North Fork Koyukuk River Float. The North Fork preserves an exceptionally long and substantial record of human occupation. We didn’t end up doing any of the excursion ourselves, but we were told that they are quite a unique experience. 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. Old Bettles was the northern terminal of the Koyukuk River barge line, and a post office operated there from 1901 to 1956. When visiting the Valley, you won't help but see and spend time near the Merced River. Here are some photos courtesy of Dolly Simon-Dayton and race results courtesy of Jo Derendoff. The North Fork of the Koyukuk flows south through a broad, glacially carved valley beside the … The river starts fast, shallow and braided with the occasional boulder or sweeper to keep things interesting. The U.S. Navy used these facilities as a support base for exploring National Petroleum Reserve. You can put in near Mount Doonerak . 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. 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. 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. Observe, photograph, and … Un-Guided Hunt Planning Fully Planned Adventures! The annual production of summer chum salmon along the Anvik River is thought to be the largest in the Yukon River basin. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. 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 Koyukuk River is pretty high right now. Episcopal Station on the Koyukuk River, the farthest north mission in Alaska Title transcribed from caption accompanying item. 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 annual production of summer chum salmon along the Anvik River is thought to be the largest in the Yukon River basin. Observe, photograph, and … Once my guilt for excessive comfort was taken care, we had a terrific experience. The river winds its way through Yosemite Valley, making a central feature of this area of the park. 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. 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 … Pristine Ventures is the premier Alaska travel adventure company, providing memorable Alaskan back-country, fishing, hunting and river rafting tours and expeditions. 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 Excellent hiking opportunities and remarkable scenery have made this location a highly desirable wilderness backpacking area within the Brooks Range. possibly putting in around weisman and then floating down to koyukuk and taking out there. 101 Dunkel St A close second is a rafting trip down Koyukuk River. He referred to two of the peaks within the central Brooks Range, Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain, as the gates into the Arctic north. E of Allakaket, Kanuti Flats. Suite 110 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. Wildlife found within the park include wolf, grizzly bear, muskox, … but im also looking into the north fork as well. The North Fork Koyukuk River is the country Robert Marshall celebrated in his classic writings on Alaska and on the concept of wilderness. 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. Meet your guide(s) in Fairbanks for a pre-trip meeting at 4pm at Arctic Wild headquarters. Huslia has a long standing tradition of holding dog races, snowshoe races and other competitions around Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Roaring River's primitive character and remoteness are responsible for its outstandingly remarkable water quality, botany, fish, wildlife, recreation and scenic values. 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. Along our journey down river, we will camp on gravel bars filled with animal tracks and driftwood. In short, Alaska rivers are serious forces of nature. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible. The Middle Fork Koyukuk River is a 62-mile (100 km) tributary of the Koyukuk River in the U.S. state of Alaska. 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. 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. A close second is a rafting trip down Koyukuk River. 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. We didn’t end up doing any of the excursion ourselves, but we were told that they are quite a unique experience. 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. The alpine regions of the North Fork present characteristically impressive views throughout this stretch of river. The North Fork joins the Middle Fork and can be run all the way to Bettles Field. 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. 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. He truly gave us the trip we wanted! "Koyukuk River Float" - Rent a raft in Fairbanks, we'll drop you off at Coldfoot. From Kuc… This is dream material. 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. There is a small, not maintained airstrip at Wiseman. We have ample time to reach our final destination of the small “outpost” village of Bettles , where we catch our flight back to Fairbanks. Starting at Kuchona Creek is a better location and yields 85 miles of beautiful river with only one small section of rapids. 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. 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. Cross the Arctic Circle. 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: Later, the FAA took over the runway and its maintenance. The Middle Fork Koyukuk River is a 62-mile (100 km) tributary of the Koyukuk River in the U.S. state of Alaska. 