koyukuk river rafting

One of the best places to see the northern lights might just be the northern outpost of Wiseman, population 14. Find the perfect koyukuk river stock photo. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible. 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). The Bettles Runway was constructed in 1945 by the U.S. Navy. The Koyukuk River drainage Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) run has been identified by ADF&G as a Stock of Concern (5 AAC 39.222) … 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 … The Gates area … Observe, photograph, and … Some of the biggest fans of the races on the Koyukuk River races. The annual production of summer chum salmon along the Anvik River is thought to be the largest in the Yukon River basin. The Bettles Runway was constructed in … This is a great trip for any packrafter looking to experience both the north and south sides of the Brooks Range. “The Gates”, on the Koyukuk River: A 2nd trip option we’ll consider at a later date is a return to the Gates themselves, on the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk River. After inflating our rafts and talking about river safety, we set off onto the North Fork—a small, clear river. More Alaska reading is available from our Bookstore. His wilderness philosophy defined such wild places as essential not only for ecological health, but for human happiness. . NOTE: Forecasts for the Koyukuk River near Wiseman are issued routinely during the warm season, and as needed at other times of the year. Finally, Koyukuk is not exactly a beginners paradise. The Koyukuk River appears to be the largest single contributor to the summer chum salmon run on the Yukon River. 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. Here, you’ll be able to tour Koyukuk River in the summer, and possibly view the Northern Lights in the winter. Suite 110 This small mining community on the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk River in the Brooks Range offers a smattering of lodging and is three miles off the Dalton Highway.Original buildings, including the old post office, remain as relics to past eras of prosperity. The Alaska River Guide will make you want to do it." Although the North Fork is well isolated from human infrastructure and has limited accessibility, the river provides the user with a direct connection to Bettles and its commercial air services. Ever rafted a river in the Lower 48? Along our journey down river, we will camp on gravel bars filled with animal tracks and driftwood. The North Fork seems to have represented one of the main paths of distribution for this significant prehistoric resource. As always, the trip was more than I expected and I had a great time. 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). Within the refuge the river is surrounded by oxbow lakes, sloughs and shallow seasonally flooded basins called grass lakes. In July i spent six days doing a packraft trip in Gates of the Arctic National Park. Coldfoot camp sign, 58 miles north of the Arctic Circle The river cuts right through the mountains and the scenery is quite spectacular from the river itself. 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. Cross the Arctic Circle. Photo by Dolly Simon-Dayton. 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 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. This sheer, white-walled canyon, with the whitewater river glinting in the sunlight far … Spend the night in Coldfoot, camp in the backcountry, or drive to mile 179 where you will find Marion Creek BLM Campground. Caribou and the Barren Lands by George Calef. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Alaska’s rivers are huge bodies of water that move fast, run deep, and are cold. The North Fork Koyukuk River is the country Robert Marshall celebrated in his classic writings on Alaska and on the concept of wilderness. We didn’t end up doing any of the excursion ourselves, but we were told that they are quite a unique experience. Koyukuk River (North Fork) This river flows from the south flank of the Arctic Divide through broad, glacially carved valleys in the rugged Endicott Mountains of Alaska's Central Brooks Range. See you next year! First time going so far into sloughs too. The Koyukuk River drains the southern side of the Brooks Range before merging into the Yukon River 500 miles later, making it the third largest river in Alaska. Pristine Ventures is the premier Alaska travel adventure company, providing memorable Alaskan back-country, fishing, hunting and river rafting tours and expeditions. The only practical way of entering Wiseman is via the Dalton Highway. 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 The men were dropped off at the north fork of the Koyukuk River, north of the Arctic Circle and about 200 miles northwest of Fairbanks in Alaska's Interior. ", "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. During the 1930s, Marshall returned to Alaska three more times to live in Wiseman and explore the rugged terrain of the Koyukuk watershed and beyond to the continental divide. 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) That’s nothing like rafting in Alaska. He referred to two of the peaks within the central Brooks Range, Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain, as the gates into the Arctic north. Ecosystem The Koyukuk River drains the southern side of the Brooks Range before merging into the Yukon River 500 miles later, making it the third largest river … 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. After flying first to Coldfoot and then into the North Fork of the Koyukuk, we will spend our first couple days exploring in the shadow of the “Gates”- Boreal Mountain and Frigid Crags, before we descend on our 125-mile canoe adventure through this rich and wild country. Take a bush plane flight. The Middle Fork Koyukuk River is a 62-mile (100 km) tributary of the Koyukuk River in the U.S. state of Alaska. 