Gulkana River
Alaska
The Gulkana River begins in the Alaska Range near Summit Lake and flows south into the Copper River. The three forks (including Middle Fork and West Fork) comprise the largest clearwater river system in the Copper River Basin, draining approximately 2,140 square miles in southcentral Alaska before it meets the Copper River and empties into Prince William Sound. It is less than a five-hour drive from Fairbanks (population 75,000) and Anchorage (population 250,000), making it among the most popular recreation resources in south-central Alaska.
The three forks of the Gulkana flow through the rolling valleys and low ridges of an upland spruce-dominated forest, rich with lakes and ponds. Several hundred lakes and ponds are scattered throughout the spruce-dominated forest of the Gulkana River watershed, providing abundant nesting areas for trumpeter swans and waterfowl.
The Gulkana River has played an important role in the lives of the Ahtna, providing access to subsistence resources throughout history and pre-history. During winter months, the frozen Gulkana River has been an important travel route from the Copper River to the Tangle Lakes and what is now known as the Denali Highway area.
Designated Reach
December 2, 1980. The main stem from the outlet of Paxson Lake in T12N, R2W, Copper River meridian, to the confluence with Sourdough Creek. The South Branch of the West Fork from the outlet of an unnamed lake in sections 10 and 15, T10N, R7W, Copper River meridian, to the confluence with the West Fork. The North Branch from the outlet of two unnamed lakes, one in sections 24 and 25, the second in sections 9 and 10, T11N, R8W, Copper River meridian, to the confluence with the West Fork. The West Fork from its confluence with the North and South Branches downstream to its confluence with the main stem. The Middle Fork from the outlet of Dickey Lake in T13N, R5W, Copper River meridian, to the confluence with the main stem.
Outstandingly Remarkable Values
Fish
The Gulkana is one of the most popular sportfishing rivers in Alaska, providing rich habitat for rainbow trout, arctic grayling, king salmon, red salmon, whitefish, longnose suckers, and lamprey. It is the leading king (Chinook) and red (sockeye) salmon-spawning stream in the Copper River basin. Grayling, rainbow trout, and steelhead are resident species.
Recreation
The Gulkana provides a variety of water conditions. It is one of a handful of road-accessible rivers in the state of Alaska, yet provides opportunities for a remote and primitive experiences, particularly on the West Fork of the Gulkana. While the three forks are not considered whitewater rivers for most of their length, they include rapids rated up to Class III-IV. The corridor provides a remote setting for recreation and subsistence activities, such as boating, fishing, hunting, trapping, camping, hiking, snowmachining, skiing, photography, wildlife viewing, and dogsledding. The Sourdough Section is accessible to powerboats.
Scenery
Closely flanked by low, rolling hills, with the Wrangell Mountains and Alaska Range in the background, the Gulkana offers high-quality scenic vistas. It offers viewers and photographers opportunities to observe and photograph many aspects of nature—wild flowers, a variety of birds, and animals are all present in abundance.
Wildlife
The Gulkana is home to a great diversity of wildlife and provides outstanding viewing opportunities. The over 60 species of birds in the area include bald eagles and trumpeter swans. More than 30 species of mammals can be found, including black and brown bears, moose, caribou, wolves, martens, wolverines, otters, weasels, minks, foxes, coyotes, lynxes, beavers, and muskrats.
Managing Partners And Contacts
Documents
Classification/Mileage
Video
It's your river. Make your splash! Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, which guides the management of more than 200 rivers in 40 states and Puerto Rico. BLM Alaska cares for six of these rivers, including the Gulkana Wild and Scenic River, which was recognized for its primitive character, abundant fish and wildlife, and its geologic, cultural, and recreational values.
Join the BLM Glennallen Field Office river crew as they journey down the Gulkana Wild and Scenic River in this video created by Media Intern Jeremy Gallman.