Canoeing, Kayaking activities in USA
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Paddling the Noatak National Wild River
The Noatak National Wild River is a 16-day, 350-mile float from Lake Matcharak to the village of Noatak, where Bering Air (www.beringair.com) has scheduled flights to Kotzebue. However, the numerous access lakes on the river allow it to be broken down into shorter paddles. The entire river is rated from Class I to II. The upper portion, in the Brooks Range, offers much more dramatic scenery and is usually accessed from Bettles.
The lower half, accessed through Kotzebue, flows through a broad, gently sloping valley where hills replace the sharp peaks of the Brooks Range. The most common trip here is to put in at Nimiuktuk River where, within an hour of paddling, you enter…
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Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking
Though the best and most impressive paddling in the region is within Kenai Fjords National Park, getting there requires a costly water-taxi. If you're looking to save money and don't mind foregoing the park's tidewater glaciers and more ample wildlife, kayaking right outside Seward in Resurrection Bay can still make for a stunning day on the water. Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking conducts guided trips.
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Lake Chabot
At the southern end of Chabot Park is the enormous Lake Chabot, with an easy trail along its shore and canoes, kayaks and other boats for rent from the Lake Chabot marina (510-582-2198).
AC Transit bus 53 runs daily from the Fruitvale BART station to the Chabot Center and Joaquin Miller Park. Bus 46 runs from the Coliseum BART along Skyline Blvd, during weekday commute hours.
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Kayaking & Boating
At the southern end of Chabot Park is the enormous Lake Chabot, with an easy trail along its shore and canoes, kayaks and other boats for rent from the Lake Chabot marina (510-582-2198).
AC Transit bus 53 runs daily from the Fruitvale BART station to the Chabot Center and Joaquin Miller Park. Bus 46 runs from the Coliseum BART along Skyline Blvd, during weekday commute hours.
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Paddling the Yukon
During its heyday, Eagle was an important riverboat landing for traffic moving up and down the Yukon. Today it's a departure point for the many paddlers who float along the river through the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. The 150-mile trip extends from Eagle to Circle, at the end of the Steese Hwy northeast of Fairbanks; most paddlers take six to 10 days, though some require as few as three.
It's not a difficult paddle, but it must be planned carefully. Kayakers and canoeists should come prepared for insects, but can usually camp either in public-use cabins or on open beaches and river bars, where winds keep the bugs at bay. They also need to be prepared for…
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Kayaking - Tikchik Lakes
In the park's northern half, and much more remote than the Wood River lakes, are these six lakes. Flat-water kayaking is popular on these lakes, and those interested in river floating can get dropped off on Nishlik or Upnuk Lake and travel along the Tikchik River into Tikchik Lake. You can be picked up there or continue your journey by floating the Nuyakuk and Nushagak Rivers to one of several Alaska Native villages where air-charter flights are available back to Dillingham.
The upper lakes are more challenging and more costly to experience. But the scenery - mountains, pinnacle peaks and hanging valleys surrounding the lakes - is impressive, and there will be far less…
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Fortymile River
River Historic Fortymile River, designated as Fortymile National Wild River, offers an excellent escape into scenic wilderness for paddlers experienced in lining their canoes around rapids. It's also a step back into Alaska's gold-rush era; the river passes abandoned mining communities, including Franklin, Steele Creek and Fortymile, as well as some present-day mining operations.
The best place to start paddling is at the bridge over South Fork, because the access points south of here on Taylor Hwy are often too shallow for an enjoyable trip. Many canoeists paddle the 40 miles from South Fork bridge to the bridge over O'Brien Creek, at Mile 113 of Taylor Hwy. This two- to…
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Canoeing - Wood River Lakes
These lakes, in the park's southern half, are connected by shallow, swiftly moving rivers. For that reason, most parties are flown in and paddle out, returning to Dillingham via the Wood River. A popular spot to put in is at Lake Kulik. From there the paddle toward Dillingham is a trip of close to 140 miles requiring from 10 to 14 days.
This route eliminates the need for a pick-up flight and is an easy paddle for most intermediate canoeists. However, the eight fishing lodges on these lakes all use powerboats in certain locations.
