Alatna

In August of 2009 6 of us did a 14 day trip from the put in lake at the pass to Takahula. We hiked in the Arrigetch peaks area for 4-5 days as well. We took ICs, IKs, and a small mini-me raft. All boats had small oaring frames. Flows were low coming out of the lake and we dragged the entire 3 miles, but once we hit the confluence with another stream we were able to float more. The fishing was only good at the put in lake because a Mtn. had slid into a side drainage and changed the chemistry of the water and it was no longer a salmon river. We also fished in Takahula, and in a couple side lakes and streams for grayling.

No major rapids, but it does drop 50-100 feet/mile. We saw nine grizzly bears, and we were charged by one as we drifted into a rapid. He was on the side of the river in the alders and we did not see him till we were 25 yards away. Carry bear spray and/or a gun!!! We also saw herds of caribou migrating through.

Amazing scenery and an amazing trip. We have also done the Kobuk, which is on the other side of the pass at the top, and it is also great, although it is bigger and has better fishing, but it does not go through mtns like the Alatna does. Make sure to hike in the Arrigetch Peaks area--truly amazing. 2,000 foot granite walls that go straight up from your feet. I think it is more impressive than Yosemite, with no one there!

I wrote an article about the trip in the Sept-Oct issue of American Whitewater Journal, pages 18-24. Get it online at https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Journal/show-page/page/18/year/2010/issue/5/