- Alatna River
The Alatna River is a federally-designated wild and scenic river partially contained within the boundaries of
Gates of the Arctic National Park ,Alaska . It is called one of the most beautiful rivers in America. The Alatna River stems from the central Brooks Range flowing thru the Endicott Mountains, passing Circle Lake, the Arrigetch Peaks and Takahula Lake before entering the Helpmejack Hills . The last section of the river continues to flow in a SSE direction thru the Alatna Hills into its confluence with the Koyukuk River near the small village of Allakaket. The first 25 miles of the Alatna are shallow and rocky, followed by 15 miles of a continued shallow area with more rapids. The river then mellows out near Takahula and Circle Lake becoming deeper and more meandering while the scenery turns from mountain peaks into hilly boreal forest. According to "The Alaska River Guide", this river is 184 miles long from the headwaters to Allakaket and 137 miles from Circle Lake to Allakaket.The river is very popular for float trips due to its calm flow and wonderful scenery. Float trips usually take from four to fourteen days, depending on put-in spot and pick-up spot, and also weather/river conditions. One common place to put in is
Circle Lake , a small lake which is float plane accessible and is located in a beautiful part of the valley. Another place to put in isTakahula Lake , a larger, float-plane accessible lake, further downstream from Circle Lake. Gaedeke Lake is also a possible put in spot, but according to the "Alaska River Guide", this upstream section near the headwaters of the river is shallow and rocky making portaging or lining necessary. Most floaters take out at the village ofAllakaket .External links
* [http://www.nps.gov/gaar/ Gates Of The Arctic National Park and Preserve]
* [http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River_detail_id_3155_ Alatna River Information] from the American Whitewater organizationReferences
Karen Jettmar, The Alaska River Guide: Canoeing, Kayaking, and Rafting in the Last Frontier. Menasha Ridge Press: Birmingham, Alababma. 3rd edition 2008, pp. 86-89
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