|
Alaska waterways
|
| Name | Representing |
| Jerry Coutant | USFS, Anchorage |
| Larry Kajdan | BLM, Glennallen |
| David Cohen | NPS, Anchorage |
| Pat Pourchot | BOR, Anchorage |
August 26
The previous day, Dave and I had driven to Crystal Lake, about Mile 43 of the
McCarthy Road. We spent the night at the small, grassy airstrip there. Nice
night under the stars. Saw red- tailed hawk near airstrip in early morning.
|
Arrived put-in camp on Middle Fork one mile -
above North Fork at 8:00 a.m. Clearwater creek comes into river (glacial) behind
camp. Larry and Jerry (who flew into Crystal Lake strip that morning) arrived
about 10:00 a.m.
Several old cabins, mining structures (lode mining) in Golconda pass area. Old
trail up Pocket Creek to mines from Monahan Creek and Klu River. No trail down
to Bremner; very rough, thick, steep terrain down into N. Fork.
In flying over, N.F. 12-mile canyon didn't look that bad except for very narrow
rock slot/drop near canyon entrance near Amy Creek -looked like no room to
scout, line, portage. Rest looked like swift, continuous Class III-IV whitewater
with sharp turns, scattered holes, and lots of standing waves. No apparent drops
or falls and few exposed boulders in channel. Walls very steep and brushy -
often vertical.
Old moose tracks on bar at camp. Found 2-2 1/2" gill cover and section of large
fish backbone along little Clearwater creek by camp -apparently salmon. Also
7-inch trout-like fish dead in bottom of pool in creek.
Middle Fork 18-20 yards wide, 2-3' deep, 5-7 mph current. Small rapids -no
exposed rocks, 1-2' waves, Class I whitewater. Very silty. Evidence of recent
higher water in several now - dry channels around camp. Nice sand for tent
sites.
7:00 a.m., Crystal Lake air 43°F.; 8:00 a.m., camp air 43"; 9:00 a.m. M.F. water
37°; 6:00 p.m., air 56°; water 40°. Mostly cloudy today.
In afternoon we hiked up North Fork canyon, leaving camp at 12:40 p.m., and
returning about 6:00 p.m. We covered about four miles roundtrip, reaching a
point on the N.F. about three miles above M.F. confluence (at boundary of Bering
Glacier and McCarthy Quadrangles). We hiked up along canyon rim; good views down
into canyon but hard to see far UD or downstream because of tight bends. One
mile above confluence Class III whitewater, fast with all but a couple huge
rocks covered; 2-3' holes and standing waves. Water down 3-4' from previous high
levels.
Three miles above confluence some Class IV constrictions and sharp turns with
water piling up on sides and rocks. But still places to sneak-readily kayakable.
Climbed down about 200 feet to river at one point but too tough a climb to
attempt more than once.
We left river at quad boundary and hiked uphill (east) and then south to camp
along base of mountain. Very hard going. Lots of ravines, alders, devil's club
and brush. Lots of stumbling, swinging, and cursing leader. Going up much easier
through more open mature spruce-birch forest and birch pre dominant trees, but
also mountain ash, willow trees (6-8 inches in diameter), elderberry. Also large
aspen on dry ridges, raspberry, high and low bush cranberry, bunchberry, and
dogberry, along river Kinnikinnick.
Lots of chickadees (blackcap and a few boreal), some bear sign, moose browse
areas seen.
When we returned to camp, river had risen 6-8".
August 27
High overcast in morning, partly cloudy in afternoon. 7:00 a.m., air 43°, water
37°; 4:00 p.m., air 60°, water 43°; 7:30 p.m., air 54°. River dropped 6-8"
overnight.
Left camp 8:45 a.m., and hiked up Middle Fork about a mile before being stopped
by steep canyon/cliff sides along south bank. We then hiked up to a high point
of land (marked elevation 1525 on map) and then down to a small lake shown on
map. After eating lunch at lake we returned to MF generally following the
Clearwater creek back to camp. Away from river it was hard, steep, brushy
hiking, lots of alder and willow. Along M.F. up from camp over 1/2 mile of old
river terrace with level, lichen-covered terrain with widely scattered spruce.
