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The Gulkana River at the Richardson Highway Bridge near Gakona, Alaska, offers a convenient access point for kayakers, canoeists, and small boaters. This river access site is located at mile 127 on the Richardson Highway, providing easy highway access.
The Gulkana River is a large, Class 7 river system that flows for over 119 miles through the rugged Wrangell Mountains. With an average elevation drop of nearly 2,140 feet, the Gulkana has a moderately steep gradient, making it a popular destination for whitewater enthusiasts. The river supports healthy populations of king salmon, red salmon, rainbow trout, and Arctic grayling.
The boat ramp provides access to an isolated section of the Gulkana River, which is prized for its summer king salmon runs. Proposed improvements to the site include a new access road, raised gravel launch pad, and additional parking areas to better accommodate both motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Nearby hiking trails, such as the Gulkana MP 141 Trail, offer opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness.