The Gulkana River watershed drains approximately 2,140 square miles of Southcentral Alaska. The river begins in the Alaska Range near Summit Lake and flows south into the Copper River, which eventually empties into the Gulf of Alaska between Cordova and Katalla. Several hundred lakes and ponds are scattered throughout the spruce-dominated forest of the Gulkana River watershed, providing abundant nesting areas for trumpeter swans and waterfowl.
Federal Subsistence Hunt Map of the Chicken-Walker Fork, Jack Wade area in the Game Management Unit 20E (GMU) in Alaska. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Federal Subsistence Hunt Map of the Sourdough Controlled Use Area in the Game Management Unit 13 (GMU) in Alaska. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Federal Subsistence Hunt Map of Richardson Hwy Corridor / Tangle Lakes Federal Hunt Area in the Game Management Unit 13B (GMU) in Alaska. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Brochure about Recreation in Alaska. Published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Gulkana NWRi
https://www.blm.gov/visit/gulkana-river
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulkana_River
The Gulkana River watershed drains approximately 2,140 square miles of Southcentral Alaska. The river begins in the Alaska Range near Summit Lake and flows south into the Copper River, which eventually empties into the Gulf of Alaska between Cordova and Katalla. Several hundred lakes and ponds are scattered throughout the spruce-dominated forest of the Gulkana River watershed, providing abundant nesting areas for trumpeter swans and waterfowl.
Portions of the Gulkana River were designated
for its wild character as part of the National
Wild and Scenic River system by the Alaska
National Interest Lands Conservation Act in
1980. The Gulkana was recognized for its
primitive character, abundant fish and wildlife,
and its geologic, cultural and recreational
values. These Bureau of Land Management
National Conservation Lands embody our
vision for conserving our public lands. Open
to everyone, they offer Americans the unique
opportunity to explore and experience the
landscapes that shaped our nation. Whether
you fish, hike, hunt, or boat, these lands
represent our way of life, a living link to the
past and our pledge to tomorrow.
A “Wild” river is free of impoundments,
generally inaccessible except by trail, and has
exceptionally clean waters.
U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Glennallen Field Office
Milepost 186.5 Glenn Hwy
P.O. Box 147 Glennallen, Alaska 99588
(907) 822-3217
www.blm.gov/alaska
The Setting
The Gulkana River watershed drains
approximately 2,140 square miles in
Southcentral Alaska. The river begins in the
Alaska Range near Summit Lake and flows
south into the Copper River, which eventually
empties into the Gulf of Alaska between
Cordova and Katalla.
Several hundred lakes and ponds are scattered
throughout the surrounding spruce-dominated
forest. Paxson Lake, the largest, is about 10
miles long and one-half to one mile wide. The
Gulkana falls 1,250 feet in the 81 river miles
between Paxson Lake and its confluence with
the Copper River.
Season and Climate
The river-running season begins in early to
mid-June, depending on ice breakup and
precipitation. Average annual precipitation
is 11 inches of rain and 48 inches of snow.
July is usually the wettest month. Summer
temperatures range from 35 °F to occasional
highs in the 80s. Be prepared for cold, wet
weather at any time. By mid-September,
shorter days and colder temperatures bring
the river-running season to a quick end.
History and Prehistory
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The initial seven-mile stretch of the Middle
Fork below Dickey Lake is within the Tangle
Lakes Archaeological District. This area is
listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. Several known prehistoric sites are
located within the corridor. The Ahtna Indians
were the earliest known humans to use the
Gulkana River. Around 1910, miners used the
West Fork and the Middle Fork routes to reach
the Denali Mining District, about 80 air-miles
to the west. Collection or disturbance of any
historic or prehistoric remains is against the law.
Main Branch
Gulkana
Wild and Scenic River
Map & Guide
The most popular float trip begins at
Paxson Lake and ends at Sourdough Creek
Campground. The total distance is about
47 river miles. Allow three to four days for
travel. The vehicle shuttle is 31 miles each
way between Paxson Lake Campground (MP
175 Richardson Highway) and the take-out
at Sourdough Creek Campground (MP 147.5
Richardson Highway).
Begin your trip at the BLM boat launch at
Paxson Lake Campground. Four miles of
paddling or rowing southwest on the lake will
bring you to the lake outlet; this is Gulkana
River Mile 0. From here to the junction with
the Middle Fork (three miles), the Gulkana is
a shallow, rocky stream with Class II rapids
and a gradient of 38 feet/mile. Whitewater
experience is needed to successfully navigate
this section.
At the confluence of the Middle Fork and the
Main Branch, the Gulkana River becomes slow
and meandering, with occasional rocks and
small waves in the Class I water. Watch for an
old cabin once used by trappers in the region.
Canyon Rapids is at river mile 20. Take-out
signs mark the portage on the left side of
the river. These rapids may be Class III or IV,
depending on water flow. Only experienced
whitewater boaters should attempt to navigate
Canyon Rapids! Scout the quarter-mile
length before attempting passage. It is often
necessary to portage gear prior to running
the rapids. If you don’t portage your gear, it
MUST be tied down securely. At high water
levels, open canoes and small rafts MUST
be portaged. Even experienced boaters have
wrapped and destroyed rafts and canoes here.
Cover photo: Canoeing through the Gulkana River’s
abundance of fish.
