The McKinley River

The McKinley River forms right off the Muldrow Glacier, snaking through the valley in dozens of fast-moving tongues. Some braids stretch just 15 or 30 feet; others are more like 60 with drops in white water. They made it through most of the rivulets without any issue. The final braid right before the road is the largest. Gabe's backpack dragged him underwater, pointed head first down the river in a ripping current. He wrestled himself out of his backpack straps and swam towards a sandbar.