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Alaska waterways
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July 8. I left Anchorage in the early afternoon, flew to Fairbanks and on to
Bettles via Wien arriving about 5:30 p.m. Alan also flew to Bettles from
Fairbanks. We met Dave in Bettles and the three of us took an over flight of the
river in the early evening with Jerry Coser in Merric’s Cessna 185.
We flew up the John from its confluence with the Koyukuk to the village of
Anaktuvuk Pass in its headwaters, landed briefly at the village, and then
returned down the river to Bettles. Approximate flying time was 1.8 hours. The
water was extremely low and very clear. Above the Hunt Fork confluence, the
river appeared navigable by canoe only four or five miles before becoming so
shallow and rocky that one would have to portage, line, and drag the canoes more
than riding in them. Shallow riffles and "rock gardens" were observed upstrearn
of Hunt Fork for about 22 miles to the vicinity of the lake just west of the
river marked with an elevation of 1968 on the map. Upstream of this lake the
river character was entirely different with low gradient, few rocks, and
considerable meander loops. Although extremely small, the channel appeared
navigable by canoe in this upper 13-mile stretch to within a mile or two of
Anaktuvuk Pass.
Of the three possible put-in points, Anaktuvuk Pass, the 1968-foot lake, or the
lake at the Hunt Fork confluence, we decided to put in at the Hunt Fork Lake
because of the 20-mile stretch of rocks above. It was difficult to visualize
that stretch in higher water, although it seemed that many of the rocky places
and shallow riffles might "wash out" and become navigable. Several places could
also become more serious rapids in higher water. Around Till Creek the main
channel flowed directly into a rock wall in at least one place and could become
a major obstacle in higher water.
Downstream of Hunt Fork no rapids, log jams or dangerous sweepers were observed.
We saw one blond grizzly lying near the river around Till Creek and several
moose in lakes in the lower river area. There was recent snow on the mountains
surrounding Anaktuvuk Pass. Overnight in Bettles Lodge.
July 9. Flew in to Hunt Fork Lake with Jerry Coser in Beaver on floats around
noon. Carried in 2 canoes (rented from Dave Ketscher in Bettles), all our gear
and Dave, Alan, and myself in one trip. Roundtrip time was approximately 1-1/2
hours. Weather was cloudy with periods of very light rain. Air temperature at
4:00 p.m. was at 8:45 p.m. Very few mosquitoes.
We camped on a small ridge on the north side of the lake near a USGS benchmark,
elevation 1149. Campsite showed some prior evidence of use - ground dug up and
leveled at one spot, some litter on lake margin, cut stumps. About 1/2 mile east
of camp along John River were remains of old burned cabin. Many cans,
animal bones, and debris around cabin clearing. Sled or snow machine trail had
been cut between cabin and lake.
Fished lake but nothing caught. We saw several grayling follow lures. Saw a
porcupine near old cabin. Moose, wolf, and bear sign were observed near camp.
Large flock of scoters on lake when we flew in.
Mostly white spruce and birch trees-located around camp. Timberline on
south-facing slopes above Hunt Fork was 2,000-2,500 feet in elevation whereas
trees on the north-facing slope were growing only 100-200 feet above the river.
At camp the largest spruce were 36 inches and 40 inches in circumference at
breast height.
At the confluence the valley floor is about 1 – ½ miles across.
Very few rock exposures on mountain slopes rising above river and virtually no
snow visible.
July 10
Weather overcast in morning, partly cloudy in late afternoon and clear by 9:00
p.m. Afternoon, high of 52F and low of 38F at 11:30 p.m.
Hiked up the John from camp; round-trip about 13 miles between 10:00 a.m. and
9:00 p.m. We walked up river bars about 2 miles, had to cross-river several
times, easy fording. Then crossed to east side of river and hiked up to first
bench about 300 feet above river and continued through open country along the
east side of the valley another 4 miles. Then climbed up to about 2,000 foot
level about 800 feet above river and could see Publituk Creek confluence and
northern tree-line just beyond.
Came back along second bench on mountainside. Good hiking most of way with rock
-alpine tundra surface except for occasional brushy ravines.
Caught 2 grayling in river 1 mile up from camp, 10 inches and 12 inches. Saw
ptarmigan and brood and many parka squirrels on hike. Near camp saw young
muskrat in lake, some porcupine, and 3 snowshoe hares.
Several planes flew over during day. On hike, found beer can and Dall sheep
skull. Several man-cut trees on west bank of river about 1 mile from camp.
After dropping down onto flood plain on hike back, we walked along the Hickel
Highway (winter haul road) for about 1/2 mile. The surface of roadway was very
smooth and quite distinct because of its linear configuration and small berm on
either side and because of the distinct differences in vegetation found on the
road versus alongside the road. The road surface was covered by small plants and
shrubs seldom exceeding 2 feet whereas adjacent areas were covered with large
poplar trees and willows. No significant erosion was observed in this section.