Gulkana Wild and Scenic River
Adventures on the Gulkana Wild and Scenic River
There are several small camping areas at
Canyon Rapids. From the portage trail, a
one-mile hiking trail leads to Canyon Lake,
providing a good opportunity to stretch your
legs. Fishing for grayling and rainbow trout is
excellent in the canyon.
Below Canyon Rapids there are nine river miles
of Class II–III rapids that are generally shallow
and rocky. Many canoes and rafts have been
damaged beyond repair in this section of the
river.
The West Fork joins the Main Branch at river
mile 39. From here to the take-out point, the
river is
T
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A
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Tread Lightly
Welcome
ravel and recreate with minimum impact.
Welcome to the public lands managed by the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Alaska. The
BLM manages more than 70 million acres of public
land in Alaska. These lands are yours to enjoy
and use for a variety of recreational opportunities.
Your visit to BLM-managed public lands in Alaska
will offer you a once in a lifetime experience.
Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, exploring
the treeless tundra, or fishing in a freshwater
stream, you’ll experience the open landscapes
of BLM-managed public lands. Unless otherwise
posted, all public lands are available for recreation
use. However, please remember that BLM
manages public lands for other uses, such as
energy and mineral development, wildlife habitat,
and conserving natural, cultural, and historic
resources. This publication will give you a general
idea of where recreation opportunities exist on
public lands in Alaska. Please note the location of
the BLM offices throughout the state. BLM staff are
happy to assist you while you are enjoying Alaska’s
public lands.
espect the environment and the rights of
others.
ducate yourself, plan and prepare before
you go.
llow for future use of the outdoors by
leaving it better than you found it.
iscover the rewards of responsible
recreation.
https://treadlightly.org/
Leave No Trace
We encourage visitors to adhere to the seven
Leave No Trace principles on all BLM-managed
public lands.
• Plan Ahead and Prepare
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
• Dispose of Waste Properly
• Leave What You Find
• Minimize Campfire Impacts
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Trail Etiquette
Map
Campground Name # of Sites
#
Season of Use
Vault
Toilet
Water
Fee
13
Arctic Circle
22
June - Sept.
Y
N
Y*
32
Brushkana Creek
21
June - Sept.
Y
Y
Y
25
Cripple Creek
21
June - Sept.
Y
Y
Y
47
Eagle
16
June - Sept.
Y
N
Y
16
Five Mile
8
June - Sept.
Y
Y
Y**
4
Galbraith Lake
18
June - Sept.
Y
N
Y**
8
Marion Creek
27
June - Sept.
Y
Y
Y
24
Mount Prindle
13
June - Sept.
Y
Y
Y
22
Ophir Creek
19
June - Sept.
Y
Y
Y
38
Paxson
50
June - Sept.
Y
Y
Y
52
Salmon Lake
6
June - Sept.
Y
N
N
39
Sourdough Creek
42
June - Sept.
Y
Y
Y
36
Tangle Lakes
27
June - Sept.
Y
Y
Y
45
Walker Fork
20
June - Sept.
Y
Y
Y
42
West Fork
25
June - Sept.
Y
N
Y
Y = service available
N = service not available
* Beginning summer 2022
Windy Arch, near Windy Gap in the White
Mountains National Recreation Area.
Safety
Public Access
BLM Alaska’s lands are vast and rugged. Remember
to plan your trip accordingly by ensuring you have
first aid supplies, emergency vehicle supplies, and
adequate provisions before heading out. When
planning a backcountry trip, always file a trip plan
with a friend or family member and let them know
when you plan to return.
BLM Alaska managed public lands are intermingled
with private, state, Tribal, and a variety of other
jurisdictions. A visitor may legally access public
lands via:
• A public trail, road, or highway;
• A navigable water;
• From adjacent public or state lands that are
from landowner; or via a valid 17b public
easement. Information on 17b easements and
maps can be found at https://www.blm.gov/
alaska/17b-easements;
Trail Etiquette
invasive species.
• Slow down for curves and hills, when visibility is
limited and when other users are present.
• Keep noise and dust down.
• Keep pets under control. Some trails require
dogs to be leashed.
Whether travelling far off the beaten path or along the road,
thorough preparation is imperative for a successful trip.
Alaska is bear country. Store your food and other
scent attractants in an enclosed vehicle or bearproof food storage container, and never store your
food in an occupied tent. When travelling in bear
country, remember to make noise, travel in groups,
carry bear spray, and keep your dog on a leash.
• Be familiar with local rules.
• Leave gates in the condition you found them.
Rights of Way
BLM visitors are responsible for knowing their
location and applicable regulations. Appropriate
public land users remain on legal routes, obey all
signs, respect private property, and avoid resource
damage. The best way to ensure a successful
outing is to check with the nearest BLM office
for up-to-date access information in your area.
Your local BLM office can also supply you with
recreation permits and information on specific
recreation opportunities, such as camping, fishing,
wildlife watching, hiking, off-highway vehicle
travel and snowmobiling. For more information,
go to www.blm.gov/media/public-room/alaska.
Also, be sure to check the State Department of
Transportation (DOT) Highway Safety page
https://dot.alaska.gov/highwaysafety before
travelling.
• Yield the right of way to those passing you from
behind or traveling uphill.
• Motorized vehicles yield to mountain bikes,
runners, hikers