Alaska River Guide: Canoeing, Kayaking, and Rafting in the Last Frontier

by Karen Jettmar

Book Overview

The rich tapestry of Alaska is threaded together by 365,000 miles of waterways, from cascading mountain streams to meandering valley rivers, from the meltwaters of glaciers to broad rivers that empty into the sea. This guide profiles a wide variety of rivers from all over Alaska, concentrating on trips for intermediate boaters, and including a few major expeditions for the experienced river-runner. A section on gear outlines what to take into the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 088240430X
• ISBN13: 9780882404301
• Release Date: April 1993
• Publisher: Alaska Northwest Books
• Length: 302 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A head start

Not many books are written on this subject, so it was more information than what I could find elsewhere. Although far from perfect, I read through it and at least could identify the rivers I wanted to explore. I didn't expect perfection and found if I needed updated material I could turn to the internet where there's plenty of personal testimonials. I rate this a "four" and a definite buy if you want a good Alaska river resource. Whitewater ho!

3rd Edition Highlights

In addition to all of the more than 90 rivers and runs from the previous edition, the 3rd edition of the Alaska River Guide includes new detailed descriptions of the runs of the Nenana Gorge, Upper Alatna, Tlikakila, Eagle, and Upper Chena, and other rivers. It also includes 13 new runs: Delta Clearwater River Kantishna River and Moose Creek Chulitna River Gulkana River and Middle Fork Gulkana River Little Nelchina River, Nelchina River, and Tazlina River Matanuska River Willow Creek and Little Willow Creek Stikine River The 3rd edition also includes information on the application process for a Tatshenshini River permit. The entire book has been updated with websites and contact info, updated Leave No Trace info, detailed information on wildlife and fish species found on each river, and more history and archeology for some rivers. P.S. Sorry for the self-serving rating, but I couldn't post the review without completing a rating!

Ticket to adventure!

This book enticed us to take three fantastic trips: on the Noatak, the Selawik and the Kantishna rivers. Jettmar's book provided absolutely essential information about the river, maps, and travel arrangements. The information was accurate and succinct. Great guide for Alaska rivers! We hope she'll write another about more of the rivers.

The bible of river travel for Alaska

I love this book, and wish the author would write a sequel, describing more rivers. I have used the Alaska River Guide for several years to plan trips all over Alaska. The maps are great, the trip descriptions fascinating, and the pre-trip preparation information essential, especially for people new to Alaska.

Outstanding guide book

Great book on numerous trips on both slow and fast water. This combination makes the book a worthwhile purchase. Living in AK for five years and doing a number of the trips makes this a great way for me to stir up a few memories. Put-ins and take outs are accurately marked. Overall excellent book.