Packrafting the Jack River: A loop route in Alaska's Northern Talkeetnas
Why Packraft the Jack?:
Situated at the lowest point in the Alaska Range separating the Chulitna and Nenana watersheds, the Broad Pass region of Alaska has become a frequent destination for packrafters thanks to numerous hike-to-paddle options. The Jack River is one of Broad Pass's best offerings, with approachable hiking and whitewater that makes it a great option for developing packrafters looking to leave the road system. While frequently done as a day trip, completing the Jack as a multi-day loop offers paddlers a logistically simple route that pairs excellent alpine hiking with a splashy paddle through the Northern Talkeetnas.
ROUTE OVERVIEW:
Starting and ending at the bridge over the Jack River on the Parks Highway, this trip can be done with just one vehicle by hiking or biking a 3.5-mile stretch of the highway to close the loop. The loop described in this write-up is best done over 2-full days or a relaxed 3-day trip. This route travels through Ahtna land, so make sure to get a permit. The lower portion of the Jack can also be done as a day trip from the Denali Highway via the ATV trail depicted on the map.
Difficulty and Flows:
The Jack River is primarily class II-II+ in difficulty. We paddled the Jack at high flow during peak runoff in mid-June. At those flows, individual rapids maintained their difficulty; however, the continuous nature of the upper portion renders it a class III section that could make it a stressful experience for developing paddlers who aren't comfortable reading and running. Targeting the river in the late summer would allow for a slower pace appropriate for less experienced paddlers. Even at low flows, there are two rapids that are class III: a boulder garden midway through the upper portion of the run and a rapid at the entrance to the lower canyon. Both are portageable at river level.
The Hike:
The hike starts at a pullout on the east side of the Denali Highway. There's a well-used ATV trail that departs to the east and makes for easy travel while avoiding what would otherwise be dense bushwhacking. Stay on the trail until it reaches the alpine before finding a place to leave the trail and descend into the drainage to the south. Head upstream, using game trails and frequent crossings to avoid doing anything more than mild bushwhacking. Eventually you'll reach the top of the drainage and have great views looking out over Caribou Pass. After descending to the pass, it's mostly an open walk through tussocks until the twin lakes at the height of land. There are lots of camping options in this area, and if you are doing the route as a two-day trip, camping on the eastern lake serves as a great spot to start paddling the following day.
Upper Jack: (Caribou Pass to Day Access)
We paddled the lake to start our second day before doing a short portage to the Jack along the outlet stream at the lake's southern tip. The Jack starts with consistent class II-II+ as it winds its way through low canyon walls. While this section lacks large distinct eddies, it's pretty shallow and easy to grind to a halt on the inside bends as needed. After a brief lull, the Jack gains volume at Soule Creek and enters another consistent section of class II+. There is a steeper boulder garden about midway between Soule and the East Fork of the Jack that could catch paddlers by surprise, and it felt like a step harder than anything up until that point (III-III+, portageable at river level). Once the East Fork joins, there's a break in the whitewater before the river nears the ATV trail that serves as the day-trip access point.
Lower Jack: (Day Access to Parks Highway)
In its lower section, the Jack's broad valley narrows, and the river enters a brief but scenic canyon. A bedrock pinch signals the one rapid of note (III). Here, the canyon walls descend to the water along river left, but boulders on the right bank allow for easy scouting or a possible portage. After the canyon rapid, the river winds through a few more corners of class II before opening and turning west toward the highway. While the whitewater slowly dissipates, the lower section is prone to collecting wood amongst the braids, so stay on your toes all the way to the takeout.
Comments