John River

The John River is unique in that it flows between communities that can be reached via scheduled flights to an airstrip. This eliminates the need for a bush or float plane flights and significantly reduces the cost and logistics of the river.  A trip can be done in a long week or expanded to two weeks to include more time for side trips and continue down to Allakaket.

Put-Ins

• Anaktuvuk Pass can be reached via schedule air service. From the landing strip, hike about 5 miles to a floatable section of the river.  
• Hunt Fork Lakes is reached via float plane from Bettles.
• Sixty Mile Creek is reached via bush plane from Bettles.

Take-Outs

• Bettles is 4 miles upstream from the John-Koyukuk confluence. Walk a trail into Bettles where there is scheduled flight service.
• Allakaket is a further 60 miles down the Koyukuk river which has scheduled flights.

On the River

Anaktuvuk Pass to Hunt Fork

35 miles, Class II-III

This is a section of sustained whitewater which may have some portages.

Hunt Fork to Sixty-mile Creek

47 miles, Class II

The river mellows to Class II and is a popular section.

Sixty-mile Creek to the Koyukuk River

53 miles - Class I

An easy section to float.

Koyukuk River to Allakaket

60 miles - Class I

Continue down the larger Koyukuk River to the village of Allakaket.

Notes

• The John River is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River.
• The Alaska River Guide by Karen Jettmar provides a brief description of the John River.
• Brooks Range Aviation provides bush flights from Bettles to the John River.

• Suitable Activities: Packrafting
• Seasons: June, July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: *Varies*
• Length: 140.0 mi
• High Point: 2,100 ft

• Land Manager: Gates of the Artic National Park & Preserve
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 8
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12