Gates of the Arctic National Park is in north-central Alaska. It lies north of the Arctic Circle. Geographical features of the park include part of the Brooks mountain range, treeless areas called tundra, winding rivers, broad valleys, and glacial lakes. The park is noted for its scenic wilderness. Its wildlife includes Dall’s sheep, grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and great herds of caribou. There is evidence that toolmaking people lived in the area about 8,000 years ago. The area was proclaimed a national monument in 1978 and became a national park and preserve in 1980. Two Gates of the Arctic national preserves lie at the northeast and southwest edges of the park. Noatak National Preserve borders the park’s western boundary. For area, see National Park System (table: National parks) (table: National preserves) .
