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Denali National Park: East Fork of the Toklat River
This is a beautiful hike with a challenging finish. Most of the hike is over flat tundra that follows a stream that feeds into the East Fork of the Toklat River and then follows the East Fork south to the road.
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| Author: | RebeccaR |
| Activity: | Backpacking |
| State: | Alaska (AK) |
| Distance: | 7.19 mi |
| Difficulty: | 8 / 10 |
| Rating: |
 1 rating(s)
|
This hike was easy up until the very end. We had to forge two braids of the East Fork and then walk along a rock slide to reach the bridge to catch the bus. About 20 feet from the bridge there is a one foot wide rock ledge with some bouldering that is required to get around a rock that sticks out from the side of the hill side you are on. This requires strength and balance to maneuver with a pack on. It is not recommended to cross the river alone. The water is swift and cold.
In regards to water there are streams that feed into the East Fork that are clear and easy to pump water from. The trip is rated an 8 in difficulty because of the technical ending. The rest of the trip I would rate about a 4. Very easy.
The rest of the trail is over flat ground. The stream leading to the East Fork is easy and can be walked right next to the stream. When you reach the East Fork you will want to get up on to the tundra above the river so you wont have to cross the river. This is a wet hike through thick tundra ( your feet will be wet). There is one point were you can walk down in the wash next to the river but be prepared to walk through some water and forge some braids of the river. In July after a few days of rain the river was thigh high and strong.
TO TRAILHEAD: Go to Denali National Park. Buy a bus ticket. Bus trip will be 2-3 hours. Ask to be dropped off about 4 miles west of the East Fork Bridge. There will be a sharp right turn then sharp left turn, you want to be dropped off there. Hike up the hill, find the pond and start your adventure
| Position Format: | Datum: |
Tracks
Start of your Adventure
| Distance: 7.19 mi | Points: 412 |
Have the bus driver drop you off about 4 miles west of the East Fork Bridge. There will be a 90 degree turn in the road going right then left. This is where you want to get off. Show them on the map. The drivers are good about finding spots. When you get off the bus start walking north up a hill until you see a pond. This pond has a stream that runs north to the East Fork. This is the stream that you want to follow. This entire hike is in section 31
Points of Interest
Pond
Location: 63.531878, -149.869652A clear and calm pond.
Large Moose Sheds
Location: 63.551611, -149.849567not the exact location.
Good camping area
Location: 63.555816, -149.846993This is a flat and open area to camp. The tundra is soft to sleep on. You will see a 10 foot bank near the water, walk up that and the land up there is flat.
Snow!
Location: 63.580649, -149.874630In early July there were still piles of snow and ice near the water.
Where to walk
Location: 63.577976, -149.865360Go up on to the hill side that overlooks the river. This will help you to avoid having to cross any parts of the river.
River walk
Location: 63.566974, -149.815235At about this point you could go down to the wash area and walk near the river. Be prepared to get your feet wet.
River Walk
Location: 63.561319, -149.800644If you came down to the wash area then be prepared to forge some parts of the river in order to get back up onto the bank.
Bouldering
Location: 63.559179, -149.796867In order to get up to the bridge you must walk along about a 200 ft long rock slide area. Then when you are within about 30 feet there is a 1 foot wide cliff that you must walk on while holding on to the lose rock that is bulging out over that path. This requires strength and balance and no fear of heights. The drop is about 30 feet to a rushing river.
East Fork Birdge
Location: 63.558338, -149.794292You made it!! The bus will pick you up here.
The Pond
Location: 63.530501, -149.872055View of where your heading
Location: 63.537845, -149.860039The stream you follow
Location: 63.549317, -149.851456Stream leading to the East Fork
Location: 63.578816, -149.872055Moose Sheds
Location: 63.553140, -149.849739Sunset over the peak
Location: 63.561090, -149.860039East Fork River
Location: 63.578052, -149.861755Related Trips
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