| The Aniakchak River runs through the volcanic rubble of the Aniakchak Mountain, tearing through a 1,200'- 2,000' high breach or rift in the caldera's walls, identified as The Gates. The Gates can have sudden windstorms blowing over 100 miles per hour. The river then dives down the next 15 miles, dropping as much as 60'- 75' per mile through volcanic boulder gardens. The final stretch of river mellows out and ends in white-capped Aniakchak Bay.Along the riverbanks, it is typical to have very close encounters with brown bears fishing for Sockeye (Red Salmon) or feeding on blueberries. Caribou and moose roam the tundra consuming vegetation. There are also opportunities to see smaller game including fox, wolf, eagles, ptarmigan, and waterfowl. Fishing is outstanding for seasonal runs of Sockeye and Dolly Varden. |
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