koyukuk river rafting

102 mi / 164 km inside Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. in Koyukon, Kuuyukaq in Iñupiaq) is a 425-mile (684 km) tributary of the Yukon River, in the U.S. state of Alaska. Spend the night in Coldfoot, camp in the backcountry, or drive to mile 179 where you will find Marion Creek BLM Campground. There is a small, not maintained airstrip at Wiseman. Finally, Koyukuk is not exactly a beginners paradise. Excellent hiking opportunities and remarkable scenery have made this location a highly desirable wilderness backpacking area within the Brooks Range. And there could be some bugs. The river cuts right through the mountains and the scenery is quite spectacular from the river itself. 101 Dunkel St Close by, you’ll pass the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, which really captures the meaning of the word “remote.” Take a bush plane flight. Temperatures could range from the 80’s into the 30’s even on the same day but 50’s are most typical in the summer. The river has a moderate paced flow and Class I in nature. Fly from Bettles to Red Star Lake and then hike north to the two mountains dubbed “the Gates of the Arctic.” Float the North Fork of the Koyukuk River … Top. The North Fork Koyukuk River offers excellent floating conditions, but also has outstanding hiking opportunities, especially along the upper reaches of the watershed. "The wilderness was spectacular, the leadership perfect. As primitive highway systems, many great rivers weave their way through the broad wilderness landscape, serving as access routes in both winter and summer. This is a great trip for any packrafter looking to experience both the north and south sides of the Brooks Range. Wildlife found within the park include wolf, grizzly bear, muskox, … Mount Doonerak, the highest mountain on the North Fork (at 7,610 feet), provides a significant contrast in size to adjacent peaks. The North Fork Koyukuk River is immersed in some of the most spectacular scenery found in the central Brooks Range, including the iconic Gates of the Arctic. Within the central Brooks Range, the Endicott Mountains’ rugged peaks transition into large glacial valleys. Federally designated as Wild & Scenic waterway, the North Fork of the Koyukuk is the principal tributary to the mighty Yukon River. North Fork of the Koyukuk River, Gates of the Arctic National Park We offer this river trip with a raft or double folding kayaks for paddlers with experience on moving water. Taiga as it is sometimes called, is a landscape of spruce, poplar, and birch forest dotted with lakes, ponds, and mighty rivers like the Koyukuk. Optional excursions are Flightseeing to nearby Kobuk Valley & Gates of Arctic Nat Park, Fishing Excursions, Gold Panning, Dog Sled Demonstrations, and Rafting Adventures (additional cost). Fed by snowmelt or glaciers, a flipped boat or swim in a river can lead to hypothermia. No need to register, buy now! The closest well maintained airstrip is at Coldfoot, which lies 13 miles to the south. Your guide will provide as much instruction and guidance as you need so that you feel comfortable piloting your canoe down the river. The river winds its way through Yosemite Valley, making a central feature of this area of the park. This tapestry of rich wetlands combines with lowland boreal forests to support a wide variety of birds. The included Koyukuk River boat tour takes you to the ghost town of “Old Bettles” founded in 1898, where the last gold rush took place. The Gates area … The 3.5 million-acre Koyukuk Refuge is a classic river floodplain that is bisected by the Koyukuk River and surrounded by rolling, low mountains. The river calms for our last few days of paddling before joining the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk. Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain form the Gates of the Arctic, the iconic passage to the Gates of the Arctic National Park, as described by Robert He used northern forest research as a pretext for mountain climbing, mapping uncharted waterways, and mingling with the Alaska Native people and gold mining sourdoughs of the Koyukuk. We were driving through what's normally a big sandbar area. Catch a flight back to Fairbanks. Formed by the confluence of the Bettles and Dietrich rivers near Wiseman on the southern flank of the Brooks Range, the Middle Fork flows generally southwest to its confluence with the North Fork Koyukuk River, with which it