The roadway paralleled the river about 100-200 yards away separated by thick
floodplain vegetation. The road makes frequent crossings of the river where the
river meanders from one side of the valley to the other. Such crossings we
observed made use of gravel bars and were not readily visible from the river at
most oblique angles to the road.
July 11
Weather in the morning clear and warm, by late after-noon mostly cloudy, a
little rain, and occasional light wind. High near 60°F, 9:30 p.m. temperature
56F.
Hiked east to Pamichtuk Lake and back, roundtrip 10 miles. Left camp 10:30 a.m.
arrived lake 2:00p.m., left lake 4:00 p.m. and arrived camp 7:00 p.m. Walking
very rough most of way high on south side of John tributary canyon. Although
above tree line and mostly open tundra, ground was very hummocky and intersected
by alder-filled ravines. Tundra surprisingly dry but mosquitoes plentiful.
Sweeping vistas from slopes and view into Pamichtuk Lake drainage quite scenic.
Lake margin very marshy and buggy. Water in lake murky and had very noticeable
aftertaste to it; 55-gal. drum found at west end of lake.
Saw moose across tributary valley above timberline traveling west. Saw 2 adult
ptarmigan and brood and a few ducks and terns on Pamichtuk Lake. On Hunt Fork
Lake saw adult muskrat in Hunt Fork Lake.
July 12
Weather much improved, mostly sunny, high 71F, 9:00p.m. temp. was 66F, Hunt Fork
53F, 9:00p.m. John River temp. 58oF.
In morning portaged canoes and gear from lake to Hunt Fork. One-half mile
portage over open marshy tundra and gravel bars fairly easy, took 2 hours. Took
quick swim in Hunt Fork.
John Kauffmann flew in with Jerry Coser in Beaver about 2:30 p.m. and we started
down river about 3:15 p.m. Hunt Fork joined main river about 1/2 mile down from
put-in. Arrived camp near Crag Peak at 6:15 p.m. 12 miles downstream of put-in.
River beyond Hunt Fork 30-40 yards wide average depth 2 feet, 5-6 mph current.
Although shallow, hit rocks in riffles only 2 or 3 times and had to get out of
canoe only once to drag through shallow riffle. All class I with exception of
one class bend and riffle with sweepers and small standing waves. Much of the
distance river was braided with extensive gravel bars; many fast riffles. Water
was extremely clear with visibility to bottom of 5-6 foot holes. Hunt Fork
somewhat smaller than John at confluence.
Good vistas up and down river. Much narrower valley than other
Brooks Range rivers, such as North Fork Koyukuk - valley floor 1 mile wide. Many
mountains sloping right down to floodplain. Mostly spruce and balsam poplar and
willow along riverbanks.
Around Hunt Fork Lake saw female merganser, several ptarmigan, and pair of
widgeons. Near camp bear & wolf tracks. Lots of mosquitoes at Crag Mt. camp.
Old cabin with caved-in roof 1/2-1 mile upstream of camp on east bank,
apparently trapper's line cabin - very small - several planes and 1 helicopter
over during day.
July 13
Weather clear, sunny, 4:00p.m. Air 84F, water 60°F; 11:30 p.m. air 56°F. River
up 4 inches overnight and a little less clear, visibility 1-1/2 feet.
Left July 12 camp 11:30 a.m., arrived new camp 2:15 p.m. 2-1/2 miles below
Tangleblue Creek. Traveled 10 miles.
Hiked to top of 3,700-foot peak nearest river up from camp base elevation 900
feet, five miles roundtrip, 3 hours up and 1-1/2 hours back. Excellent hiking
with mostly rock ridges and alpine tundra stretching right down to river. Great
views up and down John River valley from top; could see upriver to just below
Hunt Fork and downriver to Threetime Mountain. One patch of snow near top. Few
mosquitoes most of hike. Went for quick swim at camp upon return.
At camp, river 30-40 yards wide, 3-4 feet deep, 3-4 mph current. River slightly
slower than previous day, more high cut banks and sweepers; hit rocks once in
shallow riffle, all class I and very easy canoeing.
In morning at previous camp saw Dall sheep ewe and lamb on Crag Peak. Raptor
nests on cliffs on Crag Peak. Saw black wolf on gravel bar 100 yards from new
camp. He barked and howled briefly at us before running into brush. Saw Dall
sheep sign and caribou antlers but no game on hike. At camp rabbit, lynx, wolf,
and moose tracks.
New camp at Hickel Highway river crossing. Roadway brushy but very distinct from
adjacent areas because of difference in height and type of vegetation. A couple
fruit cans were found in roadway.
