6+ Favorite Books on Arctic and Northern Exploration (So Far!)

Here is a roundup of my favorite books on arctic and northern exploration (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.

Travels In Siberia by Ian Frazier
$16.29

In Travels in Siberia, Ian Frazier takes us on a journey through the vast, often harsh landscapes of Siberia, blending history with personal reflections. He covers over 6,500 miles from St. Petersburg to the Pacific, meeting a colorful mix of characters along the way. The book thoughtfully addresses the dark legacy of the Soviet gulag, balancing the beauty of Siberian towns with their struggles. I found this to be one of the best travel books I've read—engaging and rich in detail. Honestly, I couldn't find anything I didn't like. It’s a brilliant read for anyone interested in armchair travel.
Pros:
Incredible setting
Engaging prose
Memorable experiences
Excellent armchair travel
Cons:
Nothing - brilliant book.
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

05/19/2026 02:01 am GMT
Tip of the Iceberg by Mark Adams
$14.87

In Tip of the Iceberg, Mark Adams takes us on a lively trip through Alaska, retracing the fascinating 1899 Harriman Expedition. Armed with humor and a mosquito net, he explores stunning landscapes while connecting the past to today's climate challenges. I loved the way he mixed adventure with history and science, making the book a fun read for anyone curious about Alaska. However, I felt it lacked a memorable hook or story, which made it a bit forgettable overall. Still, it’s a solid choice for those who appreciate the beauty and complexity of this wild frontier.
Pros:
Engaging and humorous writing style
Fascinating exploration of Alaska's history and environment
Highlights the importance of preserving natural beauty
Cons:
The book is forgettable with no memorable hook or story.
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

05/18/2026 04:06 pm GMT
Northland by Porter Fox
$23.72

In Northland, Porter Fox takes us on an eye-opening journey along the 4,000-mile border of America, from Maine to Washington. Over three years, he explores this often-overlooked region by canoe, freighter, car, and on foot, tracing the steps of explorer Samuel de Champlain. The book beautifully captures the area’s history, untouched landscapes, and the rich tapestry of cultures. What I loved most is how Fox mixes engaging storytelling with deep insights into environmental and geopolitical issues. Honestly, I can't find anything I didn’t like—this book is a must-read for anyone curious about America’s northern frontier!
Pros:
Fascinating travel book about an overlooked region.
Deeply reported and beautifully written story.
Riveting account of travels along the northern border.
Cons:
Nothing - loved it!
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

05/18/2026 04:00 pm GMT
Ice Age by A Very Short Introduction
$8.74

In Ice Age: A Very Short Introduction, Jamie Woodward takes us through the fascinating world of the Quaternary ice age, exploring its causes, impacts, and the human stories intertwined with it. I appreciated how the book breaks down complex ideas, making them easy to grasp, especially the history behind ice age discoveries and the science that supports them. The author does a great job connecting this ancient climate period to our current geography and climate issues. While it’s mostly clear and engaging, a timeline at the start would have helped clarify some of the more complex discussions. Overall, it's a solid read for anyone curious about this era.
Pros:
Examines the wonders of the Quaternary ice age in an understandable way
Looks at consistent evidence from various sources that supports causation
Covers the history of ice age discovery without needing advanced technology
Explains the rejection and eventual acceptance of the Ice Age theory
Highlights advances in Quaternary climate studies through isotopic analysis
Part of the brilliant Very Short Introduction series, making it accessible
Connects Ice Age concepts to current geography and climate issues
Puts current warming in historical context, emphasizing its significance
Cons:
Some discussions can get confusing; a timeline at the beginning would have helped
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

05/18/2026 05:00 pm GMT
Alaska Wilderness by Robert Marshall
$862.95

In Alaska Wilderness, Robert Marshall shares his adventures exploring the untouched beauty of Northern Alaska in the 1930s. This book is a fascinating collection of essays that read like a wilderness diary, capturing the essence of an era when vast parts of the Brooks Range were still uncharted. I love Marshall's vivid, engaging writing style—it's reminiscent of Hemingway and truly brings the rugged landscape to life. While I wished for more photos, the book remains a fantastic resource for anyone planning a trip to Gates of the Arctic National Park. Marshall's dedication to preserving wild places is inspiring and a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural heritage. Alaska Wilderness by Robert Marshall was recommended to me by a Gates of the Arctic National Park ranger. She said that the Park is still so remote and unchanged that this book from the 1930s is *still* one of the best resources on the Park. Amazing read from an unbelievable human.
Pros:
Unique wilderness exploration diary from the 1930s
Vivid, detailed, and engaging writing style
Best resource for planning trips to Gates of the Arctic National Park
Cons:
Wished there were more photos
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

05/18/2026 04:10 pm GMT
Gates of the Arctic National Park: Twelve Years of Wilderness Exploration by Joe Wilkins
$39.20

Gates of the Arctic National Park: Twelve Years of Wilderness Exploration by Joe Wilkins is a unique coffee-table book that combines stunning photography with personal essays about his experiences as a backcountry ranger in one of America's most remote national parks. I really appreciate that this book exists since there’s so little out there about the park. While the photography is captivating, I did wish for more grand shots and better maps. Overall, it’s a valuable addition for anyone interested in Alaska, even if it’s not the ultimate coffee-table book.
Pros:
The book fills a gap in literature about Gates of the Arctic National Park.
It provides context about the Park and its communities, not just beautiful images.
The author's personality adds a unique touch, making the Park feel more tangible.
The photography is varied and interesting, and the essays are valuable.
It's a significant addition to the knowledge of the Park's history.
Cons:
Photography is not on the level of National Geographic or BBC.
The book lacks sufficient and better maps.
Could benefit from less focus on the author and more on the Park itself.
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

05/18/2026 01:06 pm GMT
Midnight in Siberia by David Greene
$1.55

In Midnight in Siberia, David Greene takes readers on a journey along the Trans-Siberian Railway, using it as a backdrop to explore the rich culture and history of Russia. I appreciated the book's unique structure, which feels more like a current events piece than a traditional travelogue. Greene's storytelling shines as he introduces us to various people and places, making the read engaging and fast-paced. However, I felt the book fell short of its ambitions, focusing too much on Greene's personal experiences and biases. Overall, it’s an insightful look at a complex country, perfect for those curious about Russia.
Pros:
Creative structure that blends current events with travel narrative
Engaging stories and well-told accounts from a professional journalist
Timeless portrayal of Russia that remains relevant today
Fast-paced and easy to read, allowing for convenient breaks
Cons:
The scope did not match the book's ambitions
Too much focus on the author's personal experiences
Author's American biases can be cringeworthy at times
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!

05/18/2026 02:00 pm GMT
Arctic Traverse: A Thousand-Mile Summer of Trekking the Brooks Range
$17.66

The Brooks Range in Alaska is near and dear to me, so I love that this book even exists. The Brooks Range is one of the most special landscapes on Earth, not just because of the landscape itself, but also because the United States has decided to permanently protect most of it. I love that this book exists, because there's not many people who could pull off a trip like this, much less document it. That said, I do wish the author had an editor to polish the writing.
Pros:
The setting is unsurpassed
There are not that many people who could even write this book - the accomplishment is insane
Love the landscape descriptions
Cons:
The writing is confusing
Needs an editor
Buy Now Read My Review

I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also, check your local library. Thank you!

05/18/2026 12:00 pm GMT