West Fork

	 A trip on the West Fork (South Branch) begins

at Lake Louise and continues through Susitna and

Tyone lakes and part way down the Tyone River.

Next, a series of portages, low water levels and

narrow channels requires extra time and patience

to reach the South Branch of the West Fork. The

route then traverses lake-dotted country; this is

exceptional wildlife habitat and is one of the most

remote and least-visited areas of the Gulkana

watershed.

	 The South Branch eventually joins the North

Branch to form the West Fork. From this junction,

the river flows slowly for 4 miles. Then it enters a 

canyon where it speeds through riffles and around 

large boulders in Class II-III water before quieting

down to a series of riffles and slow runs until its 

junction with the Main Branch.

	 Another trip option on the West Fork begins by

flying into one of two unnamed lakes at the headwaters of the North Branch. The North Branch

originates in the Alphabet Hills from the Amphitheater Mountains, eventually joining the South Branch

to form the West Fork. From the headwater lakes

to the confluence with the South Branch, the North 

Branch is a series of slow, meandering river bends

with many oxbow lakes and numerous log jams or

sweepers that may inhibit travel.

NOTE: These are extended wilderness trips with

numerous portages. Allow 7–14 days to complete 

either of these adventures. U. S. Geological Survey

topographic maps and good map-reading skills are

essential. Consult with the BLM in Glennallen if

planning to take either of these trips.

Adventures on the Gulkana River

The Setting

	 The Gulkana River watershed drains approximately 2,140 square miles in Southcentral Alaska. 

The river begins in the Alaska Range near Summit Lake and flows south into the Copper River. 

The Copper eventually empties into Prince William

Sound near Cordova.

	 Several hundred lakes and ponds are scattered throughout the surrounding spruce-dominated

forest. Paxson Lake, the largest, is about 10 miles 

long and 1/2–1 mile wide. The Gulkana River falls

1,250 feet in the 81 river miles between Paxson 

Lake and the confluence with the Copper River.

Main Branch

The most popular float trip begins at Paxson 

Lake and ends at Sourdough Creek Campground.

The total distance is a about 47 river miles; allow 3 

to 4 days for travel. The vehicle shuttle is 31 miles 

each way between Paxson Lake Campground

(MP 175 Richardson Highway) and the take-out at

Sourdough Creek Campground (MP 147.5 

Richardson Highway).

	 Begin your trip at the BLM boat launch at

Paxson Lake Campground. Four miles of paddling/

rowing southwest on the lake will bring you to the

Gulkana River at the lake outlet; this is considered

River Mile 0. From here to the junction with the 

Middle Fork (3 miles), the Gulkana is a shallow, 

rocky stream with Class II rapids and a gradient of

38 ft./mile. Whitewater experience is necessary to 

successfully navigate this section.

At the confluence of the Middle Fork and the 

Main Branch, the river becomes slow and meandering. There are occasional rocks and small waves in

the Class I water. Watch for an old cabin that was

used by trappers in the region.

Canyon Rapids is at Mile 20. Take-out signs 

mark the portage on the left side of the river. These

rapids may be either Class III or IV, depending on

water flow. Only experienced whitewater boaters 

should attempt to navigate Canyon Rapids! Scout

the 1⁄4-mile length before attempting passage. It is 

often helpful, and sometimes necessary, for experienced boaters to portage gear prior to running the

rapids. At high water levels, open canoes and small

rafts MUST be portaged. Even experienced boaters have wrapped and destroyed rafts and canoes

here.

	 There are several small camping areas at

Canyon Rapids. The portage trail and a 1-mile hiking trail take you to Canyon Lake and provides a

good opportunity to stretch your legs. Fishing is excellent for grayling and rainbow trout in the canyon.

	 Below Canyon Rapids, there are 9 miles of

Class II and III rapids which are generally shallow

and rocky. Many canoes and rafts have been damaged beyond repair in this section of the river.

	 The West Fork joins the Main Branch at Mile

39. From here to the take-out point, the river is slow 

and meandering with occasional rocks and riffles, 

rated at Class I.

