The Squirrel River, located in northwestern Alaska above the Arctic Circle, offers a fabulous week-long rafting excursion. Smooth water with few sweepers or other obstacles make this an easy trip, giving you plenty of time to bask in the peaks at the river's source or gaze over the endless Arctic Tundra further along. Or test your skills against the creatures that swim the crystal clear waters or the game that roams the shore.

The river begins at 750 feet above sea level in a mountain valley among the 2,000- to 3,000-foot peaks of the Baird Mountains. The river's mouth is less than 100 feet above sea level. Most of the gradient occurs in the first 15 miles, dropping about 40 feet per mile. The rest of the river has a gradient of only about two feet per mile, providing an opportunity for relatively safe and easy floating.

The braided headwaters of the river flow through a gravel floodplain surrounded by alpine tundra that is suitable for hiking. The entire watershed is in a very natural state with only a couple of cabins visible from the river. About 10 miles below the headwaters, the river begins to flow primarily as a single channel and meanders for most of its 95-mile length across a broad valley with the 2,000-foot Kiana Hills on the south and the Baird Mountains on the north. The middle section of the river flows through a spruce forest and next to a few low bluffs that provide scenic viewpoints of the surrounding area. The lower portion of the river passes through more open tundra before flowing into the Kobuk River at the village of Kiana.

The Squirrel River is an excellent example of northwestern Alaska geography and scenery. Numerous gravel bar campsites are available, except on the last seven miles of the river. Fishing and hunting are good, and the river is more accessible than most northwestern Alaska rivers.

The river is administered by the Bureau of Land Management out of the Kotzebue Field Office.

Float Trip

Water: The water is extremely clear with the exception of the lower few miles where the silt bottom is stirred up by the current.

Difficulty: There are no rapids, and only a few sweepers or other obstacles that might present hazards to inexperienced boaters. Motor boats can use the lower 20 miles of the river under normal conditions.

Trip Length: The Squirrel River is an easy, pleasant, one-week recreational trip.

Stream flow: The river varies in width from 15 to 60 feet and is up to eight feet deep as it flows through deep pools and across shallow gravel bars from about 10 miles from its source to the mouth of the North Fork of the Squirrel.

From the North Fork to Klery Creek the river meanders in tight bends and becomes wider (100-150 feet) and deeper (up to 10 feet).

From Klery Creek to the confluence with the Kobuk River, the Squirrel River averages 200 feet wide and four feet deep (greater in some pools). The river current averages two to three miles per hour.

Float Plan: Leave your plan with relatives or friends who will contact authorities if you don't return on time. Notify them when you arrive to avoid unnecessary searches.

Equipment: Pack equipment in watertight bags and tie them to the raft or canoe. Group equipment should include a 50- to 100-foot rope, first-aid kit, extra paddles, repair materials and survival equipment. Check equipment periodically, especially life jackets and any items that could prevent your escape from the boat if it overturns.

Hunting


There are excellent sport hunting opportunities for moose and caribou in the Squirrel River basin. In the early fall moose are in the hills surrounding the Squirrel River. By November and December they are relatively common in willow thickets near the river. Caribou from the Western Arctic Herd migrate through the area; the highest numbers are normally present during August and September. By November most of the animals have migrated south. Please become familiar with the current State of Alaska game regulations for Unit 23 while planning your hunting trip.

Fishing

Grayling fishing is excellent due to high quality habitat and light fishing pressure. Chum salmon, pink salmon, northern pike, arctic char and sheefish can also be caught. The river provides important habitat for commercial and subsistence catch of chum salmon. Indications are that nearly 40 percent of the chum salmon caught in the Kobuk River were spawned in the Squirrel River.

Winter Use


The Squirrel River watershed provides an excellent environment for snowmachining and other winter activities. Remember that the daylight hours are very short and make your plans for long distance journeys accordingly. Blizzards and avalanches may occur in the Baird Mountains. It is especially important in winter to take the time to prepare your equipment and yourself for any unforeseen problem that you may encounter in this remote environment. Never travel alone.

Access


The river can be reached by aircraft, boat or snowmachine, depending on the sea-son. There is daily commercial jet service to and from Kotzebue. Several registered commercial guides are permitted by the BLM to use public lands to provide guided hunting or fishing trips in this area. A list of these guides and their services can be provided upon request.

Air charter services are available from both Kotzebue and Kiana. A typical charter flight from Kotzebue to the headwaters of the Squirrel River takes 30 to 45 minutes. Commercial air carriers travel several days a week between Kotzebue and Kiana at the mouth of the river.

During periods of normal to low water, light, wheel-equipped aircraft can land on a number of gravel bars. The suitability of these landing sites changes with higher water levels, and visitors should consult local pilots for more information. During the winter, access is possible by skiequipped airplane, snowmachine or dog sled. There are no permanent improved roads in the area.