The paddling season is from mid-June, when the lakes are finally free of ice and snow, until early October, when they begin to freeze up again.…
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Alaska River Rafters
Alaska River Rafters operates rafting and kayaking trips at Sheridan Glacier, on the Copper River and elsewhere in the area; they have guided half-day trips, ranging to multiday packages that include everything from hiking to flightseeing.
The Copper River flows for 287 miles, beginning at Copper Glacier near Slana in the Interior and ending in the Gulf of Alaska, east of Cordova. Most of the river is for experienced rafters, as rapids, glaciers and narrow canyons give it a white-water rating of Class II-III much of the way. The 20-mile stretch between Million Dollar Bridge and Flag Point, at Mile 27 of the Copper River Hwy, is considerably wider and slower. Below Flag…
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Oliver Inlet
On Admiralty Island's northeast coast is Oliver Inlet State Marine Park. A 0.8-mile portage tramway connects the inlet to scenic Seymour Canal, known for one of the world's greatest concentrations of nesting bald eagles and a large population of brown bears. Seals, sea lions and whales also spend the summer feeding in the canal. The paddle to Oliver Inlet is 18 miles and involves crossing Stephens Passage, a challenging open-water crossing (for experienced kayakers only).
At the south end of the portage tram from Oliver Inlet is the state's Seymour Canal Cabin, which rents for around US$25 a night and can be reserved through the DNR Public Information Center. To avoid the…
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Paddling the Kobuk National Wild River
Trips along the Kobuk National Wild River often consist of floats from Walker Lake traveling 140 miles downstream to the villages of Kobuk or Ambler. From these villages there are scheduled flights to both Kotzebue and Bettles, another departure point for this river. Bering Air Service (www.beringair.com) can transport you and your gear from either Kobuk or Ambler to Kotzebue.
Most of the river is rated Class I, but some lining of boats may be required just below Walker Lake and for a mile through Lower Kobuk Canyon. Paddlers usually plan on six to eight days for the float. For more information contact the Innaigvik Public Lands Information & Education Center before you…
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Kayak'Atak
Kayak'Atak rents kayaks and can help arrange transportation throughout the bay. It also offers various guided tours, some including a 'gourmet lunch.' Make reservations in advance.
There are some excellent kayaking opportunities in the Seldovia area. Just north, Eldred Passage and the three islands (Cohen, Yukon and Hesketh) that mark its entrance are prime spots for viewing otters, sea lions and seals, while the northern shore of Yukon Island features caves and tunnels that can be explored at high tide. Even closer are Sadie Cove and Tutka and Jakolof Bays, where you can paddle in protected water, amid interesting geological features and near numerous camping areas…
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George & Carroll Inlets
From Hole in the Wall Bar & Marina, 7½ miles southeast of Ketchikan down the S Tongass Hwy, you can start an easy one- to four-day paddle north into both George & Carroll Inlets. Each inlet is protected from the area's prevailing southwesterlies, so the water is usually calm (although north winds occasionally whip down George Inlet). From Hole in the Wall to the top of George Inlet is a 26-mile paddle.
While not on the same dramatic scale as Misty Fiords, the two inlets are scenic. Highlights include Herring Bay, a mile north of Hole in the Wall, which attracts lots of salmon and seagulls; and Mahoney Inlet, 8 miles north, which has beautiful waterfalls.
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Berners Bay
At the western end of Glacier Hwy, 40 miles from Juneau, is Echo Cove, where kayakers put in for paddles in the protected waters of Berners Bay. The bay, which extends 12 miles north to the outlets of the Antler, Lace and Berners Rivers, is ideal for an overnight trip or longer excursions up Berners River. The delightful USFS Berners Bay Cabin (NRRS: 877-444-6777) is an 8-mile paddle from Echo Cove. Alaska Boat & Kayak charges around US$120 for kayak transportation out to Echo Cove.
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Pelican
The area around Flamingo Visitor Center was damaged by Hurricane Wilma, and its restaurants and lodges were closed when we visited, but you can still rent boats or go on a backcountry boat tour with the Pelican; a 1½-hour sailing schooner tour (adult/child/sunset around US$22/around US$14/around US$33) is also available. Or rent a canoe (hr/day/half-day around US$8/around US$22/$32) or sea kayak (half-day/day $35/$45) and explore the channels and islands of Florida Bay on your own.
