Alsek
| Run Length |
185 miles |
Average Gradient |
10 fpm |
| Difficulty |
Class III+ |
Recommended Flow |
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| River |
Alsek River |
Location |
Yakutat, Alaska |
| Author |
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Current Level |
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| Drainage |
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Elevation |
4770ft to 5ft |
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The Alsek run 185 miles through some of North America's most intimidating terrain. Open tundra, ice bergs, grizzly bears, glaciers, spruce trees and snow covered mountains are some of the amazing things you will encounter on this journey. Permits are required for this run. Go to http://www.americanwhitewater.org/archive/permit/1/ for permit information.
The Alsek consists of mostly class III, a few class IV sections and four miles of intense class V+ whitewater in Turnback Canyon which is normally portaged using pre-arranged charter helicopter. Most of this run is located within the boundaries of Canada, but because it ends with a paddle out on the lower Alsek, with a take-out on Dry Bay in Alaska, the run is typically included in guides to both Alaskan and Yukon whitewater.
This run is eligible for the EddyFlower Vertical Challenge. Go HERE to learn more.
Disclaimer
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| | Put-In
The put-in is on the Dezadeash River at the bridge in Haines Junction which is in the Yukon, 150 miles north of Haines, Alaska. Haines can be reached by a convenient ferry out of Juneau which makes a good meeting place for those flying in. Another alternative is to fly or drive to Whitehorse in the Yukon, then drive 100 miles west to Haines Junction. A third alternative is to drive the 600 miles from Anchorage.
| | | Take-Out
Logistics from the take-out are a bit more complicated as you need to arrange for a charter flight out. The Park Service can provide information on current charter services, but you'll probably want to fly from Dry Bay to Yakutat, where you can get commercial jet service. |
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