Gulkana River, Upper

Rivers and Flows

Boats

Store

Travel

Run Length	5.75 miles	Average Gradient	93 fpm
Difficulty	Class III	Recommended Flow	high water only
River	Gulkana River	Location	Paxson, Alaska
Author		Current Level
Drainage		Elevation	3210ft to 2675ft

This stretch of the Gulkana is steep, shallow, fast, continuous whitewater, but is obstructed and technically moderate. Close to the road, it is easily scouted and affords a quick, thrilling ride for kayakers who happen to be in the vicinity when the river is high.
Disclaimer

	Put-In Summit Lake on the Richardson Highway at mile 195
	Take-Out Denali Highway Bridge near Paxson Lodge; one could continue down to Paxson Lake but the stream becomes much less interesting below the bridge.

Add Rapid

	Uncharacteristically high, proceed with caution.
	Powerful, pushy and unforgiving.
	Ideal flow conditions.
	Boney with potential for boat abuse.
	Not enough water to float a boat.
	Please let us know.
	No gauge, visual required.