Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Alaska Raft Koyukuk River?

Is it practical to float the koyukuk River from Coldfoot to Bettles? Is there enough water to float a raft downstream from Coldfoot? Is it scenic? Is the fishing good?

Can you catch a bus ride from Fairbanks to Coldfoot?

The Koyukuk is pretty skinny at Wiseman, water levels can vary. Pretty good book that discusses the Koyukuk is "Shadows on the Koyukuk".
By Jim Rearden and Sydney Huntington.

Bus to Coldfoot, hmmm, doubtful, but at least one tour company runs the Dalton and I believe owns the Truckstop at Coldfoot and the River camp.
I would start with them.

Yep its a nice float from cold foot down. Pretty mellow. It can get skinny around Wiseman and Coldfoot but rafts shouldn't be an issue. Fishing isn't great but you'd probably catch a grayling or two. Maybe a pike at mouths of sloughs. Its fairy scenic especially through the canyon but you'd be just south of the mountains.

A better option for a scenic float in that area would be to spend a little extra money and have Coyote Air fly you from Coldfoot to the North Fork and float to Bettles. Its a quick flight. Better call them quick cause they may already be booked for the season.

I would think there are also Dollies up that way!

Bettles would be a good option, keep in mind you have to get flown there. Potentially fly out of Coldfoot. Bring plenty of bug dope!

I was thinking the other way around. Rent a raft in Fairbanks, take a bus to Coldfoot, float/raft down to Bettles and take the mail plane back to Fairbanks.

What company operates the mail plane to/from Bettles?

Trying to avoid the cost of the float plane.

Is there an AC store in Bettles?

There is several tour company's that run to Coldfoot. Coldfoot camp also has a van that goes back and forth.

Understand on avoiding the bush plane cost. If the cost difference would mean no trip at all then I'd definitely just float the Middle fork. Its such a quick flight to the north fork that it would be worth the extra money if you can swing it.

No AC store in Bettles. BRA and the Lodge carry a few basic store items. Wrights is the commuter flight company that services Bettles. They fly to Coldfoot as well.

Well heck, thats practically a day trip, I thought you were headed to Galena!

Not sure who hauls the mail to Bettles/Coldfoot? Check with Wrights, if not them, they would know.

(answerd b4 i read all the replies)

KC,

I'd recommend contacting Larry Bartlett of Pristine Ventures.

Larry sells and rents all sorts of inflatables and is very familiar with most Alaskan Rivers.