NOTE: Powerboats may be encountered on the

Gulkana above the West Fork confluence downstream to Sourdough Creek Campground and

beyond. This stretch is frequently crowded with

anglers and boaters during the summer salmon

runs, particularly on weekends. Please respect

others’ rights to enjoy the Gulkana.

A floater’s guide of the Main Branch with recommended campsites and trip planning information is

available at the Glennallen Field Office and Paxson 

boat launch.

	 Portions of the Gulkana River were designated

as part of the National Wild and Scenic River system by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act in 1980. A wild river is free of impoundments, generally inaccessible except by trail, has

primitive watersheds and shorelines, and has unpolluted waters. The Gulkana was recognized for its

primitive character, abundant fish and wildlife, and 

its geologic, cultural and recreational values. There

are 25 rivers in Alaska that are part of this system.

The Bureau of Land Management administers six of

them.

Middle Fork

	 The main access to the Middle Fork is from the

boat launch at the Delta National Wild and Scenic

River Wayside at Mile 21.5 of the Denali Highway.

Travel south through the Upper Tangle Lakes. Two

short portages provide access to an unnamed

muddy shallow lake.

	 Two routes may be taken from there: (1) continue to the south end of the muddy lake. Two short

portages and a 1-mile-long portage to the south will

take you to Dickey

Lake which flows 

into the Middle

Fork of the Gulkana River; or (2)

travel/line up the

Tangle River out

of the muddy lake

and paddle to the

1-mile portage

above Dickey

Lake.

NOTE: Portages

are not marked or

maintained. Float

planes may land at

Dickey Lake.

	 The outlet for Dickey Lake is at the extreme

southeast corner of the lake. The first 3 miles of the 

Middle Fork are very shallow and flow through riffles and rocks at a gradient of 30 ft./mile. Then the 

river abruptly plunges into a steep canyon where it

speeds through riffles and around large boulders in 

Class II-III rapids before quieting down to a series

of riffles and slow runs for about 6 miles. 

	 The gradient drops to about 25 ft./mile then

finally to 1 ft./mile where the river becomes slow 

and meandering before joining the Main Branch.

Allow 6 to 7 days for the entire trip (72 miles) from 

Dickey Lake to Sourdough Creek Campground.

U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

Glennallen Field Office

Milepost 186.5 Glenn Hwy

P.O. Box 147

Glennallen, Alaska 99588

(907) 822-3217

Visit us on the Internet at:

www.blm.gov/ak/gdo

BLM/AK/GI-88/008+8351+050 Rev 06

Middle Fork access

from Upper Tangle Lakes

Delta

National

Wild & Scenic

River Wayside

Lower 

Tangle

Lake

Long

Tangle

Lake

Round

Tangle

Lake

Upper

Tangle

Lakes

Dickey

Lake

DENALI

Mi Fork

ddle Tangle River

HIGHWAY

Gulkana River

Tangle Lakes

Campground

Kayaker approaching Canyon Rapids.

Gulkana

National Wild River

BLM

Glennallen Field Office, Alaska

BLM Recreation Guide
Travel Safely

The Gulkana River is a wilderness 

adventure known for its subdued 

but wild scenery, challenging rapids 

and excellent fishing. Those who 

travel here are responsible for 

maintaining its primitive character 

for all who follow...

• use existing campsites.

• use firepans or existing firepits.

• bring your own firewood, charcoal 

or cook stove. Never cut green 

wood.

• dispose of gray water at least 200 

feet away from rivers and lakes. 

Soap is not necessary, but if you 

use it, be sure it is biodegradable.

• pack out human waste in portable 

toilet containers. There is a boater 

dump station at Sourdough Creek 

Campground. If you do not have a 

portable toilet, bury human waste 

at least 6 inches deep and 200 feet 

away from waterways.

• pick up any litter that you find and 

carry out all garbage. If you pack it 

in, you can pack it out.

• leave plants, soil, minerals, wildlife 

and other natural features undis-

turbed for others to enjoy.

• small lifejackets can be borrowed 

at a Kids Don’t Float kiosk and left 

at the takeout.

Water

Drink only tap, filtered, treated or 

boiled water. Drinking untreated 

water can make you sick.

Avoiding bears

Keep your campsites extremely 

clean. Cook and keep food away 

from tents. Store food in airtight 

containers so bears can’t smell it. 

Pack out all trash including 

unburned items from the firepit.

Watch for hazards

Be alert for approaching hazards 

such as boulders, jagged rocks, 

large holes and fallen trees. Scout 

the rapids before attempting 

passage.

Capsizing, sinking and falling 

overboard from small boats account 

for 70 percent of boating fatalities. 

Always wear a life jacket when on 

or near the water.

Suggested equipment

• life jacket: type III or V for 

 each person

• first aid kit

• boat repair kit

• spare oars or paddles

• warm clothing in a “dry bag”

• rain gear

• shovel

• matches in waterproof container

• throwbags or throw cushions

• insect repellant and/or headnet

• bailing device

• fire extinguisher (for motorized 

 craft)

• air pump (for inflatable rafts)

• USGS inch-to-the-mile scale maps

Know your limits

The Gulkana River is not a place for 

a novice boater. Solo travel is not 

recommended. Always travel with at 

least two craft in your group.

Accidents can occur in seconds 

and emergency assistance can 

take many hours to reach you. If 

you lack experience, proper equip-

ment or knowledge of the river, you 

should engage a licensed guide or 

outfitter to assist you.

Share the river

When encountering a motorized 

boat, non-motorized craft should 

row to one side to allow the mo-

tor boat to maneuver through the 

deeper channel. Give them as 

much room as possible.

Motorized boats should be courte-

ous of non-motorized boats in nar-

row river sections and in rapids and 

reduce speed when passing close. 

The wake of a motorized boat can 

easily swamp a canoe. 

Additional restrictions

Power boats are not recommended 

between Paxson Lake and a point 

1 mile north of the West Fork con-

fluence.

All boaters must abide by the Coast 

Guard Inland Water Regulations 

(call 1-800-368-5647).

Aircraft are not permitted on the 

river surface within the wild river 

corridor.

Off-road vehicles are restricted to 

deignated trails and must be parked 

out of sight of river users.

Season and Climate

The river-running season generally begins in earlyto-mid June, depending on ice breakup and precipi

-

tation. Average annual precipitation is 11 inches of 

rain and 48 inches of snow. July is usually the 

wettest month. During the summer, temperatures 

range from 35 degrees F with occasional highs in 

the 80s. However, be prepared for cold, wet weath-

er at any time. By mid-September, the shorter days 

and colder temperatures bring the river-running 

season to a quick end.

Plants and Animals

Spruce-hardwood forest is the major vegetation 

type seen along the Gulkana River. Here you may 

see white and black spruce, birch, aspen and 

poplar forests with an understory including willow, 

alder, rose, dwarf birch, cranberry, blueberry, 

Labrador tea, dwarf dogwood, lichens and mosses.

Fish and Fishing

The Gulkana is a popular sport fishing stream in 

Alaska. The lakes have good populations of lake 

trout, burbot and whitefish. 

Rivers and streams contain 

rainbow trout/steelhead, arctic 

grayling, king salmon, red 

salmon, whitefish, longnose 

suckers, and lamprey. 

Fishing licenses can be 

purchased in Glennallen, Delta 

Junction and Tok. Fishing is 

particularly heavy on weekends 

in June and July when kings are 

running.

History and Prehistory

The first 7 miles of the Middle 

Fork below Dickey Lake are 

within the Tangle Lakes Archaeo-

logical District, which is listed on 

the National Register of Historic 

Places. Several known prehis-

toric sites are located within the 

designated wild river area. The 

earliest known human use of the 

Gulkana River was by the Ahtna 

Indians. Around 1910, the West 

Fork and the Middle Fork were 

routes used by miners to reach 

the Denali Mining District about 

80 miles to the west. Collection 

or disturbance of any historic or 

prehistoric remains is against 

the law.

Emergency contacts

Alaska State Troopers

911 or (907) 822-3263

Cross Roads Medical Center: 

911 or (907) 822-3203

Fire: 911 or (907) 822-5533

Report river incidents and 

accidents to the BLM 

Glennallen Field Office: 

(907) 822-3217

Please provide your trip 

information at the register 

stands located at the launch 

points or the Canyon Rapids 

portage.

Gulkana National Wild River