I've had my raft out a few times already this spring mostly on short, solo trips to access an area for black bear hunting (no bears). I gave up on the bear hunting and asked the family if they wanted to float the lower portion of Eagle River onto JBER. They readily agreed to a paddle trip vs. oars which made it a bit more fun and involved for everyone.
I had floated this section of Eagle River a couple of times before but it had been several years. The pass procedures for JBER are fairly simple, but time consuming. You will spend more time running the shuttle and obtaining the passes than you will floating. It's still worth it IMO. Register everyone that will be floating at https://jber.isportsman.net and print the passes. You will need the info off each pass to sign in/out of the training area. The shuttle drivers will need to obtain a daily pass at the Richardson gate. Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and registration. JBER no longer issues a yearly civilian driver's pass as far as I know. After obtaining the drivers passes you can use the kiosk in the gate visitor center to register everyone on the float. You can also register via smartphone, etc. However, I found it easier to just use the kiosk.
Once through the gate proceed straight on D street a couple of miles and make a right on Route Bravo. The road turns to gravel and follow it several miles east until you see the sign for the Eagle River Boat Takeout. Drop a vehicle and return to the put-in. Pay careful attention to the posted speed limits on base. You are a guest and an easy target for a ticket and lost pass if you speed. The round trip from the put-in, gate pass, drop-off, and return to the Eagle River campground took us about 60 minutes.
I had floated this section of Eagle River a couple of times before but it had been several years. The pass procedures for JBER are fairly simple, but time consuming. You will spend more time running the shuttle and obtaining the passes than you will floating. It's still worth it IMO. Register everyone that will be floating at https://jber.isportsman.net and print the passes. You will need the info off each pass to sign in/out of the training area. The shuttle drivers will need to obtain a daily pass at the Richardson gate. Bring your driver's license, proof of insurance, and registration. JBER no longer issues a yearly civilian driver's pass as far as I know. After obtaining the drivers passes you can use the kiosk in the gate visitor center to register everyone on the float. You can also register via smartphone, etc. However, I found it easier to just use the kiosk.
Once through the gate proceed straight on D street a couple of miles and make a right on Route Bravo. The road turns to gravel and follow it several miles east until you see the sign for the Eagle River Boat Takeout. Drop a vehicle and return to the put-in. Pay careful attention to the posted speed limits on base. You are a guest and an easy target for a ticket and lost pass if you speed. The round trip from the put-in, gate pass, drop-off, and return to the Eagle River campground took us about 60 minutes.
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