Arrived at camp 4:00 p.m., five miles roundtrip.
Saw flock of bohemian waxwings along river, lots of beaver workings, rusty
blackbirds, and loon at lake. Saw spruce hen, some old bear, moose sign -not
much evidence of recent large game animals or any animals for that matter.
Beautiful scenery; good views up and across M.F. valley; mountains all around,
lake very picturesque with alder-covered and then alpine-tundra covered
mountains -in immediate back-ground. Although mountains all around difficult to
reach alpine country because of high tree and brush line (about 3000 feet)
compared to low river elevation (about 650 feet) and very steep, brushy terrain.
Mosquitoes light but white sox and a weird red biting fly bad at times.
Jerry had hiked down ridge in back of camp, reported good views down Bremner but
brushy going (had scrape mark across forehead to prove it).
August 28
Clear skies turning mostly cloudy by evening. 7:00 a.m., air 36°, water 36°;
5:00 p.m., air 58°, water 41°.
Left camp 9:30, arrived new camp 4:15. Traveled 17 miles in three hours on
water. Easy, fun day, little paddling.
North Fork entered one mile from camp 1/3 to 1/2 more volume than M.F. First two
or three miles Class II with 2-3 foot standing waves in a couple spots. One
Class III bend with ledge drop of 2-3 feet over half of river with standing
waves below but pretty easily sneaked on inside of curve. Then choppy Class I
whitewater - very few exposed rocks. Very swift current averaging six mph.
Ate lunch at Price Creek, a Clearwater stream. Found jaw and backbone remains of
small salmon-looked like female. We stopped just above entrance to Three Mile
Canyon (boundary between Section 15 and 16 on Cordova D-1 Quad) and walked down
along river and up on top of small gorge to scout rapids. First drop at entrance
biggest rapid in 300-400 yard stretch of rapids in canyon. It's a ledge drop
with a big 4-foot trough and roller all across the river - Class III - IV, not
much water breaking backwards into trough and the rafts rode right over with
little water coming in. Below were several tight, rock-wall bends with 3-4'
standing waves over one-half of river but we easily sneaked them along the right
side of river - Class III.
Rest of Three Mile Canyon easy Class I and II water requiring no scouting.
Beautiful narrow rock canyon 50-100 feet deep, 25-50 yards wide. River mostly
wall to wall but several nice bars and two small Clearwater creeks coming in
made excellent stopping places. Canyon ends 1/2 mile above South Fork.
Right at S.F. confluence is a big hole and roller about 10 yards wide over a
part of the river. Although it is easily avoided Dave and I went right into it,
feeling somewhat cheated of thrills in Three Mile Canyon. Here we took in more
water (gallons) than anywhere on trip, soaking the bowman (Dave) from the top of
his head to his toes.
South Fork about the size of the M.F. above the N. Fork. After S.F. we got first
close-up views of glaciers on side of valley and on downriver mountains.
Although no rapids exist, the river pinches down to 20-25 yards between two
pains of rock about 1 1/2 miles below S.F.; very scenic.
We camped at very small Clearwater tributary, which drains a small marshy pond
1/4 mile from the river about two miles below S.F. Little pond is dammed up by
beaver and lots of beaver cuttings and trails around. Six trumpeter swans, four
adults and two cygnets, were on pond. They trumpeted frequently during the
night.
Saw bald eagle, hawk (goshawk?), and flock of bohemian waxwings. Bear, moose
tracks at new camp. Otter tracks at several Clearwater tributaries.
Most of day, river in single channel. After S.F. in front of camp, river in
three or four channels separated by low, narrow gravel bars. Active river bottom
75-100 yards wide. Riffles 5-7 mph current, pools or "runs" 3-4 mph current, 2-4
feet deep although much deeper in canyon.
Mostly white spruce-birch forest with alder, willow. Some aspen on dry, south
facing slopes. A few poplar or cottonwood. Bugs light in evening. Wilson's 185
with BLM "checker-uppers" from Glennallen over today.
