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 Just
south of Denali National Park, home to the tallest mountain in North America,
runs a clear and crisp river known for its abundance of salmon, trout, and
grayling. Lake "Creek" (classically understated Alaskana for medium-sized
river) flows free and rich in the shadows of Denali, from its source at
Chelatna Lake to the confluence of the Yentna river. For over 50 remote Alaska
river miles, this sparkling jewel serves up fun and challenging class III-III+
rapids and superb fishing opportunities. These trips are run by our Alaska
affiliate outfitter, Copper Oar. Copper Oar is partially owned by and trips led
in part by guides who worked for Destination Wilderness when it operated trips
in Alaska directly. For information on our other classic Alaska wilderness
journeys please check out the following: Copper River
Expedition, Discover Alaska,
Source to the Sea
Expedition, and Grand Alaska
Adventure!
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Additional
Lake Creek Information |
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Trip
Overview
The five-day adventure on Lake Creek features numerous
Alaska highlights. We access the river by landing at Chelatna Lake following an
Alaska bush flight. Weather permitting, we are afforded views of towering
Denali, which rises over 20,000 feet into the sky. Wildlife, such as brown bear
and moose, ambles along shore. Each species of salmon swim the river each
summer to spawn and Lake Creek trout are legendary. And the crystal clear water
is framed by white as rapids are found on one river stretch after another.
There are several different adventures on this trip, each perfect for
first-time and veteran wilderness travelers alike.
First, there is the
bush plane flightseeing trip. Depending on group size we fly from Anchorage to
Chelatna Lake in a float or wheeled plane, and land on the lake or remote
gravel landing strip. En route to the lake we fly up and over the Cook Inlet
and the expansive wilderness of the Alaska range and Matanuska-Susitna valley.
As part of this flight and as part of the river journey, we are witness to the
towering mountains of Denali National Park. This flight is approximately one
hour long, allowing ample time to soak up the grand Alaska backcountry.
 Then there is the fishing.
Chelatna Lake and Lake Creek fishing, either fly or spin casting, is superb. In
June, King salmon are present. July brings Pink and Chum. And August waters
host the Silvers. Even more prevalent than salmon, trout and arctic grayling
are found throughout Lake Creek, with some rainbows reaching up to 30² in
length! Given the rich vegetation and fish populations of Lake Creek wildlife
is in abundance, seeking food from the natural bounty. Brown bear, moose, bald
eagle, and possibly wolf may be spotted on this trip.
Last, but not
least, this waterway is home to playful and energizing whitewater. Rock garden
and pool drop rapids alternate with idyllic calms throughout the first few days
of the trip. As Lake Creek reaches its end at the confluence of the Yentna
river, it mellows and unwinds, in an appropriate manner that allows for
reflection of the pristine wilderness experiences found above. Following a
post-trip celebration that salutes the pristine nature and rich bounty of Lake
Creek we either fly or drive back to Anchorage and civilization. Memories of
this exceptional wilderness adventure will likely lead to undeniable desires to
return!
Lake Creek is offered only on a charter trip basis for
groups of four or more. Please contact our office for more information. For
additional images of our Alaska trips please visit the Alaska Adventures Photo
Gallery. |
Lake Creek:
Alaska fishing, whitewater rafting, and Denali
scenery June through
August
