slope before later shifts in environmental and industrial activity.