Gulkana River

The Gulkana is a special place to anyone that’s visited, and those that haven’t visited are missing out in a very unique Alaskan experience.  It is a beautiful clearwater river system that offers unbelievable sport fishing opportunities and untethered beauty.  The entire 50 mile stretch of river from Paxson Lake campground to Sourdough campground is almost entirely surrounded by federal and state land.

North of Sourdough, the river was designated by congress as a wild river because of its scenic, recreational, fish, and wildlife values.
Floating the river includes a lot of slow moving waterways along with portions of class two rapids.  The Canyon Rapids is a 1/4 stretch of Class IV/V rapids that has a portaging option.  The canyon is a perfect spot to camp overnight and spend a day or two exploring.  It offers a secluded lake that offers great wildlife viewing within a short 1 mile hike, as well as great fishing directly above and below the rapids.

The Gulkana River is home to one of the largest Arctic Grayling fisheries in the state as well as the most northernly native population of rainbow trout in North America.  Anglers who fish the Gulkana between June and August can experience premier grayling fishing, in addition to opportunities to target chinook and socket salmon.  Fishing during September and October offers a superb post-salmon run for Rainbow Trout and steelhead.
Wildlife that is very common to see along the river are moose, beavers, bears, eagles, caribou, duck, and trumpeter swans.