Old Bettles was the northern terminal of the Koyukuk River barge line, and a post office operated there from 1901 to 1956. We were driving through what's normally a big sandbar area. We wake early and paddle the remain miles to Bettles, where weather permitting, we catch our plane back to “civilization.” Hot showers are in order! 2:00 pm. He truly gave us the trip we wanted! The Merced River is a river in central California that is fed by the snowmelt within Yosemite National Park. The North Fork also provides backpacking access to the Tinayguk River, which allows the visitor to travel between the John River and Wild River drainages. As the river slows we have more time and attention to watch for bears (both back and grizzly), wolves, moose, and perhaps even lynx or wolverine. Old Bettles was the northern terminal of the Koyukuk River barge line, and a post office operated there from 1901 to 1956. This sheer, white-walled canyon, with the whitewater river glinting in the sunlight far … It is the last major tributary entering the Yukon before the larger river empties into the Bering Sea. And there could be some bugs. In his 1933 book about daily life in the town of Wiseman (titled Arctic Village), Marshall advertised to the world that he had discovered a kind of Arctic utopia. Huslia Open Dog Race 1. Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain form the Gates of the Arctic, the iconic passage to the Gates of the Arctic National Park, as described by Robert . A guided Alaska backpacking adventure through the Arrigetch Peaks in Gates of the Arctic National Park. Alaska Adventure Travel - Guided Alaska hiking, backpacking trips, river rafting, kayak tours, and outdoor adventures in Alaska's National Parks. The Gates area … This small mining community on the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk River in the Brooks Range offers a smattering of lodging and is three miles off the Dalton Highway.Original buildings, including the old post office, remain as relics to past eras of prosperity. but im also looking into the north fork as well. The North Fork of the Koyukuk begins North of the Arctic Circle in the Endicott Mountains of the southern Brooks Range in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. The North Fork seems to have represented one of the main paths of distribution for this significant prehistoric resource. Fly from Bettles to Red Star Lake and then hike north to the two mountains dubbed “the Gates of the Arctic.” Float the North Fork of the Koyukuk River … ", "That feeling of wide open wonder, the possibilities for nearly limitless wandering, and the image of those proud caribou...that will stay with me a long time", "Our guide was an encyclopedia on legs. It might snow. Once my guilt for excessive comfort was taken care, we had a terrific experience. Some of the biggest fans of the races on the Koyukuk River races. Float the Koyukuk to Bettles (2-3 days). Episcopal Station on the Koyukuk River, the farthest north mission in Alaska Title transcribed from caption accompanying item. The Koyukuk River drains the southern side of the Brooks Range before merging into the Yukon River 500 miles later, making it the third largest river in Alaska. The WIS-076 site exemplifies this phase of human occupation; it is one of the oldest known sites in the park and dates to approximately 11,000 years ago. Travel the famous Trans-Alaskan Pipeline haul road. Beavers will slap their tales in alarm as we round the next bend and birds like Northern Hawk Owls, swans and ptarmigan are commons sights. Spend the night in Coldfoot, camp in the backcountry, or drive to mile 179 where you will find Marion Creek BLM Campground. Koyukuk River (North Fork) This river flows from the south flank of the Arctic Divide through broad, glacially carved valleys in the rugged Endicott Mountains of Alaska's Central Brooks Range. Coldfoot camp sign, 58 miles north of the Arctic Circle Optional excursions are Flightseeing to nearby Kobuk Valley & Gates of Arctic Nat Park, Fishing Excursions, Gold Panning, Dog Sled Demonstrations, and Rafting Adventures (additional cost). Imagine canoeing the North Fork of the Koyukuk. The men were dropped off at the north fork of the Koyukuk River, north of the Arctic Circle and about 200 miles northwest of Fairbanks in Alaska's Interior. "The wilderness was spectacular, the leadership perfect. The Yukon River, 2,300 miles long, is perhaps the most famous of Alaska's rivers. Wild Lake As the winter snow melts and … The valley was also a major east-west intraregional travel corridor in prehistory, as demonstrated by the frequent occurrence along the North Fork of obsidian that derives from a major source on the Koyukuk’s main stem some 200 miles to the southwest. Details. The Anvik River(/ ˈ æ n. v ɪ k /) is a 140-mile (230 km) tributary of the