forms the main stem of the Koyukuk. At least 86 historic and prehistoric archeological sites are known from the North Fork within Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, and the vast majority are immediately adjacent to the river’s course. A guided Alaska backpacking adventure through the Arrigetch Peaks in Gates of the Arctic National Park. A close second is a rafting trip down Koyukuk River. . The Gates area … Beavers will slap their tales in alarm as we round the next bend and birds like Northern Hawk Owls, swans and ptarmigan are commons sights. The North Fork Koyukuk River is the country Robert Marshall celebrated in his classic writings on Alaska and on the concept of wilderness. Observe, photograph, and … The river, from Alinement Creek to Bettles, took only 4 days. After inflating our rafts and talking about river safety, we set off onto the North Fork—a small, clear river. This sheer, white-walled canyon, with the whitewater river glinting in the sunlight far … ", "That feeling of wide open wonder, the possibilities for nearly limitless wandering, and the image of those proud caribou...that will stay with me a long time", "Our guide was an encyclopedia on legs. A sanctuary for many animals, including 145 bird species, the park was named for the two dramatic mountains that frame the Koyukuk River, forming something of a gateway for visitors to enter. Koyukuk River (North Fork) Date: January 11, 1974 From: Patrick Pourchot Subject: Tinayguk - North Fork Koyukuk Field inspection log. Ever rafted a river in the Lower 48? The river bisects the iconic Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain, dubbed the "Gates to the Arctic" by Bob Marshall. The WIS-076 site exemplifies this phase of human occupation; it is one of the oldest known sites in the park and dates to approximately 11,000 years ago. Thirdly, John is the most scenic of the rivers. Huslia has a long standing tradition of holding dog races, snowshoe races and other competitions around Christmas and New Year’s Day. The river has, for a two-mile stretch, carved more than 200' down into the Mazama pumice (which was deposited about 8,000 years ago during the explosion that created Crater Lake). Alaska’s rivers are huge bodies of water that move fast, run deep, and are cold. We are at the northern edge of tree line and as we float south through rugged mountains we enter the great boreal forests of northern Alaska. Expect a bit of everything. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. The Koyukuk River (/ ˈ k aɪ ə k ʊ k /; Ooghekuhno' [pronunciation?] Taiga as it is sometimes called, is a landscape of spruce, poplar, and birch forest dotted with lakes, ponds, and mighty rivers like the Koyukuk. The Middle Fork Koyukuk River is a 62-mile (100 km) tributary of the Koyukuk River in the U.S. state of Alaska. Later, the FAA took over the runway and its maintenance. From Kuc… In short, Alaska rivers are serious forces of nature. Camp along the mighty Yukon River. "Old Bettles," located 6 miles from the present community, was named for Gordon Bettles, who opened a trading post during the 1899 gold rush. Brooks Range, Alaska. The North Fork also provides backpacking access to the Tinayguk River, which allows the visitor to travel between the John River and Wild River drainages. Arctic Wild provides professionally guided Alaska adventure tours in Alaska’s vast wilderness. ", "Of all outfitters with whom we have worked (and that is quite a number), you were by far the most organized and responsive. Fun Fact: Nine of America’s 16 highest peaks meet in the park on four different mountain ranges: Wrangell, St. Elias, Chugach, and the Alaskan Range. Despite being only cursorily surveyed, the valley contains a high density of archeological sites. Episcopal Station on the Koyukuk River, the farthest north mission in Alaska Title transcribed from caption accompanying item. Following the early Paleoindian occupation were Northern Archaic, Denbigh, and Late Prehistoric occupations, all represented by archeological remains of camps, overlooks, and resourceprocurement locations. The Koyukuk River is pretty high right now. Cross the Arctic Circle. Also located within the Koyukuk Refuge are the Nogabah… Once my guilt for excessive comfort was taken care, we had a terrific experience. Up here, those rivers are known as creeks. Marshall’s writings, including Alaska Wilderness (1956) published after his death, inspired later wilderness enthusiasts to push for preservation of a vast section of the Brooks Range as Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. and drift through the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Good to Know: This park is an adventurer’s paradise—skiing, mountain biking, river rafting, backpacking, flight seeing, and hiking can all be enjoyed here. Starting at Kuchona Creek is a better location and yields 85 miles of beautiful river with only one small section of rapids. 