Class I Kobuk River, AK

Lower Kobuk Canyon to Kobuk Village

The Kobuk River provides exceptional opportunities for novice and experienced rafters alike. The highly variable surroundings of the remainder of the Kobuk corridor provide an interesting and ever-changing float experience as the river flows from Walker Lake and the Arctic mountains to lowland boreal forest. The river provides a range of unique conditions along 125 miles of floatable river, including Class I to Class V rapids.

From its headwaters in the Endicott Mountains and Walker Lake, the river courses south and west through a wide valley and passes through two scenic canyons. In the upper canyon, you'll encounter some Class 4 rapids that need to be portaged (about 1/3-mile portage), and there is one section of Class 2-3 rapids in the lower canyon.

Kobuk means "big river" in the language of the Inuit. Native peoples have hunted, fished and lived along the Kobuk for at least 12,500 years, and the river has long been an important transportation route for inland peoples.

 

For More Information Visit:

Kobuk Wild and Scenic River - rivers.gov

Kobuk River - NPS

Kobuk River - Alaska.org

Section Details

Trip Length Multiday, 85.0 Miles
Notes http://www.nps.gov/gaar/planyourvisit/things2know.htm
Fishing Yes
Camping Yes
Permit No
Manager National Park Service, Gates of the Arctic National Park
Wild & Scenic Yes
Water Trail No
Partner Information http://www.nps.gov/gaar/kobukriver.htm
http://www.alaska.org/detail/kobuk-river