Alatna River

The Alatna River is a federally-designated wild and scenic river in Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska. It is called one of the most beautiful rivers in America. The river is very popular for float trips due to its calm flow and wonderful scenery. Float trips usually take four to seven days, depending on weather conditions. One common place to put in is at Circle Lake, a small lake which is float plane accessible and is located in a beautiful part of the valley. Another place to put in is at Takahula Lake, a larger, float- plane accessible lake, further downstream or upstream at Gaedeke lake. Most floaters take out at the village of Allakaket, 85 miles downstream of Circle Lake and 75 miles downstream of Takahula lake.

I just canoed the Alatna River from Takahula Lake to Allakaket completed 9/6/08. By GPS it is 138 miles long, not 85 miles. Add on about 12 more miles coming from Circle Lake to Allakaket for 150 miles. The 85 and 75 miles above are closer to "as the crow flies" miles, but not exact. I don't know where they came from but are not a good approximation. Looking at the NPS map it is about 60 miles straight line distance from Takahula to Allakaket. Hard canoeing with only 4 days to complete your trip will have you paddling about 10 hours a day depending on current and experience. It is obvious just looking at a map and seeing all the oxbows that is 100 miles or more from Takahula to Allakaket. You can also put in further north but be prepared to drag your canoe 2-5 miles depending on river level. (THE NPS MAP, NPS Rangers, and my GPS all agree with this).

External links

• Official site for Gates of the Arctic National Park: Gates Of The Arctic National Park and Preserve
• National Park Services site on the Alatna River:[1]