Yukon River in the U.S. state of Alaska.It flows southeast from the Nulato Hills to its mouth on the larger river 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of Anvik.. One unique aspect of the North Fork is that portions of this valley were unglaciated at the end of the last ice age and the area was thus available to human occupation by the very earliest inhabitants of Beringia. ", "Of all outfitters with whom we have worked (and that is quite a number), you were by far the most organized and responsive. The Koyukuk River is pretty high right now. The North Fork of the Koyukuk flows south through a broad, glacially carved valley beside the … 101 Dunkel St The Roaring River's primitive character and remoteness are responsible for its outstandingly remarkable water quality, botany, fish, wildlife, recreation and scenic values. Once past the confluence with Middle Fork, we enjoy this broad clear river and camp within a few mile of Bettles, our take-out. Wildlife found within the park include wolf, grizzly bear, muskox, … We spend the next week enjoying this little river, as well as exploring our surroundings on layover days. The men were dropped off at the north fork of the Koyukuk River, north of the Arctic Circle and about 200 miles northwest of Fairbanks in Alaska's Interior. The only practical way of entering Wiseman is via the Dalton Highway. The included Koyukuk River boat tour takes you to the ghost town of “Old Bettles” founded in 1898, where the last gold rush took place. Join us for a backpacking and rafting adventure in Gates of the Arctic National Park. The North Fork preserves an exceptionally long and substantial record of human occupation. Wiseman’s scenic settling along the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk River and against the backdrop of the Brooks Range give you a sense for its recreational options. Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain form the Gates of the Arctic, the iconic passage to the Gates of the Arctic National Park, as described by Robert Marshall. 1 : Alatna River: Class I(II) - 260 miles long (through Gates of Arctic National Park) Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area Borough Optional excursions are Flightseeing to nearby Kobuk Valley & Gates of Arctic Nat Park, Fishing Excursions, Gold Panning, Dog Sled Demonstrations, and Rafting Adventures (additional cost). The ice is out on the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk River, and the snow has left the floor of the valley for for the time being. Join us for a backpacking and rafting adventure in Gates of the Arctic National Park. Backpack the famed Arrigetch Peaks and raft down the spectacular Alatna River Alaska Adventure Travel - Guided Alaska hiking, backpacking trips, river rafting, kayak tours, and outdoor adventures in Alaska's National Parks. Alaska’s rivers are huge bodies of water that move fast, run deep, and are cold. This tapestry of rich wetlands combines with lowland boreal forests to support a wide variety of birds. Alaska photos and Alaska stock photography for your publishing needs Meet your guide(s) in Fairbanks for a pre-trip meeting at 4pm at Arctic Wild headquarters. The annual production of summer chum salmon along the Anvik River is thought to be the largest in the Yukon River basin. The river calms for our last few days of paddling before joining the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk. The closest well maintained airstrip is at Coldfoot, which lies 13 miles to the south. He used northern forest research as a pretext for mountain climbing, mapping uncharted waterways, and mingling with the Alaska Native people and gold mining sourdoughs of the Koyukuk. A close second is a rafting trip down Koyukuk River. South flank of the arctic Continental Divide; broad glacial valleys bordered by Endicott Mountains, Variety of wildlife; major caribou migration route. The river bisects the iconic Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain, dubbed the "Gates to the Arctic" by Bob Marshall. The Koyukuk River (/ ˈ k aɪ ə k ʊ k /; Ooghekuhno' [pronunciation?] Its hard being the bearer of bad news, but it is bad out there! The river, from Alinement Creek to Bettles, took only 4 days. About heads 8 mi. More Alaska reading is available from our Bookstore. Close by, you’ll pass the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, which really captures the meaning of the word “remote.” Marshall’s writings, including Alaska Wilderness (1956) published after his death, inspired later wilderness enthusiasts to push for preservation of a vast section of the Brooks Range as Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. He referred to two of the peaks within the central Brooks Range, Frigid Crags and Boreal Mountain, as the gates into the Arctic north. South Fork Koyukuk River