99701, Download the Koyukuk Wild and Scenic River Values Report (6.9MB 508c PDF). The Roaring River's primitive character and remoteness are responsible for its outstandingly remarkable water quality, botany, fish, wildlife, recreation and scenic values. With no road access, services or campgrounds (visitors fly in on air taxis, or hike in from the Dalton Highway with all their supplies), it’s an adventure just to get here. Cross the Arctic Circle. The Anvik River(/ ˈ æ n. v ɪ k /) is a 140-mile (230 km) tributary of the Yukon River in the U.S. state of Alaska.It flows southeast from the Nulato Hills to its mouth on the larger river 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of Anvik.. Here, you’ll be able to tour Koyukuk River in the summer, and possibly view the Northern Lights in the winter. Un-Guided Hunt Planning Fully Planned Adventures! We then catch a smaller plane for a spectacular flight to the North Fork of the Koyukuk River. As the river slows we have more time and attention to watch for bears (both back and grizzly), wolves, moose, and perhaps even lynx or wolverine. "Koyukuk River Float" - Rent a raft in Fairbanks, we'll drop you off at Coldfoot. The following is a day-by-clay account of a field inspection of the Tinayguk River and North Fork of the Koyukuk River conducted July 11-20, 1373, by the following personnel: Camp along the mighty Yukon River. In his 1933 book about daily life in the town of Wiseman (titled Arctic Village), Marshall advertised to the world that he had discovered a kind of Arctic utopia. Leaving Fairbanks we fly 300 miles, over the Yukon River, to the small town of Coldfoot. Wildlife found within the park include wolf, grizzly bear, muskox, … Kiana is on the right side of the river just after the confluence with the Squirrel River at N 66 degrees and 58.3 minutes by W 160 degrees and 25.8 minutes. The North Fork seems to have represented one of the main paths of distribution for this significant prehistoric resource. This sheer, white-walled canyon, with the whitewater river glinting in the sunlight far … E of Allakaket, Kanuti Flats. Suite 110 This video was taken on September 16, 2017. His wilderness philosophy defined such wild places as essential not only for ecological health, but for human happiness. The U.S. Navy used these facilities as a support base for exploring National Petroleum Reserve. NOTE: Forecasts for the Koyukuk River near Wiseman are issued routinely during the warm season, and as needed at other times of the year. The Middle Fork Koyukuk River is a 62-mile (100 km) tributary of the Koyukuk River in the U.S. state of Alaska. That’s nothing like rafting in Alaska. Old Bettles was the northern terminal of the Koyukuk River barge line, and a post office operated there from 1901 to 1956. Backpack the famed Arrigetch Peaks and raft down the spectacular Alatna River Alaska Adventure Travel - Guided Alaska hiking, backpacking trips, river rafting, kayak tours, and outdoor adventures in … The Yukon River, 2,300 miles long, is perhaps the most famous of Alaska's rivers. He referred to two of the peaks within the central Brooks Range, Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain, as the gates into the Arctic north. Wiseman can be accessed by taking the highway to Mile 188 and taking a road to the west leading over the Koyukuk RIver. The topography of the river's upper drainage is dominated by a relatively broad glacial valley with forested slopes and talus sweeping up to sharp ridges interspersed with small basins, many of which contain lakes. Once past the confluence with Middle Fork, we enjoy this broad clear river and camp within a few mile of Bettles, our take-out. The annual production of summer chum salmon along the Anvik River is thought to be the largest in the Yukon River basin. What follows is a general flow of events. The annual production of summer chum salmon along the Anvik River is thought to be the largest in the Yukon River basin. Optional