Windy Creek is one of the more approachable classics of the day trip packrafting Shangri La that is Broad Pass. As such, I figured I would have gotten around to it a decade ago, at least five years ago, or at a minimum a couple years ago. But, we are gifted with myriad routes, peaks, and rivers to explore here. With so many of these adventures, its just impossible to get to them all right away. It wasn't until a sunny afternoon this June that Jordan and I pulled into the parking lot in Cantwell and finally stepped onto the old trail into the Alaska Range.
The trail was wide and started pretty dry - a luxury for a well used route in this boggy area. Even better were all the signs of life in this wild place. Beneath our feet we passed the tracks of moose, bears, wolves, and their furry poo too.
There was also evidence of the smaller creatures that make a living here. I loved this tree that some hungry porcupine had thought was delicious.
I thought about how many of these animals were probably still nearby at this moment and how if we sat down, took it all in, and waited quietly, they would inevitably pass us by on the way to their own business. After a few miles of fast and easy travel, the trail degraded into what some Alaskans would euphemistically call a "route".
A mile of this soggy and overgrown situation brought us to improving travel overlooking the aquamarine riffles of the creek.
As the headwaters of Windy Creek spread in front of us, the walking and views just kept improving. I wished we had time to connect all the way through the Alaska Range to the Sanctuary River or at least explore the upper basin. But, Oliver would be waiting at the road, so it was time to blow up our packrafts and hop in those expensive pool toys.
At the put in, I estimated about 165 cfs in the river. We were near peak snowmelt and the creek was bankfull. I think it would hard to time higher water in here, but I bet its easier to get it with less water.
On the water, Windy was straightforward and splashy. I could see how it would be a perfect choice for someone looking for safe fun on the edges of Denali. There was no significant wood in the river and I didn't note any particular features of note or concern. At low flow I bet it would be draggy, and at high flow fast and smooth.
Upon reaching the Jack River, the character shifted. The gradient slacked off and the water spread into scenic flatwater floating lazily sweeping past gravel bars and mountains filling the horizon.
Jordan on the Jack with Panorama Mountain rising above the Nenana Valley - another classic I'm still hoping to do:
Its taking me forever to check out all these classics, which I love. Can't wait to get back to this zone!
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