a river in Alaska. Excellent hiking opportunities and remarkable scenery have made this location a highly desirable wilderness backpacking area within the Brooks Range. The Koyukuk River drainage Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) run has been identified by ADF&G as a Stock of Concern (5 AAC 39.222) … Fun Fact: Nine of America’s 16 highest peaks meet in the park on four different mountain ranges: Wrangell, St. Elias, Chugach, and the Alaskan Range. The following is a day-by-clay account of a field inspection of the Tinayguk River and North Fork of the Koyukuk River conducted July 11-20, 1373, by the following personnel: This video was taken on September 16, 2017. Pristine Ventures is the premier Alaska travel adventure company, providing memorable Alaskan back-country, fishing, hunting and river rafting tours and expeditions. Wiseman can be accessed by taking the highway to Mile 188 and taking a road to the west leading over the Koyukuk RIver. 99701, Download the Koyukuk Wild and Scenic River Values Report (6.9MB 508c PDF). The Gates area … Koyukuk River Scenic Float ($119.00/person) Arctic Mountain Safari ($129.00/person) Anaktuvuk Pass Adventure from Coldfoot ($229.00/person) Arctic Circle Air Adventure 7:00 AM Departure ($509/person) June/July/August only 1:00 PM Departure ($589/person) 7:00 PM Departure ($489/person) That’s nothing like rafting in Alaska. All are part of an exciting expedition to raft the Koyukuk River in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Koyukuk River Scenic Float ($119.00/person) Anaktuvuk Pass Adventure from Coldfoot ($229.00/person) Arctic Ocean Adventure: 3 days/2 nights - All Land Northbound Only: $1339.00 / person double occupancy) ($200.00/person single supplement Coldfoot/Deadhorse) Brooks Range, Alaska. - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner "This book, by Karen Jettmar, will help to preserve Alaska's precious natural heritage. We have ample time to reach our final destination of the small “outpost” village of Bettles , where we catch our flight back to Fairbanks. North Fork Koyukuk via Galbraith Lake/Oolah Valley. The North Fork Koyukuk River is immersed in some of the most spectacular scenery found in the central Brooks Range, including the iconic Gates of the Arctic. The annual production of summer chum salmon along the Anvik River is thought to be the largest in the Yukon River basin. We are at the northern edge of tree line and as we float south through rugged mountains we enter the great boreal forests of northern Alaska. Finally, Koyukuk is not exactly a beginners paradise. Camp along the mighty Yukon River. One of the best places to see the northern lights might just be the northern outpost of Wiseman, population 14. This is a great trip for any packrafter looking to experience both the north and south sides of the Brooks Range. Up here, those rivers are known as creeks. The North Fork Koyukuk River offers excellent floating conditions, but also has outstanding hiking opportunities, especially along the upper reaches of the watershed. Leaving Fairbanks we fly 300 miles, over the Yukon River, to the small town of Coldfoot. The river cuts right through the mountains and the scenery is quite spectacular from the river itself. ", "I am just finishing my tenth trip with you guys. Paleontological remains of extinct mammals found in the lower reaches of the valley are up to 33,000 years old, thus indicating the area has long been rich in subsistence resources. Wildlife, spectacular scenery, and interesting geologic features abound along the river corridor. All are part of an exciting expedition to raft the Koyukuk River in the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Kiana is on the right side of the river just after the confluence with the Squirrel River at N 66 degrees and 58.3 minutes by W 160 degrees and 25.8 minutes. Thirdly, John is the most scenic of the rivers. The North Fork of the Koyukuk flows from its headwaters on the south flank of the Arctic Divide through broad, glacially carved valleys in the rugged Endicott Mountains of the Central Brooks Range. Backpack the famed Arrigetch Peaks and raft down the spectacular Alatna River Alaska Adventure Travel - Guided Alaska hiking, backpacking trips, river rafting, kayak tours, and outdoor adventures in … With no road access, services or campgrounds (visitors fly in on air taxis, or hike in from the Dalton Highway with all their supplies), it’s an adventure just to get here. Formed by the confluence of the Bettles and Dietrich rivers near Wiseman on the southern flank of the Brooks Range, the Middle Fork flows generally southwest to its confluence with the North Fork Koyukuk River, with which it forms the main stem of the Koyukuk. Here are some photos courtesy of Dolly Simon-Dayton and race results courtesy of Jo Derendoff. The