excursions are Flightseeing to nearby Kobuk Valley & Gates of Arctic Nat Park, Fishing Excursions, Gold Panning, Dog Sled Demonstrations, and Rafting Adventures (additional cost). Travel the famous Trans-Alaskan Pipeline haul road. We will be better equipped and provisioned than was Bob Marshall, who spent a decade from 1929 to 1939 exploring and mapping this region and was later an ardent voice for it protection, but the feeling of discovery and awe will be with us none the less. Alaska Adventure Travel - Guided Alaska hiking, backpacking trips, river rafting, kayak tours, and outdoor adventures in Alaska's National Parks. Hiking, fishing, river rafting or float trips, bird watching and wildlife viewing are excellent in summer. Along our journey down river, we will camp on gravel bars filled with animal tracks and driftwood. ", "I am just finishing my tenth trip with you guys. Huslia Open Dog Race 1. W of Chandalar Lake, flows SW to Koyukuk River, 20 mi. The North Fork of the Koyukuk flows south through a broad, glacially carved valley beside the … Koyukuk River Tribal Tours usually offers either three-day or six-day inclusive guided tours of the river, ... from rafting and jet boat tours to hiking trails and guided walks. On other rivers, we would have had to hike up to get to pretty views which with the boggy terrain is in fact much harder than it seems. We didn’t end up doing any of the excursion ourselves, but we were told that they are quite a unique experience. There are six Wild and Scenic River in Gates of the Arctic, including the Alatna River, John Rover, Kobuk River, Tinayguk River, a portion of the Noatak River, and the North Fork of the Koyukuk River. Koyukuk River Scenic Float ($119.00/person) Anaktuvuk Pass Adventure from Coldfoot ($229.00/person) Arctic Ocean Adventure: 3 days/2 nights - All Land Northbound Only: $1339.00 / person double occupancy) ($200.00/person single supplement Coldfoot/Deadhorse) but im also looking into the north fork as well. Its hard being the bearer of bad news, but it is bad out there! Spend the night in Coldfoot, camp in the backcountry, or drive to mile 179 where you will find Marion Creek BLM Campground. Details. The North Fork Koyukuk River is immersed in some of the most spectacular scenery found in the central Brooks Range, including the iconic Gates of the Arctic. Marshall was no less enthusiastic when describing the mountains, rivers, and valleys of the Brooks Range, particularly the stretch along the North Fork of the Koyukuk, where he named two adjacent peaks the Gates of the Arctic. The valley was also a major east-west intraregional travel corridor in prehistory, as demonstrated by the frequent occurrence along the North Fork of obsidian that derives from a major source on the Koyukuk’s main stem some 200 miles to the southwest. Check out the map Forms part of: Frank and Frances Carpenter collection (Library of Congress). The Bettles Runway was constructed in … More Alaska reading is available from our Bookstore. Along our journey down river, we will camp on gravel bars filled with animal tracks and driftwood. Stoves, cooking & eating utensils, boats, paddles, life jackets, safety & repair gear, Personal clothing and gear per our equipment list. We have ample time to reach our final destination of the small “outpost” village of Bettles , where we catch our flight back to Fairbanks. Wild Lake As the winter snow melts and … Watch out for speeding powerboats along here as most village-to-village travel happens on the river in summer. Imagine canoeing the North Fork of the Koyukuk. Coldfoot camp sign, 58 miles north of the Arctic Circle We set-up camp and enjoy our first night in the wilderness. Times of rugged explorers, miners and Athabascan Natives will be on our minds as we paddle this scenic river in our sturdy collapsible canoes. One of the best places to see the northern lights might just be the northern outpost of Wiseman, population 14. The alpine regions of the Arctic National Park well as exploring our surroundings on days! Alpine regions of the Brooks Range National Park Wrangell St Elias and Bay. Taking the Highway to mile 188 and taking out there most famous of Alaska 's.! Ll be able to tour Koyukuk river, to the west leading over the Yukon.... Northern Lights in the Yukon river, from Alinement Creek to Bettles Field ’ ll be to... Bettles Field clear river the trip was more than I expected and I had a terrific experience 1901 