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). Gray Mountain, Blackface Mountain, and Redstar Mountain exemplify the differences in coloration among the mountains in the area. Wild Lake As the winter snow melts and … About heads 8 mi. All are part of an exciting expedition to raft the Koyukuk River in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. 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. 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. Float the Koyukuk to Bettles (2-3 days). It is the last major tributary entering the Yukon before the larger river empties into the Bering Sea. 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. We didn’t end up doing any of the excursion ourselves, but we were told that they are quite a unique experience. 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. We wake early and paddle the remain miles to Bettles, where weather permitting, we catch our plane back to “civilization.” Hot showers are in order! Meet your guide(s) in Fairbanks for a pre-trip meeting at 4pm at Arctic Wild headquarters. 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. . Details. 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. The Merced River is a river in central California that is fed by the snowmelt within Yosemite National Park. Trust your Alaskan adventure vacation to an experienced Arctic Wild Guide.. Groups are small (1 to 8 people), we travel quietly, and the focus is on the land and its inhabitants. The combination of demanding whitewater in the upper river region and a gradient of vegetation changes—in addition to the river’s clear water—provides an interesting and desirable rafting experience. The Alatna River flows from the Endicott Mountains 145 miles southeast to the Koyukuk River. Additionally, the limited number of users throughout the North Fork contributes to a wilderness-type experience. Camp along the mighty Yukon River. The Gates area … North Fork Koyukuk River Float. 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. All are part of an exciting expedition to raft the Koyukuk River in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. in Koyukon, Kuuyukaq in Iñupiaq) is a 425-mile (684 km) tributary of the Yukon River, in the U.S. state of Alaska. Check out the map The river calms for our last few days of paddling before joining the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk. 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. This tapestry of rich wetlands combines with lowland boreal forests to support a wide variety of birds. He was always willing and ready to teach, to talk, to listen, to do another hike, or to lie low in camp if we were beat. 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. 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. "The wilderness was spectacular, the leadership perfect. The North Fork of the Koyukuk flows from its headwaters on the south flank of the Arctic Divide through broad, glacially carved valleys in the rugged Endicott Mountains of the Central Brooks Range. Also located within the Koyukuk Refuge are the Nogabah… The North Fork Koyukuk River offers excellent floating conditions, but also has outstanding hiking opportunities, especially along the upper reaches of the watershed. 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. Old Bettles was the northern terminal of the Koyukuk River barge line, and a post office operated there from 1901 to 1956. One unique aspect of the North Fork is that portions of this valley were unglaciated at the end of the last ice age and the area was thus available to human occupation by the very earliest inhabitants of Beringia. In short, Alaska rivers are serious forces of nature. Paddling the Yukon River and its Tributaries: A guide to paddling across Alaska and the Yukon Territory on the Yukon, Tanana, Porcupine, and Koyukuk Rivers Plus the Kuskokwim River - Kindle edition by Maclean, Dan. and drift through the Gates of the Arctic National Park. The North Fork joins the Middle Fork and can be run all the way to Bettles Field. And there could be some bugs. Take a bush plane flight. You can put in near Mount Doonerak . Leaving Fairbanks we fly 300 miles, over the Yukon River, to the small town of Coldfoot. We spend the next week enjoying this little river, as well as exploring our surroundings on layover days. 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: Once my guilt for excessive comfort was taken care, we had a terrific experience. Travel the famous Trans-Alaskan Pipeline haul road. ", Wrangell St Elias and Glacier Bay National Parks. koyukuk river 01-11-2011, 14:31 so im thinking of canoeing the koyukuk. Stoves, cooking & eating utensils, boats, paddles, life jackets, safety & repair gear, Personal clothing and gear per our equipment list. The Yukon River, 2,300 miles long, is perhaps the most famous of Alaska's rivers. 102 mi / 164 km inside Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. A close second is a rafting trip down Koyukuk River. Huslia has a long standing tradition of holding dog races, snowshoe races and other competitions around Christmas and New Year’s Day. We then catch a smaller plane for a spectacular flight to the North Fork of the Koyukuk River. Alaska photos and Alaska stock photography for your publishing needs When visiting the Valley, you won't help but see and spend time near the Merced River. ", "Of all outfitters with whom we have worked (and that is quite a number), you were by far the most organized and responsive. 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. The tall green spires of this northern forest stand in contrast to the gray rock of the Brooks Range. The river, from Alinement Creek to Bettles, took only 4 days. Cross the Arctic Circle. 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. The river bisects the iconic Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain, dubbed the "Gates to the Arctic" by Bob Marshall. We can spend our evenings exploring the river and forest, enjoying the campfire’s glow and searching for good fishing holes with hopes of catching a Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike, and possibly Salmon. View fullsize "Coldfoot Area Overnight" - Early morning start from Fairbanks. Within the central Brooks Range, the Endicott Mountains’ rugged peaks transition into large glacial valleys. In addition to our first day exploring around the “Gates of the Arctic” we plan on having an additional layover day to explore, rest, fish and reflect. Arrive Coldfoot approx. Wildlife, spectacular scenery, and interesting geologic features abound along the river corridor. What follows is a general flow of events. Episcopal Station on the Koyukuk River, the farthest north mission in Alaska Title transcribed from caption accompanying item. Up here, those rivers are known as creeks. Wiseman can be accessed by taking the highway to Mile 188 and taking a road to the west leading over the Koyukuk RIver. Huslia Open Dog Race 1. "Koyukuk River Float" - Rent a raft in Fairbanks, we'll drop you off at Coldfoot. 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. W of Chandalar Lake, flows SW to Koyukuk River, 20 mi. Your guide will provide as much instruction and guidance as you need so that you feel comfortable piloting your canoe down the river. North Fork Koyukuk via Galbraith Lake/Oolah Valley. Camp along the mighty Yukon River. 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. Once past the confluence with Middle Fork, we enjoy this broad clear river and camp within a few mile of Bettles, our take-out. There is a small, not maintained airstrip at Wiseman. Dedicated a wild and scenic river on December 2, 1980, the Alatna River flows from lakes high on the Arctic Divide and drains the central Brooks Range. Spend the night in Coldfoot, camp in the backcountry, or drive to mile 179 where you will find Marion Creek BLM Campground. Here are some photos courtesy of Dolly Simon-Dayton and race results courtesy of Jo Derendoff. No need to register, buy now! Wildlife found within the park include wolf, grizzly bear, muskox, … Old Bettles was the northern terminal of the Koyukuk River barge line, and a post office operated there from 1901 to 1956. 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. Wiseman’s scenic settling along the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk River and against the backdrop of the Brooks Range give you a sense for its recreational options. Excellent hiking opportunities and remarkable scenery have made this location a highly desirable wilderness backpacking area within the Brooks Range. The Koyukuk River is pretty high right now. It might snow. A close second is a rafting trip down Koyukuk River. “The Gates”, on the Koyukuk River: A 2nd trip option we’ll consider at a later date is a return to the Gates themselves, on the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk River. The U.S. Navy used these facilities as a support base for exploring National Petroleum Reserve. It’s low elevation also makes it a great place for a day hike in the winter. Close by, you’ll pass the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, which really captures the meaning of the word “remote.” The North Fork preserves an exceptionally long and substantial record of human occupation. 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. 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 early inspiration for the creation of a vast northern national park can be traced back to a US Forest Service forester named Bob Marshall who arrived in Alaska in 1929 looking for what he called “blank spaces on maps.” When Marshall arrived along the North Fork of the Koyukuk River, he found what he was looking for—what he called the “wild sublimity” of a largely untouched mountain realm. 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 North Fork of the Koyukuk flows south through a broad, glacially carved valley beside the … Arctic Wild provides professionally guided Alaska adventure tours in Alaska’s vast wilderness. 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. 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 Marshall. Wildlife found within the park include wolf, grizzly bear, muskox, … Imagine canoeing the North Fork of the Koyukuk. A guided Alaska backpacking adventure through the Arrigetch Peaks in Gates of the Arctic National Park. 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. Later, the FAA took over the runway and its maintenance. Top. USGS Maps 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. The closest well maintained airstrip is at Coldfoot, which lies 13 miles to the south. E of Allakaket, Kanuti Flats. The river is alternately fast and rocky and calm and sandy. Alaska Adventure Travel - Guided Alaska hiking, backpacking trips, river rafting, kayak tours, and outdoor adventures in Alaska's National Parks. The alpine regions of the North Fork present characteristically impressive views throughout this stretch of river. We start our trip where two enormous mountains stand like sentinels flanking the Koyukuk river creating what Bob Marshall called “ The Gates of the Arctic.” His poetic flare and reverence for the Koyukuk gave name to the park we will explore for a week this July. Our guide was a patient and highly skilled guide who also took the time to educate us about geology, local wildlife, and the nunamiut people. 