August 29
Mostly sunny and clear. 7:00 a.m. air 40°, water 36°; 1:30 p.m., air 60°; 7:30
p.m., air 56°, water 47°; 10-20 mph headwinds in afternoon.
Left camp 9:40 a.m., arrived new camp 6:10 p.m. Traveled 13 miles in six hours
on water, mostly hard, steady paddling from one mile below Salmon Creek
confluence due to headwinds and slow, shallow water.
Stopped at Salmon Creek (missed little channel on right and had to hike back
upriver to outlet) saw bald eagle, bear and wolf tracks, and partial remains of
dead salmon -looked like pink or small red.
After Salmon Creek, no real riffles or rapids; current 2-3 mph. About a mile
below Salmon Creek the river leaves its small valley closely flanked by bluffs
and ridges and enters glacial flood plain 1/2-2 miles wide with many channels.
Most channels very shallow 1-3' deep and choices sometimes hard got hung up
several times.
On bars much shallow quicksand affectionately known as "quagsuck" (almost).
Often hard to land boats and walk around.
We tried to stop at Little Bremner River confluence to hike up to cabin shown on
map at MacCree1 Creek confluence one mile above Bremner. But most of river
swings to far side of valley and we were unable to get over to where Little
Bremner came in.
A black bear crossed bars and swam river in front of us. At new camp several
sets of large bear tracks and old moose tracks. In evening saw four swans and
eagle along south side of river.
Although we had been following "main" channel along south bank in late p.m., we
were unable to find good campsite, although we did fill up water bottle at clear
water stream coming off of Bremner Mountain. So, we crossed river to north side
and camped on immense, desolate-looking sandbar. Crossing difficult due to
downriver winds and very shallow channels - had to drag and line some.
Beautiful scenery surrounding campsite; Henry Glacier across Copper, Bremner
Peak to south, the Peninsula to northwest, mountains upriver - huge dust cloud
over Copper caused by upriver winds.
Vegetation still white spruce with a few birch (no Sitka spruce seen). Lots of
alder on islands and shorelines. Clearwater scarce, but found clear pools in
sand by camp at edge of river. Firewood scarce.
August 30
Mostly clear and sunny - afternoon wind 5-15 mph. 7:00 a.m., air 42°, water 40°;
12:45 p.m., air 60°, water 55° (very shallow); 6:30 p.m., air 58°, water 50°.
River did not drop overnight as had previously.
Swans trumpeting last night by Peninsula. Four Canada geese over in morning. Two
swans flying up Bremner near camp.
Left camp 9:40 a.m., arrived new camp one mile above Copper 5:45 pm. Traveled
about 14 miles in 6 1/2 hours on water with steady moderate paddling for 1/2
time, floating and easy paddling 1/2 time.
One mile below camp Bremner bends sharply south to parallel the Copper. Here
scenery spectacular with huge amphitheater of mountains and glaciers. At bend
current 3 mph and had just as good luck floating and letting current choose
channels as choosing ourselves. Still we got stuck in very shallow spots and had
to get out and push off or line through several times. Most channels 6"-1 1/2'
deep. If wind had been blowing would have been tough.
After lunch about five miles below bend much easier finding good channels -more
confined. After 2:30 p.m., headwinds came up and steady, moderate paddling
required to make headway in 1-3 mph current, couple places had to get out and
line/ drag boats to deeper channel. Channels near confluence not like shown on
map-most water goes out across sand flats toward Copper while only very small
channel was along east side next to mountain slope.
We kept in small channel to find suitable camp site -nice sand bar between
Bremner and Wernicke Rivers, a little clear water in pools and trickles out of
sand bank but we had to rely on water jug filled earlier in day.
No spruce along river, only a few scattered cottonwood. Mostly alder. Small
willows growing around new camp.
Saw eagle nest in cottonwood, magpie, two teal, pigeon hawk (Merlin), bald
eagle. Bear (looked like black) crossing from west side of Copper, across sand
flats and across Bremner in evening above camp, weasel in camp. Bear, otter
tracks on bars.