July 14
Clear and sunny all day, 9:15 a.m. air 68F, water 56F; 1:30 p.m. air 77F, water
58F; 6:15 p.m. air 84F, water 61°F; 11:00 p.m. air 63F, water 58°F. River up 2
inches overnight.
Alan and John hiked up Hickel Highway to cabin and cache at Tangleblue Creek.
Roof caved in; appeared to be old trapper's cabin. Hickel Highway not eroded but
cut into tundra 1 to 2 feet and very marshy in places, mostly sedges and grasses
in 50-foot roadbed with small tussocks, very little shrubby vegetation adjacent
areas.
Dave hiked up Eagle Creek (dry) and found miner's old tent camp, several old
implements, name "Claus" on box from Anchorage. I took another swim at camp.
Left camp about 2:30 p.m. and arrived new camp near Gunsight Creek about 5:30
p.m., a distance of 6 miles. On way, we hiked short distances up a slough and
Sheep Creek, which was dry. Found small old trap line shelter at Sheep Creek
confluence.
Section of river exceptionally scenic with rugged mountains surrounding river at
close distances. Views of Gunsight Mountain especially outstanding. Many cliffs
and exposed rock on mountaintop.
No luck fishing at previous night camp. Saw one stand of birch trees along
river. Mosquitoes good most of day but high temperatures brought out the horse
flies which were biting bare legs. In evenings temperature dropped and
mosquitoes came out.
River becoming more mature, only 1 riffle in 6 miles although current still
averaging 4 mph. Still silty from some unknown upstream source.
In evening climbed up knolls to the west of camp. Great hiking on good rock
ridges and alpine tundra 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., 2 miles roundtrip. Found one
juniper bush up on south-facing rock sheltered area.
July 15
Another clear, sunny day. 9:30.a.m. air 74F; 3:00p.m. air 76F, water 62F. Winds
upriver in a.m. 5-10 mph, in p.m. 10-15 mph. River dropped 3-4 inches overnight.
Left camp 11:00 a.m., arrived Allen River 2:30 p.m., ate lunch, then floated
down 1/2 mile to Crevice Creek, hiked up 1/2 mile to Fikes' homestead, visited
Fikes family and geologists there, left Crevice Creek 7:00 p.m., arrived new
camp at Grizzly Creek 8:00 p.m. Total distance floated 16 miles. Last hour hard,
steady paddling.
River much slower, bigger -40-50 yards wide, 3-4 feet deep, 2-3 mph current.
Allen River only tributary except Wolverine Creek so far with water in it at
confluence. Allen very clear, less than a foot deep, 15 feet wide, 66OF at 3:00
p.m. Crevice Creek had no water at confluence but a little at Fikes' 1/2 mile
upstream (probably similar to other dry tributaries).
A group of 8 or so geologists and Fikes' 4 kids were down at Crevice Creek
confluence swimming when we stopped. The geologists were working for a private
consulting firm doing work for an unidentified mineral development company. They
contracted to use Fikes' as a base of operations and worked out of there with a
helicopter everyday in adjacent mountain areas.
Fikes has the only real homestead in the arctic with a log house, front lawn,
airstrip, barn, 25 acres of hay and oats, 4 or 5 horses, 20 chickens and 4
geese. He makes money principally through guiding hunters in August and
September. He leads 4-6 hunters a year by horseback into nearby mountain areas
for sheep, bear, moose, and caribou (principally sheep). Appears to be very
sensitive to the environment, game management, fair-chase hunts, and provision
of quality hunts. He stated that he would like to get into photographic and
non-hunting pack trips. Fikes had recorded 4 straight days in 80's with 8g°F
high.
From camp at Grizzly Creek we hiked back 1/2 mile to east to a lake Fikes had
told us about for pike fishing. Caught 2 little pike, no keepers. Back at camp
we saw land otter swimming down river. Also lots of mosquitoes.
July 16
Another great day although partly cloudy. 9:30 a.m. air 70°F, afternoon high in
mid 70's, 6:30 p.m. water 62F, 11:30 p.m. air 49°F. River dropped 1 or 2 inches.
Left camp 11:00 a.m., arrived lunch at Threetime Mountain 1:00 p.m., climbed
Threetime; left Threetime 5:30 p.m., arrived new camp near Button Mountain at
7:30 p.m. Distance of 18 miles for the day.
Tough hiking up Threetime, lots of brush most of way, 1-1/2 hours up, 1 hour
back, roundtrip 4 miles. Great view from top up and down John and behind into
valley where Hickel Highway runs. Nice rock ridge along top. Took long swim in
river upon return.
Four hours of hard paddling today. Lots of slow water, less than 2 mph current.
River fairly clear and very low.
