Resurrection Creek “Cascades Section”
- This topic has 0 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 2 years ago by .
- Posts
SOURCE: The Alaska Packraft Guidebook: Premier Rivers & Creeks in the 49th State (1st ed) Copyright: 2022 by Jule Harle. Refer to the guidebook for additional info, photos, waypoints or detailed river maps. Author permission required to reproduce, duplicate or transfer following content.
QUICK RIVER STATS:
Difficulty: IV
Length: 7 miles including Lower Canyon section
Gauge: No gauge, use Sixmile for estimate https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/15271000/#parameterCode=00065&period=P7D&showMedian=false
Shuttle: None, start & end @ trailheadPut-in: Caribou Creek bridge
Takeout: Resurrection Pass Trailhead (North)
Character: If you’re ready to fire up three short, stout & technical class IV drops… and don’t mind hiking for a few hours on a somewhat “busy” trail, this unique and seldom done run will not disappoint! Afterwards, you’ll also paddle the class III canyon section downstream.
Water Level: The Cascades will be technical & “creeky” if the Six Mile gauge is under 9 ft. With higher flows, above 9.3 ft, the rapids become much pushier & powerful- expect larger & possibly retentive holes.
Hike Description: Follow Resurrection Trail for approximately 7 miles, until the Caribou Creek bridge; it’s possible to put-in earlier, anytime after mile 5.5, wherever the trail nears the creek. Time: 2-3 hrs
River Description: From Caribou Creek, you’ll warm up with just under 2 miles of class II before the creek makes an abrupt turn to the left with a rock wall on the right. You can get out to scout the entrance rapid on the right. The best line depends on the water level, but both middle and left lines exist.
Jaime Lyons in the Entrance to the Cascades section
The canyon walls become significantly more narrow before the 2nd rapid, “Cascade,” a 2 part drop. There is a large eddy on the right, immediately above this rapid. Take some time to look at your line, as sieves exist, and the rocks have a history of holding problem wood. Again, there are numerous lines, and the best option varies depending on water level.
View of the 1st rapid in the “Cascades” Sixmile gauge: 8.9 ft
Immediately downstream, the creek makes a blind left turn into the 3rd and final drop. This can be boat scouted from the eddy on the right; stay alert for wood. Shortly after this rapid the Cascades Canyon opens up, as more class II ensues alongside numerous wood portages before the lower canyon.
Cam Brailey in the Cascades, Sixmile gauge 8.9 ft
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.