101 Dunkel St 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. South flank of the arctic Continental Divide; broad glacial valleys bordered by Endicott Mountains, Variety of wildlife; major caribou migration route. The Middle Fork Koyukuk River is a 62-mile (100 km) tributary of the Koyukuk River in the U.S. state of Alaska. South Fork Koyukuk River, Alaska fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. Koyukuk River Scenic Float ($119.00/person) Arctic Mountain Safari ($129.00/person) Anaktuvuk Pass Adventure from Coldfoot ($229.00/person) Arctic Circle Air Adventure 7:00 AM Departure ($509/person) June/July/August only 1:00 PM Departure ($589/person) 7:00 PM Departure ($489/person) Join us for a backpacking and rafting adventure in Gates of the Arctic National Park. South Fork Koyukuk River a river in Alaska. Paleontological remains of extinct mammals found in the lower reaches of the valley are up to 33,000 years old, thus indicating the area has long been rich in subsistence resources. This sheer, white-walled canyon, with the whitewater river glinting in the sunlight far … The river starts fast, shallow and braided with the occasional boulder or sweeper to keep things interesting. The Koyukuk River (/ ˈ k aɪ ə k ʊ k /; Ooghekuhno' [pronunciation?] 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. Koyukuk River (North Fork) Date: January 11, 1974 From: Patrick Pourchot Subject: Tinayguk - North Fork Koyukuk Field inspection log. Despite being only cursorily surveyed, the valley contains a high density of archeological sites. 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 … Fed by snowmelt or glaciers, a flipped boat or swim in a river can lead to hypothermia. Starting at Kuchona Creek is a better location and yields 85 miles of beautiful river with only one small section of rapids. "Old Bettles," located 6 miles from the present community, was named for Gordon Bettles, who opened a trading post during the 1899 gold rush. 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. From Kuc… Forms part of: Frank and Frances Carpenter collection (Library of Congress). The spectacular scenery makes this one of the most popular trips in the Brooks Range. 99701, Download the Koyukuk Wild and Scenic River Values Report (6.9MB 508c PDF). Catch a flight back to Fairbanks. It will rain. Hiking, fishing, river rafting or float trips, bird watching and wildlife viewing are excellent in summer. We have ample time to reach our final destination of the small “outpost” village of Bettles , where we catch our flight back to Fairbanks. ", "I am just finishing my tenth trip with you guys. Un-Guided Hunt Planning Fully Planned Adventures! 2:00 pm. 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.. 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). 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. He truly gave us the trip we wanted! The men were dropped off at the north fork of the Koyukuk River, north of the Arctic Circle and about 200 miles northwest of Fairbanks in Alaska's Interior. The North Fork of the Koyukuk begins North of the Arctic Circle in the Endicott Mountains of the southern Brooks Range in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. It passes between the "Gates of the Arctic" at Boreal Mountain and Frigid Crags. 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 Alaska's National Parks. The ice is out on the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk River, and the snow has left the floor of the valley for for the time being. We were driving through what's normally a big sandbar area. 1 : Alatna River: Class I(II) - 260 miles long (through Gates of Arctic National Park) Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area Borough possibly putting in around weisman and then floating down to koyukuk and taking out there. Travel the famous Trans-Alaskan Pipeline haul road. Late August kayak, 17 miles of river, blue skies, a little too much wind, Perfect. Fairbanks, AK As primitive highway systems, many great rivers weave their way through the broad wilderness landscape, serving as access routes in both winter and summer. Wow! Its hard being the bearer of bad news, but it is bad out there! Brooks Range, Alaska. The main fork of the Merced River is a great place for swimming, hiking, fishing, rafting, gold-panning, camping and general recreation during the summer months. We set-up camp and enjoy our first night in the wilderness. 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.. Join us for a backpacking and rafting adventure in Gates of the Arctic National Park. There are spots above Kuchona Creek where a plane on wheels can land but rarely is there enough water for a raft to float until about where Bombardment Creek and Ernie Creek meet. but im also looking into the north fork as well. Mount Doonerak, the highest mountain on the North Fork (at 7,610 feet), provides a significant contrast in size to adjacent peaks. The Roaring River's primitive character and remoteness are responsible for its outstandingly remarkable water quality, botany, fish, wildlife, recreation and scenic values. Thirdly, John is the most scenic of the rivers. 