Wild Rivers - Andreafsky River - More

Neither river is free of ice until June 1 or later. Water during June is high and turbid. Water during July is low, creating several exposed gravel bars. By mid-August, the rivers are usually high again due to summer rains. September weather is cool, but the rivers are usually floatable throughout the month. The current in these clearwater rivers is 3 mph, except for the lower 15 miles where it dramatically slows.
Both rivers offer Class I water on the International Whitewater Scale for their entire length. Both rivers are used by local residents for subsistence hunting, fishing and trapping. During early June, the lower portions are used for waterfowl hunting, and moose hunting occurs during September.
Access to the Andreafsky and East Fork Rivers is difficult at best. From St. Mary's, you must arrange to either: (1) have your raft and gear hauled upriver by a local person using a powerboat; or (2) charter a small airplane to take you to a convenient dropoff point. During most of the season, a powerboat can go upstream about 60 miles to the vicinity of Allen Creek. Only one lake that is large enough for floatplane landings occurs along these rivers. A small airplane can land on gravel bars along the river or on some ridgetops. In addition to rafting and sportfishing, day hikes or extended backpacking trips can be conducted in the hills that parallel both forks.
Preserving its wild character for future generations is made easier due to the difficulty in accessing the Andreafsky and East Fork Rivers.
Charter services are quite limited and guide services do not exist in the area. A visitor will need to research extensively in order to set up a float trip. The following addresses may assist potential visitors:
City of St. Mary's
Post Office Box 163
St. Mary's, Alaska
99658
(907) 438-2247
Hagland Aviation
Post Office Box 195
St. Mary's, Alaska 99658
(907) 438-2247 or 1-800-478-2246