Denali National Park: East Fork of the Toklat River Hike

Denali National Park: East Fork of the Toklat River

ak

Distance: 7.2 miles

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.

Submitted by: RebeccaR

The Pond
View of where your heading
The stream you follow
Stream leading to the East Fork
Moose Sheds
Sunset over the peak
East Fork River

Trip Description
Waypoints

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.

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