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Many of Alaska's best rivers to float are not road accessible. Thus, the only way to get there may be to fly. People who are interested in these remote river trips are recommended to fly into the closest village serviced by a commercial airline, then charter an air taxi to their put-in site.
In general, people use collapsible rubber boats for back-country river trips. This is because rigid rafts and boats are difficult and expensive to transport, as they don't fit well into the small Bush planes.
While locals tend to use their own boats, visitors can rent canoes or rafts if they need to from many of the larger towns. Another option would be to go with a private guiding company that already has all the gear ready to go. Listings for these companies are available by request from the Anchorage Alaska Public Lands Center.
Boating season in Alaska is relatively short, typically existing from June to August. Weather here is extremely unpredictable, leading to variable water levels. Information on water levels can be found at the Alaska River Specific Forecast Center (907-266-5160) as well as from local residents, the agency that manages the land around the river and occasionally river outfitters that regularly float the river.
Please be extra prepared and cautious when on your trip. The back-country of Alaska is very remote, making help often hours or even days away. Some things to keep in mind are that Alaska's waters are extremely cold, making hypothermia a constant threat; bears following rivers looking for salmon can also be aggressive so practice bear safety and learn about proper food storage. Lastly, file a trip plan with someone in town before you go.
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