Given its remote location and challenging weather conditions, Aniakchak is one of the most wild and least visited places in the National Park System. This landscape is a vibrant reminder of Alaska's location in the volcanically active "Ring of Fire," as it is home to an impressive six mile (10 km) wide, 2,500 ft (762 m) deep caldera formed during a massive volcanic eruption 3,500 years ago.

A lone raft floats the Aniakchak Wild River as it flows through the "Gates"

Floating the Gates of Aniakchak

Aniakchak Caldera

Black Nose, Aniakchak Caldera

Maar Lake, Aniakchak Caldera

The Gates of Aniakchak

Aniakchak

Aniakchak National Monument is a truly primitive environment with no federally-maintained public facilities. The NPS imposes no operating hours or seasonal restrictions. Access to and movement within Aniachak, however, may be limited or restricted at any time depending upon prevailing weather conditions.

Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve

Backcountry Hiking

A silhouette of a figure in the distance with a blue lake and caldera rim behind them.

A hiker in Aniakchak

What better way to connect with the wilderness of Alaska than on foot. Traveling through the park on foot affords opportunities for unparalleled exploration and discovery. Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve is a wilderness park without built infrastructure or any trails. Here, you chose your own adventure. The idea of hiking in the wilderness, with no trail to follow, excites some hikers and intimidates others. Visitors may find excellent hiking conditions atop the ash and cinder fields of the caldera floor. Because the Aniakchak landscape also features swift, cold rivers and seemingly impenetrable patches of dense vegetation, the path of least resistance will often be an animal trail. Be sure to make noise as you walk in these conditions to warn wildlife of your approach. Always be bear aware. The possibilities for adventure are limitless for those visitors determined and prepared enough to experience Aniakchak on its own terms. Those who visit enjoy hiking the caldera floor, rafting Aniakchak River and sport fishing usually work with a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/ania/planyourvisit/tgservices.htm">guide service</a>.

Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve is a wilderness park without built infrastructure or any trails. Here, you chose your own adventure.

Hike in Aniakchak's Wilderness

Scenic Views

Wilderness

Whitewater Rafting

Three people with safety gear in a raft on turquoise and white water

Rafting The Gates of the Aniakchak River

What is it about Alaska's rivers that call to you? The expansive wilderness? The challenge and adventure? The excitement of something new? The sheer immensity of the landscape? Aniakchak River has it all. Congress designated Aniakchak River a National Wild River in 1980. Spectacular scenery and remoteness make rafting this river a rewarding experience. From Surprise Lake, the river flows a peaceful mile (1.6 km) to The Gates. The river moves swiftly through this narrow gorge in the caldera wall, and large rocks demand precise maneuvering. A gradient of 75 feet per mile (14.2 m/km) makes this section challenging. After a more gentle 10 miles (16.1 km) rafters arrive at the confluence with Hidden Creek where car-sized boulders, abrupt bends, and a narrow bed require extreme caution. After 5 more miles (8 km), the river slows as it meanders toward the Pacific Ocean and the seals, sea otters, bald eagles, and sea birds of Aniakchak Bay. Bears can be seen all along the river. Are you contemplating the trip? Aniakchak River challenges even the most experienced river runners. Only a few parties float the river each year, mostly in July. Aniakchak’s weather is often severe. Strong winds and cold temperatures can appear suddenly. A hefty budget and pre-tested skills are absolutely necessary. Plan on delays getting in and, especially, getting out. The river is dynamic; conditions often change rapidly. Bring durable, field tested equipment. Inflatable rafts 12–13 feet (4 m) long with rowing platforms are most popular, but smaller packrafts are also used. Dry suits are recommended; life jackets are required. Scout The Gates and Hidden Creek confluence before you run them. Total float time is 3–4 days from Surprise Lake to the bay. Those who visit enjoy rafting the Aniakchak River, hiking the caldera floor, and sport fishing usually work with a <a href="https://www.nps.gov/ania/planyourvisit/tgservices.htm">guide service</a>.

Rafting Aniakchak River is both a challenging and rewarding experience.

Aniakchak

Overview

Hours

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Map

Things To Do

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Hike in Aniakchak's Wilderness

Description

Raft the Aniakchak River

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