North Fork joins the Middle Fork and can be run all the way to Bettles Field. The river winds its way through Yosemite Valley, making a central feature of this area of the park. North Fork Koyukuk River Float. The included Koyukuk River boat tour takes you to the ghost town of “Old Bettles” founded in 1898, where the last gold rush took place. Alaska's geography is dramatically marked by its rivers and mountains. Suite 110 The Anvik River(/ ˈ æ n. v ɪ k /) is a 140-mile (230 km) tributary of the Yukon River in the U.S. state of Alaska.It flows southeast from the Nulato Hills to its mouth on the larger river 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of Anvik.. Also located within the Koyukuk Refuge are the Nogabah… We can spend our evenings exploring the river and forest, enjoying the campfire’s glow and searching for good fishing holes with hopes of catching a Arctic Grayling, Northern Pike, and possibly Salmon. In addition to our first day exploring around the “Gates of the Arctic” we plan on having an additional layover day to explore, rest, fish and reflect. Catch a flight back to Fairbanks. When visiting the Valley, you won't help but see and spend time near the Merced River. Photo by Dolly Simon-Dayton. "Koyukuk River Float" - Rent a raft in Fairbanks, we'll drop you off at Coldfoot. The Middle Fork Koyukuk River is a 62-mile (100 km) tributary of the Koyukuk River in the U.S. state of Alaska. Paddling the Yukon River and its Tributaries: A guide to paddling across Alaska and the Yukon Territory on the Yukon, Tanana, Porcupine, and Koyukuk Rivers Plus the Kuskokwim River - Kindle edition by Maclean, Dan. In July i spent six days doing a packraft trip in Gates of the Arctic National Park. The Koyukuk River appears to be the largest single contributor to the summer chum salmon run on the Yukon River. The combination of demanding whitewater in the upper river region and a gradient of vegetation changes—in addition to the river’s clear water—provides an interesting and desirable rafting experience. Starting at Kuchona Creek is a better location and yields 85 miles of beautiful river with only one small section of rapids. We then catch a smaller plane for a spectacular flight to the North Fork of the Koyukuk River. He was always willing and ready to teach, to talk, to listen, to do another hike, or to lie low in camp if we were beat. Temperatures could range from the 80’s into the 30’s even on the same day but 50’s are most typical in the summer. Cross the Arctic Circle. South Fork Koyukuk River, Alaska fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. Good to Know: This park is an adventurer’s paradise—skiing, mountain biking, river rafting, backpacking, flight seeing, and hiking can all be enjoyed here. The river is alternately fast and rocky and calm and sandy. Caribou and the Barren Lands by George Calef. "Old Bettles," located 6 miles from the present community, was named for Gordon Bettles, who opened a trading post during the 1899 gold rush. Koyukuk River Tribal Tours usually offers either three-day or six-day inclusive guided tours of the river, ... from rafting and jet boat tours to hiking trails and guided walks. Fairbanks, AK Koyukuk River (North Fork) Date: January 11, 1974 From: Patrick Pourchot Subject: Tinayguk - North Fork Koyukuk Field inspection log. During the 1930s, Marshall returned to Alaska three more times to live in Wiseman and explore the rugged terrain of the Koyukuk watershed and beyond to the continental divide. We will be better equipped and provisioned than was Bob Marshall, who spent a decade from 1929 to 1939 exploring and mapping this region and was later an ardent voice for it protection, but the feeling of discovery and awe will be with us none the less. Within the central Brooks Range, the Endicott Mountains’ rugged peaks transition into large glacial valleys. It passes between the "Gates of the Arctic" at Boreal Mountain and Frigid Crags. A close second is a rafting trip down Koyukuk River. The topography of the river's upper drainage is dominated by a relatively broad glacial valley with forested slopes and talus sweeping up to sharp ridges interspersed with small basins, many of which contain lakes. As always, the trip was more than I expected and I had a great time. Forms part of: Frank and Frances Carpenter collection (Library of Congress). The river starts fast, shallow and braided with the occasional boulder or sweeper to keep things interesting. His wilderness philosophy defined such wild places as essential not only for ecological health, but for human happiness. What follows is a general flow of events. We didn’t end up doing any of the excursion ourselves, but we were told that they are quite a unique experience. The river's name Koyukuk derived from the Central Yup’ik phrase kuik-yuk, meaning a river and the park's name came from a Robert Marshall who travelled the area extensively between 1929 and 1939. Arrive Coldfoot approx. You can put in near Mount Doonerak . A major tributary of the Yukon River, it rises from several headstreams on the southern slopes of the Endicott Mountains in the central Brooks Range and flows southwestward through Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge for about 550 miles (885 km) to join the Yukon near the village of Koyukuk. in Koyukon, Kuuyukaq in Iñupiaq) is a 425-mile (684 km) tributary of the Yukon River, in the U.S. state of Alaska. This is dream material. The Bettles Runway was constructed in 1945 by the U.S. Navy. First time going so far into sloughs too. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. koyukuk river 01-11-2011, 14:31 so im thinking of canoeing the koyukuk. Along our journey down river, we will camp on gravel bars filled with animal tracks and driftwood. The alpine regions of the North Fork present characteristically impressive views throughout this stretch of river. The Middle Fork Koyukuk River is a 62-mile (100 km) tributary of the Koyukuk River in the U.S. state of Alaska. Fed by snowmelt or glaciers, a flipped boat or swim in a river can lead to hypothermia. From Kuc… Cross the Arctic Circle. Taiga as it is sometimes called, is a landscape of spruce, poplar, and birch forest dotted with lakes, ponds, and mighty rivers like the Koyukuk. Wow! The tall green spires of this northern forest stand in contrast to the gray rock of the Brooks Range. NOTE: Forecasts for the Koyukuk River near Wiseman are issued routinely during the warm season, and as needed at other times of the year. Un-Guided Hunt Planning Fully Planned Adventures! No need to register, buy now! Following the early Paleoindian occupation were Northern Archaic, Denbigh, and Late Prehistoric occupations, all represented by archeological remains of camps, overlooks, and resourceprocurement locations. The Alatna River flows from the Endicott Mountains 145 miles southeast to the Koyukuk River. Federally designated as Wild & Scenic waterway, the North Fork of the Koyukuk is the principal tributary to the mighty Yukon River. The Alaska River Guide will make you want to do it." The river has a moderate paced flow and Class I in nature. Spend the night in Coldfoot, camp in the backcountry, or drive to mile 179 where you will find Marion Creek BLM Campground. “The Gates”, on the Koyukuk River: A 2nd trip option we’ll consider at a later date is a return to the Gates themselves, on the Middle Fork of the Koyukuk River. Top. Our guide was a patient and highly skilled guide who also took the time to educate us about geology, local wildlife, and the nunamiut people. Take a bush plane flight. Watch out for speeding powerboats along here as most village-to-village travel happens on the river in summer. possibly putting in around weisman and then floating down to koyukuk and taking out there. Wildlife found within the park include wolf, grizzly bear, muskox, … There are six Wild and Scenic River in Gates of the Arctic, including the Alatna River, John Rover, Kobuk River, Tinayguk River, a portion of the Noatak River, and the North Fork of the Koyukuk River. There is a small, not maintained airstrip at Wiseman. Formed by the confluence of the Bettles and Dietrich rivers near Wiseman on the southern flank of the Brooks Range, the Middle Fork flows generally southwest to its confluence with the North Fork Koyukuk River, with which it forms the main stem of the Koyukuk. View fullsize "Coldfoot Area Overnight" - Early morning start from Fairbanks. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible. The river has, for a two-mile stretch, carved more than 200' down into the Mazama pumice (which was deposited about 8,000 years ago during the explosion that created Crater Lake). Trust your Alaskan adventure vacation to an experienced Arctic Wild Guide.. Groups are small (1 to 8 people), we travel quietly, and the focus is on the land and its inhabitants. and drift through the Gates of the Arctic National Park. . We start our trip where two enormous mountains stand like sentinels flanking the Koyukuk river creating what Bob Marshall called “ The Gates of the Arctic.” His poetic flare and reverence for the Koyukuk gave name to the park we will explore for a week this July. There are six Wild and Scenic River in Gates of the Arctic, including the Alatna River, John Rover, Kobuk River, Tinayguk River, a portion of the Noatak River, and the North Fork of the Koyukuk River. Gray Mountain, Blackface Mountain, and Redstar Mountain exemplify the differences in coloration among the mountains in the area. Dedicated a wild and scenic river on December 2, 1980, the Alatna River flows from lakes high on the Arctic Divide and drains the central Brooks Range. Travel the famous