Alaska whitewater - Colville River, North Slope Borough North Slope county, Thunder Creek to Harrison Bay section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS I-II     375 miles   Be aware the nearest metropolitan area is NOT Kodiak, Alaska, but Fairbanks, in the central part of the state. Went down this river in 1975, and topo maps made in 1955 were accurate for the most part, but the river had made some serious changes. (Like one large meander loop, 1/2 mile long, was gone!) Upriver from Umiat one needs to be particularly careful of river icings before July. From Umiat to the coast the drop is about 1 foot per mile or so - easy water - but it IS very remote. Nuiksut, in the river delta, is not always that hospitable to     Anglos 'from outside', and there is a compound closer to the coast run by Jim and Teena Helmericks (he's a pilot and guide) where they welcome visitors. Jim's dad Bud came down this by canoe in the early 1950s after portaging across the Brooks Range at Anaktuvuk Pass. Says Bob Nelson This stretch of Colville River in Alaska is 375 miles long and has been determined by American Whitewater to be a class I-II section. The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking here in Alaska are often tougher than in other states, so better not forget that lots of rivers here are not for beginners. A good workout and spending some quality time in nature are sure to keep you coming back for more. There are no other sections to paddle along Colville River than the Thunder Creek to Harrison Bay section. Not too many hotels nearby, you'll   have to drive a bit to get to one, and if you make reservations in advance you're all set. And of course, there are campgrounds nearby. The beautiful scenery of Alaska and the beautiful way the water current moves down the stream will make you feel great. Briefly about the general area: Colville River is a location that is rather dry frequently; August is when you get the most rain here while February is the month with the least amount of precipitation. All through the long summer days at Colville River highs are regularly in the 40's; throughout summer nights temperatures are in the 30's. All through the winter the highs are ordinarily in the-20's, and after the sun is down during the wintertime temperatures at Colville River fall into the-30's. Colville River, Thunder Creek to Harrison Bay road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked. QUICK STATS AW Class: I-II Length: 375 miles    Putin Location Coordinates: Latitude: 68.8336 Longitude: -160.35001 Takeout Location Coordinates: Latitude: 70.44611 Longitude: -150.35778 Paddler input for Colville River, Alaska: Submit Input: Your Name: Write or Paste Input here: Upload picture:      Input Submission Guidelines Current weather conditions at Colville River, Alaska Local climate location: BARROW WSO AP 85 miles away RAFTING TRIP OUTFITTERS There are no whitewater outfitters currently listed for this river.   All Alaska Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in Alaska. Books about whitewater paddling on Colville River, Alaska List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Colville River, Alaska. Find a whitewater outfitter in Alaska Whitewater Basics If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info. Outdoors Recreation Near Kodiak, Alaska Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Kodiak, Alaska, the metro area neareast to Colville River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.       These outdoors activities are available near Colville River.