Welcome to one of Alaska's best Wild and Scenic Rivers! The Gulkana River offers families the chance to explore a wilderness river without the expense of a "Bush Flight". 


The Gulkana River is road accessible and offers you the chance to choose numerous put in and take outs points depending upon the amount of time that you have.

Leave No Trace/Tread Lightly link: https://www.blm.gov/learn/outdoor-ethics​

What about Solid Human Waste? link: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/PublicRoom_Alaska_Gulkana-River-Brochure.pdf

Options:


Paxson Lake to Sourdough Campground. This is our most popular trip because it allows you to access the great Lake Trout fishing in Paxon Lake, some of the best Rainbow Trout fishing in the Canyon Rapids, Grayling fishing to brag about, and depending on your dates some of the best Sockeye and King Salmon fishing in the state. This trip is between 4-6 days( about 55 miles) in length (depending on the fishing!) and is a 100% wilderness experience with no access until you reach the take out at Sourdough Campground. The upper section of the river is Class II water until you reach the Canyon Rapids which is Class III water and has a small waterfall at the end which is run-able or can be portaged. Please keep in mind that the Upper Gulkana if for experienced rafters only! The Canyon Rapids need to be respected as many rafts gets pinned or can capsize and is not a section for the under prepared. The upper section of the Gulkana is one of the true classic trips in Alaska and once you have done it once you will be back for another trip and soon! 


Sourdough Campground to the Richardson Highway Bridge:  The middle section of the Gulkana River is a family friendly 2.5 day trip (22 miles) with easy Class I & II water.  This is a wilderness trip with very few access points so when we push you off you are on your own for the next few days! This section is very popular with family groups who just don't have the time to do the upper section but still want to experience the splendor of the Gulkana River. The King and Sockeye Fishing on this section is excellent so bring your fishing license and rods! Cost effective and a great trip for the first time rafter. 

Lower section, day trips:  The lower section has only 2 access points and this is where most of the famed King and Red Salmon fishing takes place. We offer 2 trip packages in this section for avid fishermen or the family that wants a perfect day trip on the river.  The Poplar Grove put in allows for either a 6+ hour raft trip for pleasure or up to 10 - 12 hour trip for the serious fisherman. This full day trip allows you to access all of the best fishing holes that the commercial guided trips will hit but at a fraction of the cost. The typical fully guided fishing trip charges around $325 per fisherman to fish this section. Gulkana River Raft Rentals can put your group of fisherman on the same section for $110 a day for the entire raft! 


We launch most of our Poplar Grove trips early in the morning so if you choose this section be prepared to be on the water between 6-7am. We will drop you off and pick you up at the end of your day so there is no need to bring a second truck for shuttling! 

Don't have a full 12 hours but still want to access those great salmon holes?  We also have a half day put in starting at Sailor's Pit campground which finishes at the Richardson Highway Bridge. This trip is limited to 4 hours and allows you to fish 5 of the best holes on the entire river and only costs $70 for the entire raft! 


We have an option for everyone who wants to experience the river! All of our rafts, canoes, kayaks and camping gear are top of the line and prices to fit into any family budget.



Other river options

  • Middle Fork of the Gulkana through Upper Tangles Lakes-8-10 days
  • Delta River through the lower Tangles Lakes-3-4 days
  • Upper Copper River from Salana to Chistochina or even down to the Gakona area. 2-3 days
  • Little Nelchina River to Tazlina Lake and take out at the Tazlina River Bridge in the Richardson Hwy. 3-4 days
                           Watch Ventures Wild video on youtube. Cut and paste!
Link to video of lower river:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wj3aHuh6_Y



                www.gulkanaraftrental.com     907-259-4290          PO Box 463, Glennallen, AK  99588
                                                          gulkanariverrafts@gmail.com