Scenery from new camp again spectacular: Peninsula to north, Allen Glacier to
west, Baird Canyon to south, mountains at our backs to east. Again, big dust
cloud over Copper around Peninsula and north. During day passed sand dunes 10-20
feet high along west bank.
August 31
Partly cloudy most of day, although mostly cloudy south of us and mostly clear
north of us. Rain in evening. 6:40 a.m., air 40°, water 44°; 1:45 p.m., air 52°,
water (Copper) 45°; 4:30 p.m., air 49°, water 44° (below Miles Glacier).
Left camp 9:10 a.m., arrived new camp between Million Dollar Bridge and Childs
Glacier 5:30 p.m. Traveled one mile on Bremner and 17 miles on Copper River in
six hours on water with light to steady, moderate paddling above Miles Glacier
and floating below.
At Bremner confluence saw seal in river. Saw 10-12 seals during day all way down
to new camp. Looked like spotted seals.
Right below Bremner part of Copper goes between rock bank and rock island
causing short Class II-III rapid with 3-4' standing waves. Although easily
avoided by going on west side of river or easily sneaked down east side, we went
through okay and took a little water.
Baird Canyon striking with sheer mountains towering over Narrow River on east.
No rapids, 3-4 mph current. Stopped in canyon above Allen River to look at
historic Copper River Railroad - also tent frame there and work road used by
highway Department in now-suspended attempt to construct road generally
following old railroad grade. Railroad trestle washed out over small creek; work
road culvert crossing of creek also washed out.
Stopped and scouted Abercrombie Rapids. Saw bear and people track: Rapids Class
II -2' standing waves, could be canoed by experienced people or easily sneaked
by less-experienced people. Very fast current 7-8 mph. We went down middle and
jumped up and down in raft and still didn't net much out of very disappointing
but probably more exciting in peak melt time (July).
Ate lunch below rapids and watched pigeon hawk (Merlin) and two magpies play cat
and mouse. Although falcon made many dives and passes never really connected and
magpies seemed unshaken. We say young magpie creeping around -parents probably
distracting falcon from young.
Miles Lake was not really a lake. The water had receded into a large channel,
which flowed around the eastern and southern perimeter of the "Lake" exposing a
2-3 foot high silt flat over most of the northern half of the lake as shown on
Cordova C-2 quadrangle. Current above Miles Glacier 2-3 mph, below to Million
Dollar Bridge 1-2 mph.
Due to headwinds we paddled steadily to Miles Glacier, stopping on bar opposite
glacier to view and to warm up -very cold. Miles Glacier huge and ominous with
lots of cracking, groaning, and ice calving off. Below Miles we just drifted
downriver among the many small icebergs and cakes to Million Dollar Bridge. Wind
died and water almost glassy. Very beautiful with Miles Glacier to rear and
Childs covering the foreground and mountains all around.
Under bridge river 5-6 mph. We camped 200 yards below bridge in full view of
Childs Glacier, 300 yards downriver, Childs cracked and groaned in evening.
Numerous icebergs and cakes crashed into each other and grounded on river bottom
in front of camp all evening and night. Although startling and somewhat
unsettling, the noise gave one a great sensation of a dynamic earth and the
tremendous power of natural processes.
In evening we hiked over Million-Dollar Bridge. Although 1964 earthquake knocked
one span down of highway bridge (converted from original 1910 railroad bridge),
highway department has put in a temporary plank and steel incline which spans
gap in bridge. No evidence of recent use of bridge or road (we found out later
traffic closed just beyond 1st bridge at Flag Point). No clear water at camp
-clear water pools at Abercrombie.
September 1
High overcast, drizzly and rainy in afternoon. '7:OO a.m., air 44°, water 43°;
2:00 p.m., air 52o° , water 44°.
Left camp 9:45 a.m., arrived Flag Point 3:30 p.m. Traveled about 24 miles in
about 4 1/2 hours of floating - no paddling. Great, easy day.
Passing by face of Child's Glacier uneasy, but no calving occurred - very
spectacular under shadow of 80-foot wall of ice. Below Glacier 100 yards of 3-4'
rolling waves, a couple breaking. Fun down middle, only one splash over bow of
boat. Could easily be sneaked by open canoe on left or right. Waves bigger than
Abercrombie. Current 7-8 mph.