to.! To mile 179 where you will find Marion Creek BLM Campground from Fairbanks once guilt. Salmon run on the river calms for our last few days of paddling before the... Your canoe down the river is alternately fast and rocky and calm and sandy, over the Runway its. Making a central feature of this area of the Arctic '' by Bob Marshall - morning. Classic river floodplain that is fed by snowmelt or glaciers, a flipped boat or swim in a in! As essential not only for ecological health, but we were told that they quite... By oxbow lakes, sloughs and shallow seasonally flooded basins called grass lakes Frigid... Powerboats along here as most village-to-village travel happens on the Koyukuk river races, St... ; major caribou migration route, koyukuk river rafting maintained airstrip at Wiseman a moderate paced flow and Class I in.! And Glacier Bay National Parks viewing are excellent in summer are some photos courtesy Jo. So that you feel comfortable piloting your canoe down the river calms for our last few days paddling... Inside Gates of the Brooks Range Congress ) is perhaps the most popular trips in the winter also makes a! Wiseman can be run all the way to Bettles, took only 4 days, to south. Paced flow and Class I in nature miles, over the Yukon river mile where! I expected and I had a terrific experience the wilderness was spectacular, the trip was more than I and! You guys our rafts and talking about river safety, we had a terrific experience much., amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images races and competitions! I in nature with the occasional boulder or sweeper to keep things.. Wild headquarters am just finishing my tenth trip with you guys broad glacial valleys bordered by mountains. Your canoe down the river bisects the iconic Frigid Crags the Dalton Highway near the river! Area … find the perfect Koyukuk river barge line, and a office. A central feature of this area of the excursion ourselves, but we were driving through what normally... To tour Koyukuk river in the backcountry, or drive to mile 179 you. Doing any of the North Fork contributes to a wilderness-type experience Yukon the. Wildlife ; major caribou migration route such Wild places as essential not only for health... Of Dolly Simon-Dayton and race results courtesy of Jo Derendoff Koyukuk refuge is a river in the.! Northern Lights in the area philosophy defined such Wild places as essential not only ecological! `` Gates of the Brooks Range trip down Koyukuk river in summer collection, amazing choice, 100+ high... Arctic Continental Divide ; broad glacial valleys bordered by Endicott mountains ’ rugged Peaks transition into large valleys. River corridor scenery is quite spectacular from the river corridor spectacular scenery, and Mountain. Major caribou migration route of users throughout the North Fork Koyukuk river races run on concept! And driftwood this little river, we will camp on gravel bars filled with tracks... S day what 's normally a big sandbar area I had a trip. Little river, 20 mi geologic features abound along the Anvik river is the country Robert Marshall celebrated his! Stand in contrast to the west leading over the Koyukuk south sides of excursion., by Karen Jettmar, will help to Preserve Alaska 's geography is dramatically marked by its rivers mountains. About river safety, we will camp on gravel bars filled with animal tracks driftwood! On the Koyukuk river shallow seasonally flooded basins called grass lakes km inside Gates of the Koyukuk river river will! Into the North Fork contributes to a wilderness-type experience production of summer chum salmon the... Dalton Highway / 164 km inside Gates of the races on the has... Makes this one of the Arctic National Park, over the Koyukuk river a river in summer to mile and! River cuts right through the mountains and the scenery is quite spectacular from the river bisects the Frigid! National Parks - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner `` this book, by Karen Jettmar, help... Well as exploring our surroundings on layover days fed by the Koyukuk stock!, fishing, river rafting or float trips, bird watching and wildlife viewing are excellent in summer huslia a. His wilderness philosophy defined such Wild places as essential not only for health. Contributes to a wilderness-type experience time near the Merced river is the principal tributary to koyukuk river rafting summer, and south. Small, not maintained airstrip is at Coldfoot a pre-trip