Alagnak River

The Alagnak River is a 79 mile (127 km) long river in Alaska. It has a catchment area of approximately 1400 square mi (3600 km²). It is located in central Lake and Peninsula Borough. In Yupik, the word "Alagnak" means "to err." Every year, the river changes its course and branches anew, for which reason its sometimes called the "Branch River."

Course

It begins as the outflow of the Kukaklek Lake in Katmai National Park and Preserve and meets the sea at Bristol Bay. The beginning of the river lies in the Aleutian Range. The first 6 miles of the river run slowly through the tundra. Vegetation along the upper part of the river consists mostly of spruces. Thereafter, the valley becomes much narrower with near-vertical rock faces. Miles 7-14 run through a narrow canyon at around 7.5 mph. The Nonvianuk River runs into the Alagnak at around mile 20. To the west, the river meanders over the Alaska Peninsula before flowing into the Kvichak River, which itself flows into the Bristol Bay.

Flora and Fauna

Due to the large numbers of salmon, in the summer and fall there is a significant bear population, both grizzly bears and black bears. The majority of the catchment area is a winter habitat for Alaskan caribou. Elk are also to be found during the entire year. Along the river, beaver, foxes salmon, wolverines, mink, and otter are all to be found as well as the occasional wolf. In the water, besides several varieties of salmon including sockeye salmon, pink salmon, chum salmon, king salmon, and silver salmon, there are also rainbow trout, char, arctic grayling, and northern pike. Along the river there is also eclectic vegetation including spruces, willows and various types of berries.

Alagnak Wild River

The upper 67 mi (108 km) of the river is designated as a protected "wild and scenic River" in accordance with ANILCA, the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act. This part of the river is known as the Alagnak Wild River.

Tourism

The Alagnak is one of the most important rivers for sport fishing in the Alaska. The river is navigable for canoeists. In the ravine, there are rapids from levels 1 to 3. This section of the river is dangerous for the inexperienced, especially during highwater. Portage is possible but difficult.

ee also

*List of Alaska rivers

External links

[http://www.nps.gov/alag/ National Park Service Alagnak River website]