paddling.Jimstrutz.com © 2008
This put in is very near Squirrel Creek State Campground, which is a good place to stay if you are running either the Klutina or Tonsina rivers.
The take out is mile 19.3 on the Edgerton Highway that leads east from the Richardson and heads towards the thriving community of Chitina. The take out is just above the Edgerton’s Tonsina Bridge on river left. There is a bit of a steep bank here, but there is an eddy to pull into, and you can drive right to the river.
The river itself is about 25 miles total that took us about 5 hours to float bridge to bridge. The first 10 miles are class II mostly, but shortly after the river turns southerly there are four large class III+ to IV- drops that will probably surprise you the first time through. I suppose they would be scoutable if you knew where they were, but we didn’t, and we didn’t think they would be as large as we found them either. They were all hiding behind blind corners, that as soon as you were in the middle of, you were able to see the large hole you were about to fall into. Still we just charged through them head on and came out ok. A couple of healthy bow paddlers would be nice on this river.
There is an incredible amount of wood debris along the banks, gravel bars and shallows. In one place it nearly blocks the entire river. In years past there has been a non negotiable, river wide log jam, but that has been gone for the past couple years.
The river splits about three miles from end. You should take the right channel if possible, as there will be a less constricted channel. You can get through on the left however.
I found this river to be an enjoyable experience, but the large surprise holes were bigger than our group prefers, so I doubt we will do this one again.
Lowe: Class III+
This accessible section of this river is swift and full of moderate whitewater. It is rafted commercially by Keystone Outfitters, who offer a very pleasurable experience through here. Most of the time you will be floating right along side the Richardson Highway as it passes through Keystone Canyon about 20 miles east of Valdez.
The put in is anywhere close to the northern most Lowe River Bridge on the Richardson Highway. Keystone Outfitters will usually let you launch behind their lodge if they are not too busy. The preferred take out is just below the canyon at a large gravel beach on river right. These can be accessed from the driveways that lead southeast from the highway, just below canyon.
You can drive right up to the river here and there are a couple of semi-secluded camping spots with tables and fire pits in here.
The river itself is slightly silty, swift and rough through the canyon for about five of class III whitewater. Higher water levels would increase this to class III+ or possibly even IV-. Almost all of this can be scouted from the highway, except a short section near the end.
One of the highlights of this section is getting out on river left at Bridal Veil Falls. You can walk directly under the water fall with good rain gear on. Quite fun really.
The scenery is amazing, with multiple large waterfalls dropping into the river off the cliff walls.
The whole float takes less than an hour. Or you can run farther down the river, and get out at alternate locations near the highway.
The take out is mile 19.3 on the Edgerton Highway that leads east from the Richardson and heads towards the thriving community of Chitina. The take out is just above the Edgerton’s Tonsina Bridge on river left. There is a bit of a steep bank here, but there is an eddy to pull into, and you can drive right to the river.
The river itself is about 25 miles total that took us about 5 hours to float bridge to bridge. The first 10 miles are class II mostly, but shortly after the river turns southerly there are four large class III+ to IV-
There is an incredible amount of wood debris along the banks, gravel bars and shallows. In one place it nearly blocks the entire river. In years past there has been a non negotiable, river wide log jam, but that has been gone for the past couple years.
The river splits about three miles from end. You should take the right channel if possible, as there will be a less constricted channel. You can get through on the left however.
I found this river to be an enjoyable experience, but the large surprise holes were bigger than our group prefers, so I doubt we will do this one again.
Lowe: Class III+
This accessible section of this river is swift and full of moderate whitewater. It is rafted commercially by Keystone Outfitters, who offer a very pleasurable experience through here. Most of the time you will be floating right along side the Richardson Highway as it passes through Keystone Canyon about 20 miles east of Valdez.
The put in is anywhere close to the northern most Lowe River Bridge on the Richardson Highway. Keystone Outfitters will usually let you launch behind their lodge if they are not too busy. The preferred take out is just below the canyon at a large gravel beach on river right. These can be accessed from the driveways that lead southeast from the highway, just below canyon.
You can drive right up to the river here and there are a couple of semi-
The river itself is slightly silty, swift and rough through the canyon for about five of class III whitewater. Higher water levels would increase this to class III+ or possibly even IV-
One of the highlights of this section is getting out on river left at Bridal Veil Falls. You can walk directly under the water fall with good rain gear on. Quite fun really.
The scenery is amazing, with multiple large waterfalls dropping into the river off the cliff walls.
The whole float takes less than an hour. Or you can run farther down the river, and get out at alternate locations near the highway.
Lowe River - This seemingly small hole flipped one of our boats!
Our shuttle rig
Squirrel Creek Campground
Bridal Veil Falls
