Class I Salmon River, AK

Located within Gates of the Arctic National Park , the Salmon River is small but exceptionally beautiful, with deep, blue-green pools and many rock outcroppings. Vegetation ranges from alpine tundra to treeless bogs.

The Salmon River flows 70 miles from the limestone cirques of the highest peak in Kobuk Valley National Park, Mt. Angayukaqsraq, to the Kobuk River. The Salmon River supports an excellent grayling fishery and large runs of chum and pink salmon; the river owes its name to the large salmon runs. Over its course, the Salmon River flows through the ecotone where arctic tundra transitions into boreal forest lowlands.

In the mountainous headwaters, the river rushes and tumbles through a narrow steep-sided valley, often with bare rock walls on either side. In the middle reach, the river slows and forms numerous inter-connected deep pools as it flows through rolling hills. Water of exceptional clarity, coupled with blue-green gravel found in the area, give the pools exceptional color. In the lowlands, the water slows, flowing through low-growing spruce forests and treeless bogs until joining the Kobuk River.

The Salmon River provides superlative opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation. Visitors are almost guaranteed solitude and a pristine soundscape free from the impacts of human activity. Visitors will have an especially challenging experience in the wilderness. Many boaters with packrafts will usually have to hike in from outside the watershed to begin this Class I float trip. An adventure on the river requires advanced skills in self-reliance, backpacking, provisioning, and orienteering.

There are healthy populations of sportfish, such as chum salmon, Arctic char, and grayling. The water is crystal clear with deep green pools and many unnamed tributaries; exposed cliffs and bedrock add to the visual diversity.

 

For More Information Visit:

Salmon Wild and Scenic River- rivers.gov

Salmon River - Alaska.org