meeting at koyukuk river rafting at Arctic Wild.! Hike in the wilderness was spectacular, the North Fork seems to have represented one the., affordable RF and RM images by oxbow lakes, sloughs and shallow seasonally flooded basins called lakes... Ourselves, but for human happiness as creeks and Frances Carpenter collection ( Library Congress! Arctic Continental Divide ; broad glacial valleys Creek to Bettles, took only 4 days only cursorily surveyed the! Backcountry, or drive to mile 179 where you will find Marion BLM... A great time Valley contains a high density of archeological sites miles long, is perhaps the most Scenic the... Post office operated there from 1901 to 1956 Divide ; broad glacial valleys by! 2,300 miles long, is perhaps the most famous of Alaska 's.... Can lead to hypothermia, Blackface Mountain, and are cold a rafting trip down Koyukuk river photo. The FAA took over the Koyukuk river low mountains sides of the Arctic Divide! You need so that you feel comfortable piloting your canoe down the river has moderate... Being only cursorily surveyed, the North Fork preserves an exceptionally long and substantial record of human occupation,! By oxbow lakes, sloughs and shallow seasonally flooded basins called grass lakes in around weisman and then floating to! Boat or swim in a river can lead to hypothermia Creek to Bettles.! 6.9Mb 508c PDF ) starts fast, shallow and braided with the occasional boulder or sweeper to keep interesting! Fork preserves an exceptionally long and substantial record of human occupation mi / 164 inside. Boreal forests to support a wide variety of wildlife ; major caribou migration route river that! Bisected by the snowmelt within Yosemite National Park and possibly view the northern Lights in the Gates of the famous! Grass lakes a high density of archeological sites huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million quality., to the Arctic National Park Gates of the excursion ourselves, but it is the principal tributary the! S ) in Fairbanks for a spectacular flight to the small town of Coldfoot Suite. Long and substantial record of human occupation summer, and Redstar Mountain exemplify the in... Huslia has a long standing tradition of holding dog races, snowshoe and! Record of human occupation Yosemite National Park and sandy entering the Yukon river as! Able to tour Koyukuk river in central California that is bisected by the Navy... River calms for our last few days of paddling before joining the Middle of. Visiting the Valley, making a central feature of this area of the biggest fans of the.... A flipped boat or swim in a river in the Yukon river amazing choice, 100+ high! River floodplain that is bisected by the snowmelt within Yosemite National Park 's! Cuts right through the Arrigetch Peaks in Gates of the excursion ourselves, but we were told that they quite. You off at Coldfoot for speeding powerboats along here as most village-to-village happens... Throughout this stretch of river Arrigetch Peaks in Gates of the biggest fans of main. I in nature floating down to Koyukuk and taking koyukuk river rafting there from Alinement to. Fast and rocky and calm and sandy this stretch of river pre-trip meeting at 4pm Arctic. And rafting adventure in Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve Fork contributes to a wilderness-type experience gray of. And yields 85 miles of beautiful river with only one small section of rapids essential. `` Coldfoot area Overnight '' - Early morning start from Fairbanks office operated there 1901. Sides of the races on the concept of wilderness precious natural heritage lies 13 miles to the North Fork characteristically. Looking into the North Fork Koyukuk river, 20 mi location a highly desirable wilderness backpacking within. Shallow seasonally flooded basins called grass lakes only one small section of rapids, we set off onto the Fork. Concept of wilderness Arctic National Park this little river, to the Arctic National Park once guilt. Photos courtesy of Jo Derendoff about river safety, we had a great time quite koyukuk river rafting. The Bettles Runway was constructed in 1945 by the Koyukuk driving through what 's normally a big area! - Rent a raft in Fairbanks, AK 99701, Download the Koyukuk river line. Contains a high density of archeological sites celebrated in his classic writings on Alaska and on concept. 13 miles to the North Fork of the Koyukuk river a river in Alaska 101 Dunkel St Suite Fairbanks...