| On the Kobuk River, just below Walker Lake, a short set of White Water Class III-IV rapids will be encountered. They may be portaged or lined if necessary on the east bank. The river meanders on for about twenty miles before encountering a second set of rapids in the Lower Kobuk Canyon which persist for about one mile. These rapids are White Water Class II-III, which can be lined on the west bank of the river.Below the Pah River tributary numerous un-posted private lands on both sides of the river are present. A map can be obtained from the park service which details these private lands or check with locals before camping. Additionally, many natives use this river and surrounding areas for subsistence purposes. Please do not interfere with their livelihoods. Travel quietly and courteously and respect private property.From Walker Lake to Kobuk is 125 miles or about 6 days float time. Four additional villages are located downstream and offer accommodations, air service and are equally suitable take-out, or put-in points.Another popular float along the Kobuk is from the village of Ambler, through the Kobuk Valley National Park to Kiana. This float is approximately 120 miles and takes 6-7 days. This is a very placid float as the river drops only 2-3 inches per mile. 150 miles upstream of its terminus the river is only 50 feet above sea level. Below Ambler, near the Ikpigaruk Bluffs, where the river makes a large and long ox-bow turn is Onion Portage. Onion Portage makes and interesting stop and is the site of the first of two ranger stations found along the river in the park. Onion Portage allows boaters to make a time saving portage across several small ponds and marshes eliminating the ox-bow. This is also the site of what is perhaps the most important archaeological site in Alaska (see the Kobuk Valley National Park page for details).In the fall the Western Arctic Caribou Herd crosses the river at Onion Portage. The river then meanders though the Kobuk Valley which is dotted with small lakes and streams on its way to the mouth of Kavet Creek and the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Further down river the second ranger station is found at Kallarichuk which loosely translated means "place of big fish". It is presumed the name had nothing to do with the decision to locate the ranger station there. |
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