AK River Maps

[Birdstrike]

What is your go to source for digital maps now that it’s difficult to find paper maps? I’m specifically looking for maps for a Little Nelchina/Nelchina/Tazlina float.

Has anybody done this float in the last couple of weeks?

[akgriz]

I use Nat Geo TOPO on computer (they no longer make it, unfortunately) or there are several topo map apps for iphone/ipad that work well.

[Michael Strahan]

What is your go to source for digital maps now that it’s difficult to find paper maps? I’m specifically looking for maps for a Little Nelchina/Nelchina/Tazlina float.

Has anybody done this float in the last couple of weeks?

If you're looking for online maps for trip planning purposes, check out Alltrails. If you need to download digital topo maps, I get mine from the map locator on the USGS online store. As to paper maps, call the Geophysical Institute in Fairbanks. What they don't have on hand, they can print for you. Unfortunately the paper quality isn't as good as the actual USGS printed maps from Colorado, and the ink can run if it gets wet (they print them on a chart plotter, which is an inkjet printer). Either coat them with a waterproof map coating, or laminate them. I would not go out into the field without paper maps. At a minimum you need them for backup, in case your GPS fails or takes a dive off the raft in a deep hole.

-Mike

[scott_rn]

The little nelchina was running muddy and high today when I drove by. Attachment 96271

[Birdstrike]

After talking to Walt at Gulkana Raft Rentals and his visual observation, I decided to postpone the trip due to very high water on the Little Nelchina. This was going to be a single boat trip with just my wife and I and I have enough experience with fast water and wood to know that conditions would probably exceed my risk tolerance. We went to Mcarthy for the 4th instead and had a great time (go for the 4th of July sometime it’s very cool).

The Little Nelchina was high but dropping on Tuesday when we drove across and still muddy on Thursday when we returned but approaching normal levels. The takeout at the Richardson Hwy. crossing of the Tazlina has “River Access Closed” signs but the gravel road down to the takeout eddy is still open. I wouldn’t want to miss that eddy though. It would be a quick trip into the Copper just downstream.

[yanert]

I have the Nat Geo AK card in a small Mapping GPS. Matched up to a paper topo I can tell which bend I'm on at any time. In Montana I have a 3-4 state topo card it isn't as good as Nat Geo's but works.

My Epson printer's ink does not run when wet. Printed on the right paper works pretty well. I've made up river books for several rivers.