Lowe

Put-in:

Above Keystone canyon on the Richardson highway, 16 miles from Valdez.

Take-out:

There is a turnoff at the end of the canyon that leads to a gravel bar. This large gravel bar connects to a road that is upstream of the Alyeska Pipeline access bridge. The gravel bar is in a constant state of flux so check with locals or call Pangea Adventures in Valdez for accessibility.

Description:

The Keystone canyon secton of the Lowe is the staple for the Valdez whitewater community and where many local boaters have first experienced the draw of the river.

Commerically rafted by Pangaea Adventures in Valdez, the roadside run is relatively straight-forward continous whitewater consisting of big wave trains, sticky hydualics, boils and other compression features that will hone the skills of aspiring paddlers. The canyon itself is goregous, where giant cascades flow down the steep walls and the Richardson highway above the river drifts into a distant memory.

Fun rapids with names like Toliet Bowl, 14 mile, and Three Bears offer consistent action. A major highlight is Bridalveil Falls, a 600 foot cataract where one can stand in it's pounding spray.

Shuttle is short, making for multiple runs in a day, and can be done by jogging, bicylcing, or hitching.