Saw cow moose in slough from top of Threetime. Mosquitoes some-what worse today
because of little wind. Saw a couple owls, goshawks.
July 17
Yet another great day with mostly clear skies. 9:00a.m. air 64F, light wind;
2:00 p.m. air 76F, water 65F; 8:30 p.m. air 70°F, water 66F.
Left camp 11:00 a.m., arrive lunch 2:00 p.m., 11 or 12 miles down-stream, after
several stops arrive new camp just on to Bettles Quad map at 8:30 p.m. Total
distance 24 miles in 6 hours of moderate, steady paddling.
River clear, low, 50-60 yards wide, 4-5 feet deep, slightly more 'current than
yesterday -3 mph; mostly smooth meandering water except several riffles, all
class I.
After Button Mountain, large burn over much of area with large fields of
Fireweed. Hills and mountains usually within sight from river. A few impressive
rock outcrops and high-eroded banks along river.
Saw pair of rough-legged hawks and a chick in a nest in tall spruce along river.
Also large bull moose lying down on gravel bar, a cow moose, several arctic
loons, terns, and sandpipers. Stopped to fish old ox-bow lake off river -only
mosquitoes’ biting. As along upper river, lots of wolf tracks observed. Fished
Goose Slough, again no luck for pike but saw beaver, muskrat, geese, and ducks.
No luck for grayling in river – getting hungry for fish.
Stopped at old log cabin and cache at Timber Creek. Roof caved in, several old
cans and pipes around, cache down. Again, several planes over and back as in all
previous days.
July 18
Weather cloudy, threatening, short rain during night.
10:00 a.m. air 67OF; 2:00 p.m. air 64F, water 64F; 8:00 p.m. air 58F, John water
62F, Koyukuk water 61°F, light rain, over-cast, windy.
Left camp 11:00 a.m.; arrive new camp at Koyukuk River confluence 3:45 p.m.
Total distance 15 miles in 3-1/2 hours of moderate, steady paddling.
River still low, clear, slow with many spots less than 2mph although some
stretches of 3-4 mph current. Koyukuk River also low, clear, about twice size of
John with similar current.
One very scenic bend with rock bank showing tight vertical strata 30-40 feet
high. Saw small black bear along river.
From confluence we hiked 1 mile down the Koyukuk to old Bettles on north bank.
Many old buildings and cabins still standing - very interesting historic site -
2 cabins had been lived in recently.
July 19
Drizzly weather most of day. Spent 3 hours lining canoes upstream, 5 miles to
Bettles Field. Lining was very easy from large gravel bars and required ferrying
across river only 4 or 5 times. Although somewhat faster and easier with 2
people on bow and stern, one person could line alone successfully. Needed about
40 to 50 feet of rope on both bow and stern to get canoe in deep enough water
and allow you to walk on dry ground.
Arrived in Bettles about 2:30 p.m. and got Dave Ketschev's truck to move canoes
from river back to Dave's store and canoe rental in back of Bettles Lodge. John,
Alan and I caught a ride back to Fairbanks in an Air North plane in hopes of
catching an earlier flight out of Fairbanks to Anchorage. However, all flights
were booked and John and I returned to Anchorage on Wien's 9:00 p.m. flight.
General
From Hunt Fork to the mouth of the John is approximately 101 miles, which we
covered in approximately 22 hours on the river plus an additional 5 miles up the
Koyukuk in 3 hours. Most of this time on the water was moderate, steady
paddling. The eleven days out was just about right to allow time for off-river
hikes, frequent stops, and short paddling days. At no point did we feel that we
had to push to make mileage. If one were purely John River Log - "floating" the
river and not wishing to paddle, they should probably allow additional 15-20
hours on the river.
The river is an excellent family canoe river with virtually all class I water
from Hunt Fork - current except in a few lower river areas, is moderate. Hiking
opportunities are excellent from the river, especially in the Gunsight Mountain
area. Many "high and dry" ridges come right down to the river affording great
hiking routes up nearby mountains and into alpine areas. The great relief and
proximity of adjacent mountains to the valley floor also provides outstanding
scenery over much of the upper and middle river area.
Despite the great visual scar of the winter haul road as viewed from the air,
the John River valley is surprisingly pristine and primitive. From the river the
Hickel Highway was only seen where it occasionally crossed the river and most of
these crossings utilized gravel bars and large bank cuts or timber cuts were not
observed. With the exception of several old trapping cabins and the Fikes
homestead, few signs of man were seen along the river. However, aircraft traffic
up and down the valley was significant and detracted somewhat from a wilderness
experience.
Wildlife was only occasionally observed, although sign was very common. Fishing
was poor; this was probably affected by extremely low water conditions and time
of the year.
Pat Pourchot
John River [406 kb]
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