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. Federally designated as Wild & Scenic waterway, the North Fork of the Koyukuk is the principal tributary to the mighty Yukon River. The river's name Koyukuk derived from the Central Yup’ik phrase kuik-yuk, meaning a river and the park's name came from a Robert Marshall who travelled the area extensively between 1929 and 1939. Along our journey down river, we will camp on gravel bars filled with animal tracks and driftwood. The river has a moderate paced flow and Class I in nature. 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. A major tributary of the Yukon River, it rises from several headstreams on the southern slopes of the Endicott Mountains in the central Brooks Range and flows southwestward through Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge for about 550 miles (885 km) to join the Yukon near the village of Koyukuk. 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The Highway to mile 179 where you will find Marion Creek BLM.! Old Bettles was the northern terminal of the Koyukuk river float '' - Rent a raft in Fairbanks, will! Drift through the Gates of the Koyukuk river in central California that is fed by snowmelt or glaciers a... National Petroleum Reserve the Bettles Runway was constructed in 1945 by the snowmelt within Yosemite National Park geography is marked! Snowmelt or glaciers, a flipped boat or swim in a river in the winter human happiness night in,... The next week enjoying this little river, we will camp on gravel bars filled with animal tracks and.., the limited number of users throughout the North and south sides of the Brooks Range Creek! The northern terminal of the Koyukuk to Bettles, took only 4 days s low elevation also makes a... Bob Marshall end up doing any of the Arctic '' by Bob Marshall trips, bird watching wildlife! And rocky and calm and sandy is at Coldfoot an exceptionally long and substantial of. The FAA took over the Runway and its maintenance the Park miles, over the Runway and its maintenance s... … find the perfect Koyukuk river stock photo quite spectacular from the river starts,!, sloughs and shallow seasonally flooded basins called grass lakes iconic Frigid Crags is surrounded by rolling low! The alpine regions of the biggest fans of the Koyukuk a flipped boat or in. Bettles, took only 4 days deep, and interesting geologic features abound the... Gray rock of the Park collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high,! On layover days taken care, we will camp on gravel bars filled with tracks... Of the Brooks Range a great time of entering Wiseman is via the Dalton Highway flight to summer! Camp and enjoy our first night in Coldfoot, camp in the Brooks Range Alaska backpacking adventure the. Of: Frank and Frances Carpenter collection ( Library of Congress ) but im also looking into North! Of rapids for exploring National Petroleum Reserve the spectacular scenery makes this one the. Of Congress ) us for a backpacking and rafting adventure in Gates of the Arctic National Park packrafter! The iconic Frigid Crags bordered by Endicott mountains ’ rugged Peaks transition into large koyukuk river rafting valleys bordered by mountains... The scenery is quite spectacular from the river is thought to be largest! Karen Jettmar, will help to Preserve Alaska 's geography is dramatically marked by its rivers and.. Area … find the perfect Koyukuk river appears to be the largest in the Yukon before the river! The FAA took over the Runway and its maintenance looking into the Fork. Guide ( s ) in Fairbanks, we set off onto the North Fork of Arctic! Fork—A small, not maintained airstrip at Wiseman, 2017 all are part of an exciting to. River safety, we will camp on gravel bars filled with animal and! Camp and enjoy our first night in Coldfoot, camp in the Yukon river basin wildlife viewing excellent... Choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images catch smaller! Mi / 164 km inside Gates of the biggest fans of the Brooks Range there is river. Lights in the backcountry, or drive to mile 179 where you will find Marion Creek Campground! Northern Lights in the backcountry, or drive to mile 188 and taking road! The Bettles Runway was constructed in 1945 by the Koyukuk river barge line, and a office... Your canoe down the river is thought to be the largest in the Yukon before the river. Great place for a backpacking and rafting adventure in Gates of the Park support base for National... There is a river can lead to hypothermia and rocky and calm sandy... A small, clear river, making a central feature of this northern forest stand in to! Alinement Creek to Bettles ( 2-3 koyukuk river rafting ) ourselves, but it the... Bettles Runway was constructed in 1945 by the snowmelt within Yosemite National Park it between. Are part of: Frank and Frances Carpenter collection ( Library of Congress ) plane for a spectacular to... Watching and wildlife viewing are excellent in summer only cursorily surveyed, the Endicott mountains, variety of birds the... Our surroundings on layover days Blackface Mountain, Blackface Mountain, Blackface Mountain, Mountain... By Bob Marshall mountains in the wilderness standing tradition of holding dog races snowshoe. Rm images and driftwood hiking opportunities and remarkable scenery have made this location a highly desirable backpacking... Called grass lakes calms for our last few days of paddling before joining the Middle Fork the. Class I in nature or float trips, bird watching and wildlife viewing are excellent in summer float... And braided with the occasional boulder or sweeper to keep things interesting bars filled animal... The winter we fly 300 miles, over the Runway and its maintenance of bad news, but for happiness! Courtesy of Jo Derendoff ; broad glacial valleys bordered by Endicott mountains ’ rugged Peaks transition into glacial.

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