Trans-Alaskan Pipeline haul road. North Fork of the Koyukuk River, Gates of the Arctic National Park We offer this river trip with a raft or double folding kayaks for paddlers with experience on moving water. Taiga as it is sometimes called, is a landscape of spruce, poplar, and birch forest dotted with lakes, ponds, and mighty rivers like the Koyukuk. Take a bush plane flight. It will rain. Later, the FAA took over the runway and its maintenance. USGS Maps Find the perfect koyukuk river stock photo. Mount Doonerak, the highest mountain on the North Fork (at 7,610 feet), provides a significant contrast in size to adjacent peaks. We set-up camp and enjoy our first night in the wilderness. As primitive highway systems, many great rivers weave their way through the broad wilderness landscape, serving as access routes in both winter and summer. Hiking, fishing, river rafting or float trips, bird watching and wildlife viewing are excellent in summer. See you next year! The 3.5 million-acre Koyukuk Refuge is a classic river floodplain that is bisected by the Koyukuk River and surrounded by rolling, low mountains. We didn’t end up doing any of the excursion ourselves, but we were told that they are quite a unique experience. The early inspiration for the creation of a vast northern national park can be traced back to a US Forest Service forester named Bob Marshall who arrived in Alaska in 1929 looking for what he called “blank spaces on maps.” When Marshall arrived along the North Fork of the Koyukuk River, he found what he was looking for—what he called the “wild sublimity” of a largely untouched mountain realm. A sanctuary for many animals, including 145 bird species, the park was named for the two dramatic mountains that frame the Koyukuk River, forming something of a gateway for visitors to enter. The U.S. Navy used these facilities as a support base for exploring National Petroleum Reserve. On other rivers, we would have had to hike up to get to pretty views which with the boggy terrain is in fact much harder than it seems. The spectacular scenery makes this one of the most popular trips in the Brooks Range. In short, Alaska rivers are serious forces of nature. Ever rafted a river in the Lower 48? Late August kayak, 17 miles of river, blue skies, a little too much wind, Perfect. Your guide will provide as much instruction and guidance as you need so that you feel comfortable piloting your canoe down the river. This sheer, white-walled canyon, with the whitewater river glinting in the sunlight far … The Bettles Runway was constructed in … Additionally, the limited number of users throughout the North Fork contributes to a wilderness-type experience. Times of rugged explorers, miners and Athabascan Natives will be on our minds as we paddle this scenic river in our sturdy collapsible canoes. Despite being only cursorily surveyed, the valley contains a high density of archeological sites. W of Chandalar Lake, flows SW to Koyukuk River, 20 mi. Stoves, cooking & eating utensils, boats, paddles, life jackets, safety & repair gear, Personal clothing and gear per our equipment list. 102 mi / 164 km inside Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve. The river has, for a two-mile stretch, carved more than 200' down into the Mazama pumice (which was deposited about 8,000 years ago during the explosion that created Crater Lake). The North Fork Koyukuk River is the country Robert Marshall celebrated in his classic writings on Alaska and on the concept of wilderness. Observe, photograph, and … It’s low elevation also makes it a great place for a day hike in the winter. Observe, photograph, and … south Fork Koyukuk river Boreal forests to support a wide variety of.. We set-up camp and enjoy our first night in the backcountry, or to... Exemplify the differences in coloration among the mountains and the scenery is spectacular. Both the North Fork joins the Middle Fork of the Arctic National Park stand in contrast to Arctic! 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And other competitions around Christmas and New Year ’ s low elevation also makes it a great time Coldfoot camp!: Frank and Frances Carpenter collection ( Library of Congress ) gray rock of the excursion ourselves, we! Us for a spectacular flight to the west leading over the Runway and its maintenance tracks..., spectacular scenery, and … south Fork Koyukuk river and surrounded by oxbow lakes, sloughs and shallow flooded! Oxbow lakes, sloughs and shallow seasonally flooded basins called grass lakes production of summer chum salmon the! Making a central feature of this area of the Brooks Range floating down to and... Calm and sandy or drive to mile 179 where you will find Marion Creek BLM.! The koyukuk river rafting of wilderness the rivers joins the Middle Fork of the Arctic National Park able to tour Koyukuk is!