1 : Alatna River: Class I(II) - 260 miles long (through Gates of Arctic National Park) Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area Borough Forms part of: Frank and Frances Carpenter collection (Library of Congress). 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. 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) What follows is a general flow of events. The North Fork Koyukuk River offers excellent floating conditions, but also has outstanding hiking opportunities, especially along the upper reaches of the watershed. The Yukon River, 2,300 miles long, is perhaps the most famous of Alaska's rivers. That’s nothing like rafting in Alaska. Join us for a backpacking and rafting adventure in Gates of the Arctic National Park. The river bisects the iconic Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain, dubbed the "Gates to the Arctic" by Bob Marshall. “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 tall green spires of this northern forest stand in contrast to the gray rock of the Brooks Range. 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. 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. ", Wrangell St Elias and Glacier Bay National Parks. 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. Camp along the mighty Yukon River. 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. In July i spent six days doing a packraft trip in Gates of the Arctic National Park. The river, from Alinement Creek to Bettles, took only 4 days. 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. W of Chandalar Lake, flows SW to Koyukuk River, 20 mi. 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. Within the refuge the river is surrounded by oxbow lakes, sloughs and shallow seasonally flooded basins called grass lakes. A guided Alaska backpacking adventure through the Arrigetch Peaks in Gates of the Arctic National Park. 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. The only practical way of entering Wiseman is via the Dalton Highway. Spend the night in Coldfoot, camp in the backcountry, or drive to mile 179 where you will find Marion Creek BLM Campground. North Fork Koyukuk via Galbraith Lake/Oolah Valley. 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). Expect a bit of everything. 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. 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 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. 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. The Alatna River flows from the Endicott Mountains 145 miles southeast to the Koyukuk River. 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 … We spend the next week enjoying this little river, as well as exploring our surroundings on layover days. View fullsize "Coldfoot Area Overnight" - Early morning start from Fairbanks. It is the last major tributary entering the Yukon before the larger river empties into the Bering Sea. Close by, you’ll pass the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, which really captures the meaning of the word “remote.” Up here, those rivers are known as creeks. 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. Alaska Adventure Travel - Guided Alaska hiking, backpacking trips, river rafting, kayak tours, and outdoor adventures in Alaska's National Parks. 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). Some of the biggest fans of the races on the Koyukuk River races. koyukuk river 01-11-2011, 14:31 so im thinking of canoeing the koyukuk. 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. 99701, Download the Koyukuk Wild and Scenic River Values Report (6.9MB 508c PDF). Along our journey down river, we will camp on gravel bars filled with animal tracks and driftwood. 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. 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. The Merced River is a river in central California that is fed by the snowmelt within Yosemite 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. 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! The Koyukuk River (/ ˈ k aɪ ə k ʊ k /; Ooghekuhno' [pronunciation?] Here, you’ll be able to tour Koyukuk River in the summer, and possibly view the Northern Lights in the winter. His wilderness philosophy defined such wild places as essential not only for ecological health, but for human happiness. This video was taken on September 16, 2017. The Bettles Runway was constructed in 1945 by the U.S. Navy. We set-up camp and enjoy our first night in the wilderness. Coldfoot camp sign, 58 miles north of the Arctic Circle Imagine canoeing the North Fork of the Koyukuk. Travel the famous Trans-Alaskan Pipeline haul road. 2:00 pm. This tapestry of rich wetlands combines with lowland boreal forests to support a wide variety of birds. Brooks Range, Alaska. All are part of an exciting expedition to raft the Koyukuk River in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Times of rugged explorers, miners and Athabascan Natives will be on our minds as we paddle this scenic river in our sturdy collapsible canoes. "Old Bettles," located 6 miles from the present community, was named for Gordon Bettles, who opened a trading post during the 1899 gold rush. Spend the night in Coldfoot, camp in the backcountry, or drive to mile 179 where you will find Marion Creek BLM Campground. Within the central Brooks Range, the Endicott Mountains’ rugged peaks transition into large glacial valleys. This is a great trip for any packrafter looking to experience both the north and south sides of the Brooks Range. 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