Kongakut River Rafting and Fishing- Trip ItineraryAutumn Rafting and Fishing on the Kongakut River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska• Dates: August 23 - 31, 2012 Can combine with the "Big Sky" Backpack Aug 16 - 23. Discounts apply.
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Sketch of the Fall Kongakut Rafting trip…The Kongakut River is famous for great herds of caribou and spectacular scenery. Each year 125,000 caribou from the Porcupine Caribou Herd migrate north across the Brooks Range to their calving grounds on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. One of their favorite routes for coming and going is the Kongakut River drainage. It’s one of our favorite routes, too.
The big migration is in June, but even at the end of August there are still small bands of bull caribou roaming the Kongakut valley and ridges. In the upper reaches there are sure to be moose heading to their wintering grounds in the mountains. Dall Sheep abound and can sometimes be seen right down by the river. Bears should be fattening up on berries, and wolves, though hard to see, are hunting throughout the area. The land is full of wildlife, the sky streaked with birds, and the river itself boasts the most reliable run of arctic char (similar to Dolly Varden) in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge. Some pools erupt with red and white flashes of breeding char when the rafts go by. They are fun and easy to catch if you are so inclined, and very delicious.
Not only is the Kongakut wildlife-rich, but it is a breathtakingly gorgeous valley. August is fall-time at 70 degrees north latitude and the tundra is crimson and gold. Peaks are receiving snow which is likely to stick until the following May or June. Great flocks of snow geese may be amassing on the coastal plane and everything is preparing for winter. From each night’s camp we can hike off to explore our surroundings - quiet cottonwood glades, small waterfalls, wildflower-rich willow forests, and jutting outcrops above the river.
The Kongakut is a fast moving river with multiple braided channels. The river is steady Class II, with a short (three-mile) canyon section with fun, Class III rapids. No previous river experience is necessary for paddle rafting, as instruction is provided. Everyone joins in the fun of paddling under the guidance of an experienced raft captain.
The weather is likely to be cool and windy, but we get lots of sunny weather especially in the mountains. Snow is possible as are displays of the Aurora Borealis. This is a beautiful time of year in a truly enchanting valley. |
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Kongakut Rafting and Fishing ItineraryWhat follows is a general flow of events. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible.
Aug 22: Pre-trip meeting in Fairbanks at 4pm
Aug 23: Fly 200 miles north from Fairbanks, across the Yukon River and the Arctic Circle to the Gwich’in Athabascan village of Arctic Village. From there, we board an even smaller plane and carry on through the Brooks Range to a river bar alongside the Kongakut River. Tonight, take a hike, and settle into your surroundings.
Aug 24- 30: Once we inflate the rafts and give a safety briefing we will launch in to the swift cold water. On paddling days we spend about 5 hours on the water. This will allow lots of time for exploration, photography and a delicious picinic lunch. We run fun Class III rapids on several different days, and this entire stretch of river is excting to paddle. On each of the three lavover days, we have choices of easy, or harder, longer, higher climbs. Just before the last day or the trip, we will be able to hike to a sweeping view of the arctic coast and see the Arctic Ocean stretching off to the curved horizon. And the fishing is great from every single place we camp.
Aug 31: Weather permitting, our bush plane will arrive to fly us towards Fairbanks in time for a late dinner. |
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Kongakut Rafting and Fishing DetailsIncluded in the price of the trip: Transportation beyond Fairbanks, food while in the wilderness, stoves, cooking & eating utensils, boats, paddles, life jackets, safety & repair gear and professional guide service.
Not included in the price of the trip: Lodging, non-camp meals, personal clothing and gear, waterproof river bag, fishing gear, and fishing license. Gratuity for guide(s). An equipment list is provided upon registration. Rental equipment is available through Arctic Wild.
Weather & Bugs:
Suggested Reading: “Alaska National Wildlife Refuge,” Alaska Geographic; “The Brooks Range,” Alaska Geographic; Alaska’s Brooks Range, John Kauffmann; Midnight Wilderness, Debbie Miller; Arctic Dreams, Barry Lopez; Caribou & the Barren-Lands, George Calef; Earth & the Great Weather, Kenneth Brower; National Geographic, Dec. 79; Audubon, May 88, July 76; Vanishing Arctic, T. H. Watkins.
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