Paddling Alaska's Wild and Scenic Rivers

Designating Alaskan rivers "Wild and Scenic" is a bit redundant. Like referring to New York City parks as "urban" greenspace—as if they had a choice in the matter. But the Wild and Scenic standard has more to do with preservation than guide-book description, and in the case of Alaska, indisputably the largest tract of wilderness in the United States, categorizing these watersheds goes a long way in ensuring that they are there to be appreciated for many generations to come.

Since the law to protect "Wild and Scenic" rivers was enacted by Congress in 1968, the government has applied the protection liberally to Alaskan rivers—42 are now part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. These rivers are noted for their free-running clear waters and limited access to their shorelines. They offer outstanding opportunities for solitude, a variety of recreational activities, and are managed to preserve these values now and for the future.

If you should be lucky enough to plan a trip on one of these rivers, there are a few pointers to keep in mind: Carry a good map, make sure your equipment is in good condition, tie gear securely to the boat at all times, and leave a float plan with friends so they can contact authorities if you are overdue. If you are at all uncertain about you're ability to lead a trip, we recommend signing on with a professional.

For the purposes of showcasing the spectacular rivers of this region, we've selected three watersheds with distinct qualities to highlight what Alaska has to offer. The rivers we've chosen are the Gulkana, the Delta, and the Fortymile—each is described briefly below and linked to longer descriptions of what they have to offer and how to explore them. This is but a sampling of the diversity. For a look at other rivers in Alaska visit GORP's Alaska - Wild and Scenic Rivers section for a full listing.

The Gulkana River drainage offers a little something for everyone. There are absolutely isolated stretches on the Middle and West fork, challenging Class III rapids on the main branch, top-notch fishing along its entire length, and excellent opportunities to see moose, bear, bald eagle and waterfowl. A three- to five-day trip down the main fork is the most popular trip due to its easy access points at both ends. It can consequently get pretty crowded (particularly on the lower sections) during the peak salmon runs from mid-June to late July. The Gulkana originates in Paxon Lake, north of Prince William Sound, and flows into the Copper River.

The Delta River begins high in the Tangle Lakes system of south-central Alaska and flows north through the Alaska Range to the Tanana River. The most popular trip is a 35-mile segment beginning at Tangle Lakes near the Denali Highway and ending at the Richardson Highway. Tundra-covered hills give way to steep alluvial slopes and rock cliffs as you journey northward. Water quality is excellent in the upper sections, but changes to a silty, turbid composition as the glacial streams of the Alaska Range join it. Most fishing is for grayling, but good lake trout fishing is available in late winter and early spring. Kayakers frequently continue for an extra 17 miles past the takeout point for challenging Class III rapids.

The Fortymile River drainage is an extensive network of creeks and rivers in east-central Alaska, 392 miles of which have been given national wild, scenic, or recreational designations. Boaters have many choices for recreational trips through deep winding canyons filled with forest of birch, spruce and aspen. A popular trip is the 38-mile float from the South Fork bridge to the Fortymile bridge. You can also continue to the Yukon River and town of Eagle, a distance of 92 miles. The majority of the Fortymile is Class I water, but there are Class II to Class IV sections along this main stretch, and Class V waters on some of the smaller tributaries. Fishing on the Fortymile is primarily for arctic grayling.