Canoe Adventure

If anybody is searching for a remote Arctic river, this really is it. We floated the Kelly River in Aug 2004. It's situated within the Noatak Preserve in NW Alaska and is situated about 70 miles N of Kotzebue. The Kelly is really a tributary from the lower Noatak River. It is intimate in size at about 30-40 yards wide, gin clear, and totally free of any hazards/rapids.

This was our first float trip in Alaska and it didn't disappoint us. We caught dolly vardon and grayling primarily. Some chum salmon had been observed also. We saw numerous brown bears and 1 wolf. Moose tracks had been seen also. The very first day or two we saw dall sheep.

The river is an easy float for anybody wanting to experience the "real Alaska". The land is stunning up that way. Many mountain views in the very first 2/3 of trip. The river widens and slows within the last 10 miles or so. The journey was about 40 miles lengthy. Shallow sections in the very first 5 miles or so. Dragging required but we in no way had to unload the canoes.

We own Ally pack canoes and they're awesome. If you are flying in to a remote destination, you must check them out. We bought them for this trip but have utilized them on three Alaska float trips to this point.

It is a lovely float and also the solitude is fantastic. We didn't see one more individual in the 7 nights we spent on the Kelly. If you fly fish, be sure to contact me for more info. We fly fish for dolly vardon each Fall on float trips up in NW Alaska and I could provide some good insights and suggestions.

Take high high quality gear and be prepared for sudden alter in weather. Read up on brown bears. We saw 21 in 7 days. 1 walked into camp. A "good bear" you might say, but still 600 lbs! Good stove and water filter (MSR) and take a gun or ear plugs. You will need one or the other to sleep well. Great fishing in late August and early/mid Sept for dolly vardon and grayling. Dollies over 10 pounds. Grayling 16-20". Each and every hole had fish.

Explore Wrench Creek (middle of journey) and Avan Creek (near Noatak confluence).Great fishing in these two spots and, of course, a great place to take your inflatable canoe!

Upon arrival at Eklutna Lake you will probably be immediately stunned by the beauty of the location. This is a large (6 mile by 2 mile) glacial melt lake tucked deep within the Chugach Mountains and surrounded by snow capped peaks on all sides. The drinking water is really a deep blue green color from the glacial sediment, and is usually without even a ripple on the surface. Greatest of all, you will find no fishermen (fish do not like the glacial sediment in the water, only little sticklebacks live in it) and no powerboats.

Launching in the seaside and heading east along the northern shoreline you'll pass stunning forest areas and a number of glacial melt streams rushing into the water. Above you at all times will probably be the snow capped peaks from the Chugach, and you are able to frequently see Dall Sheep and Mountain Goats clinging towards the cliffs. The park is also a bald eagle sanctuary and house to many moose and bear.

After proceeding along the north shore for about six miles you'll come to a big glacier. At the glacier you are able to get out and hike about a mile if you want to really touch the glacier. Upon returning to your boat it is about a six to seven mile paddle back to the seaside. Overall it is a good workout and a really scenic paddle only a few miles outside of Anchorage.

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