More seals below Childs - several hauled out on gravel bars. Still lots of
icebergs but many grounding out on shallow bars and riffles. Lunch at Clearwater
creek two miles below Goodwin Glacier river confluence on west bank. Only
Clearwater streams seen during day. Saw 20 dusky Canadian geese. River 6-8 mph
most of day - very enjoyable floating – stayed in main channel, no difficult
choices, no real danger of missing bridge take-out. Main channel stays close to
mountains on west side of valley most of the way down.
Saw several bald eagles -saw no sheep or goats on hillside despite lots of
glassing. Saw another pigeon hawk.
Could hear heavy machinery and could see cranes against skyline over flat delta
area. Highway Dept. working on bridges spanning islands across Copper River
Delta.
Scenery still great with mountains rising steeply along west bank. Only
occasional cottonwoods - mostly alder along river and on adjacent slopes.
Took out on upstream side of Cordova Road Bridge in small backwater. Seal at
take-out. Called Forest Service from Highway Department station 1/2 mile up
road. FS rig came out, picked us up and took us into Cordova (28 miles). Spent
night in Cordova and flew to Anchorage nest day via Alaska Airlines.
General
In five days on river covered 45 miles of Bremner River and 41 miles on Copper
River averaging five hours a day on water.
The upper two fifths of Bremner swift, narrow, riffles, and rapids. The lower
3/5 wide, braided, slow and shallow. Except for Miles Lake, Copper swift, big,
some standing waves. Except for lower Bremner, an excellent floating river.
Upriver winds could be problem on slower stretches. Not for novice or
intermediate canoeists. Not really challenging for kayakists. Clearwater scarce
- must bring water jug.
Wildlife viewing fair to good (no moose, sheep, goats, wolves see, but probably
varies with season). Seals common and of special attraction as they are 50 miles
from ocean. Sport fishing poor to non-existent. Trumpeter swans along Bremner
also of special value.
Scenery spectacular. Mountain-Glacier terrain seemingly unending, and along
Copper unsurpassed by any other major river in Alaska that I know. Three Mile
Canyon on Bremner and Baird Canyon on Copper outstanding.
The Bremner is a wilderness in the truest sense -we saw no signs of man along
river. Despite railroad bridges Copper very primitive.
Hiking very rough in whole river area.
Bremner River [484 kb]
List of rivers for which information is available on this website
Alagnak River | Alatna River | American Creek | Andreafsky River | Aniakchak River | Awuna River | Beaver Creek | Black River | Bremner River | Canning River | Charley River | Chilikadrotna River | Chitina River | Colville River | Copper River | Delta River | Fortymile River | Gulkana River | Huslia River | Ivishak River | John River | Kakhonak River | Kanektok River | Karluk River | Kasegaluk Lagoon | King Salmon River | Kobuk River | Koyukuk River North Fork | Little Susitna River | Mulchatna River | Nigu Etivluk rivers | Noatak River | Nowitna River | Nuyakuk River | Porcupine River | Saganirktok River | Salmon River (Kobuk) | Selawik River | Sheenjek River | Squirrel River | Talachulitna River | Tlikakila River | Togiak River | Unalakleet River | Utukok River
Back to the main river logs page
Where next on www.outdoorsdirectory.com?
Alaska hunting books, Alaska fishing books and Alaska travel books
Main Alaska boating page, main Alaska hunting page and main Alaska fishing page
General information about boating, hunting and fishing in Alaska with leads on where to find out more.
Fishing lodges, fishing guides, hunting guides, saltwater charters, air taxis, hunting transporters, tackle, and much more. Hundreds of listings throughout Alaska.
What is it like to hunt and fish in various areas of Alaska?
Forums: Alaska hunting, Alaska fishing, Alaska outdoors swap n sell, and Alaska shooting
Read what people are saying about hunting, fishing and shooting in Alaska. Post your own comments. Buy or sell Alaska outdoors gear.
Stories and information about hunting and fishing in Alaska.
