The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office in Glennallen, Alaska, is a must stop when you are headed to the upper Gulkana River. Located on the Glenn Highway just as you are coming into Glennallen, the BLM has numerous maps and brochures that offer a wealth of information for the wilderness rafter. Be sure to pick up their fold out map which offers a mile by mile guide of the river as well as the location of the established camp locations along the river. The major rapids are indicated as well as portages around the Canyon Rapids. Below are references and links to these BLM resources .
Maps
Cut and paste: https://www.avenzamaps.com/maps/598620/gulkana-national-wild-river-main-branch
Link to TAP map: http://tapseis.anl.gov/documents/docs/feis/volume7/3.28-2.pdf
This is an over view map that shows the river corridor in its relationship to the Trans Alaska Pipeline and the Richardson Highway.
Link to the BLM River use guide:
https://www.blm.gov/visit/gulkana-river
This hand out is a must when planning your upper Gulkana River adventure.
"Portions of the Gulkana River were designated as part of the National Wild and Scenic River system by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act in 1980. A wild river is free of impoundments, generally inaccessible except by trail, has primitive watersheds and shorelines, and has unpolluted waters. The Gulkana was recognized for its primitive character, abundant fish and wildlife, and its geologic, cultural and recreational values. There are 25 rivers in Alaska that are part of this system. The Bureau of Land Management administers six of them."
"The most popular float trip begins at Paxson Lake and ends at Sourdough Creek Campground. The total distance is about 52 river miles; allow 3 to 4 days for travel. The vehicle shuttle is 31 miles each way between Paxson Lake Campground (MP 175 Richardson Highway) and the take-out at Sourdough Creek Campground (MP 147.5 Richardson Highway)."
Gulkana River Planning Download Center
www.blm.gov/pgdata/content/ak/en/prog/planning/east_alaska_plan/Gulkana_River_Mgmt_Plan.html
This is the online link for the entire Gulkana River covered by the BLM.
