Posted by Larry Fischer on September 1, 2010 at 7:57 AM
I asked your group to give some tips for airline travel several months ago and you responded. I'm glad to say my trip to northern AK went well after a flight from Kansas. Your advice made the trip smoother.
The Matthews River is above the confluence of Dietrich and Bettles Rivers on the south slope of the Brooks Range.
Thanks for your input for the travel.
Here is a shot from the area.
the fisch
Posted by Jim DeWitt on September 2, 2010 at 1:44 PM
Glad the travel went well. Looks like you had some decent travel at least. Nice shot of the willows and River Beauty (Dwarf Fireweed). It's spectacular country.
Many years ago, I floated the Matthews, including going through Squaw Rapids upside down... How far up did you put in?
Posted by Larry Fischer on September 2, 2010 at 4:36 PM
Jim,
This photo was taken about 2 mi. up the Matthews from where it merges with the Bettles R. This was the area of our first camp. The confluence is where we put in and we long-lined up from there to our first camp, then to the next camp mentioned below.
There was a big rock fall about 6-8 years ago which created a lake, as I understand it, about 5 miles long behind it.
This is above the aforementioned campsite about 2-3 miles. One goes through a canyon with sharp turns and deep areas which go into and under the cliffs. This area is probably over 1 mile in length. I went up this canyon and my partner and I camped at the site of the rock fall.
Over time the 'rock dam' has eroded and the lake is now only about 1/4 - 1/2 mile long. Saw some grayling in those pools and above the "rock dam".
We had lots of rain and the river came up and we were basically stranded unless we wanted to walk over and around the canyon leaving our canoes a a bunch of gear.
However, we had enough time to let the river come down but I still got a cold dip trying to stop my canoe from going into one of those "blue lagoons'.
The current in the Matthews, when it is up, is a huge factor. Steep gradient.
I'll be posting some photos from the area in earth sea sky. I already have 2 there.
Lots of smoke coming back. My partner said there was a big fire around Ft. Yukon???
Discussion
2 repliesThe Matthews River is above the confluence of Dietrich and Bettles Rivers on the south slope of the Brooks Range.
Thanks for your input for the travel.
Here is a shot from the area.
the fisch
Many years ago, I floated the Matthews, including going through Squaw Rapids upside down... How far up did you put in?
This photo was taken about 2 mi. up the Matthews from where it merges with the Bettles R. This was the area of our first camp. The confluence is where we put in and we long-lined up from there to our first camp, then to the next camp mentioned below.
There was a big rock fall about 6-8 years ago which created a lake, as I understand it, about 5 miles long behind it.
This is above the aforementioned campsite about 2-3 miles. One goes through a canyon with sharp turns and deep areas which go into and under the cliffs. This area is probably over 1 mile in length. I went up this canyon and my partner and I camped at the site of the rock fall.
Over time the 'rock dam' has eroded and the lake is now only about 1/4 - 1/2 mile long. Saw some grayling in those pools and above the "rock dam".
We had lots of rain and the river came up and we were basically stranded unless we wanted to walk over and around the canyon leaving our canoes a a bunch of gear.
However, we had enough time to let the river come down but I still got a cold dip trying to stop my canoe from going into one of those "blue lagoons'.
The current in the Matthews, when it is up, is a huge factor. Steep gradient.
I'll be posting some photos from the area in earth sea sky. I already have 2 there.
Lots of smoke coming back. My partner said there was a big fire around Ft. Yukon???
Good to visit.
Godspeed,
the fisch