It’s summer in Alaska and the rivers are ice free. One way to enjoy Alaska’s scenic landscape is by floating one of the numerous rivers. The Gulkana River in the Copper River Basin is an accessible option for those looking for an easy (mostly Class I-II) and short (half day to week) float trip through picturesque country.

There are several put in and take out points on the river, which allow one to plan trips of varying length. Most people float somewhere along the main stem of the river, putting in at Paxson Lake and taking out at one of several places down stream. A take out at Sourdough Campground provides a trip of 45 miles and can be done in three to five days. For a longer trip, one can take out at Poplar Grove, Sailor’s Pit, or the Richardson Highway bridge. The latter option lengthens the total trip to 80 miles and can be completed in four to seven days.

Both Poplar Grove and Sailor's Pit are on Ahtna land and require user permits, payable at the entrance to the parking area. The Poplar Grove take out is difficult to spot from the river, especially if you haven't been there before. It also requires a short hike (less than 1/2 mile) from the river to the parking lot - the trail is steep and narrow in places. While it's possible to portage a canoe up this trail, a river raft might present some difficulties. Sailor's Pit presents an easier take out, but again, may be indistinguishable from other gravel beaches unless you know exactly what you're looking for (and/or have a GPS coordinate).

Float times and river conditions can vary widely depending on water level. Early in the season (which runs from mid June through September) runoff from snow melt generates greater flow with the resulting in faster trips and more rapids. The number of people on the river varies with the season as well, with peak visitation coinciding with the 4th of July. Temperatures range from an average high of 69°F in July to an average low of 35°F in September. Afternoon thunderstorms are not unusual.

Personally, I enjoy floating sections of this river in the fall – late August and early September. By then, crowds have disappeared and the various poplar species lining the river are touched with yellow. The air can be nippy though, so dressing warmly is essential – especially since one may have to hop out of the raft on occasion in order to pass over extremely shallow sections. The section from Sailor's Pit to the Richardson Highway bridge makes an excellent half day float.

Bald eagles are common along the river corridor. According to BLM surveys, as many as 100 nesting sites are in existence, although not all of them may be in use in any given year. Moose and bear may also be sighted on the river banks, as well as a variety of birds.

The Gulkana is also popular with anglers as it supports runs of kings (chinook) and reds (sockeye). Grayling and rainbow trout are also found in the Gulkana, while lake trout can be caught in Paxson Lake. If you plan on fishing during your trip, make sure you check the latest regulations (see ADF&G link below); regulations on use of lure, bait, and hook size change on various sections of the river and across the entire summer, so it’s important to be clear on when, where and how you can fish while floating.

In 1980, the Gulkana was designated as a Wild National and Scenic River. It is managed by the BLM Glennallen Field Office. They have put together a handy guide for floating the Gulkana which includes a map, description of designated camp sites, and specific regulations regarding river use. It is a helpful resource for planning a trip (see link to PDF file below).

Happy Floating!