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Pangaea Adventures
Pangaea Adventures has received great reader recommendations for its guided tours, ranging from a three-hour trip on Duck Flats to a day trip to Columbia Glacier. It also does longer custom tours and rents kayaks.
Valdez is a kayaker's paradise, though folks sticking to the bay will be rewarded with views of seagulls fighting over cannery offal for the first hour or so. Independent kayakers should be aware of no-go zones around the pipeline terminal and moving tankers.
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Canoeing, Fishing, Walking & Picnicking
The Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreation Area has recently undergone a major renovation of trails and landscaping and contains one of the last significant maritime hammocks left in Broward County. There are also mangroves, a freshwater lagoon system and several endangered plant and animal species (including the gopher tortoise and golden leather fern). You can fish, picnic, hike, canoe or bike. Canoe rentals, to be used on the half-mile trail, cost about US$6 per hour.
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Canoeing & Kayaking
From Flamingo, hit the visitor's center for a map of local canoe trails, such as the Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail, a 5.5-mile loop that leads you into Florida Bay. You can rent canoes and kayaks at the Flamingo Marina, and be transported to various trailheads for an additional fee. For extensive kayak trips and kayak camping, make a beeline to the Gulf Coast center, which also rents canoes for three-, five- or eight-hour day-trips around the 10,000 Islands.
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Chugach Outdoor Center
Chugach Outdoor Center guides trips down Sixmile twice daily during summer. The two-canyon run is around US$95 per person; if you want to defy death on all three canyons it's $145 per person.
Sixmile Creek is serious white water, with thrilling - and dangerous - rapids through deep gorges that survivors describe as 'the best roller coaster in Alaska.' The first two canyons are rated Class IV; the third canyon is a big, bad Class V.
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Gulf Coast - Picnic Area & Boat Cruise
The northwest park entrance, Gulf Coast, near Everglades City, has a small waterfront complex offering a picnic area with gorgeous vistas, plus daily boat tours which take you into the mangrove estuary of the Gulf of Mexico, motoring around the 10,000 Islands, where you'll see dolphins, roseate spoonbills, alligators, eagles and the occasional manatee. The main activity out of the Gulf Coast center, though, is kayaking.
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Bike & Canoe Hire, 7 Bridges Boats & Bikes
Bike & Canoe Hire, 7 Bridges Boats & Bikes, at the 7 Gables Inn & Suites, rents road bikes and mountain bikes for a day. They also provide canoes and a shuttle service.
From 7 Bridges Boats & Bikes you can drop a canoe in the Chena River, head downstream and into the quiet Noyes Slough and complete the loop by paddling east back into the river, a 13-mile round-trip journey.
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True North Kayak Adventures
True North Kayak Adventures, based on Yukon Island, runs half-day paddles amid the eagles overhead and otters for around. Once you've spent all that time crossing the bay, however, it makes more sense to spring for the full-day paddle. There are also several multiday options that cross Eldred Passage into Tutka Bay or Sadie Cove. For experienced kayakers, it rents rigid single/double kayaks.
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Nova River Runners
Nova River Runners also does twice-daily trips down the river, at around US$90 for the Class IV canyons, and around US$130 for the Class V.
Sixmile Creek is serious white water, with thrilling - and dangerous - rapids through deep gorges that survivors describe as 'the best roller coaster in Alaska.' The first two canyons are rated Class IV; the third canyon is a big, bad Class V.
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Charles River Canoe & Kayak Center
Besides canoe and kayak rental, Charles River Canoe & Kayak offers classes and organized outings. Experienced kayakers can venture out to the harbor, but the river and basin are lovely for skyline views and fall foliage. There is another outlet in Allston (near Harvard Sq), which allows for an excellent one-way five-mile trip between the two rental centers.
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Southeast Exposure Kayaks
Ketchikan serves as the base for some of the best kayaking in Southeast. Possibilities include anything from an easy paddle around the waterfront to a weeklong trip in Misty Fiords National Monument. Rent kayaks from Southeast Exposure Kayaks, 14 miles north of town, convenient if you're paddling out of Settler's Cove State Park, a logistic headache if you're not.
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