Oh, for heaven sakes! This is not rocket science! Back in the early 1980s, a group of us hiked to Stampede Mine to do a magazine article on how Carter's land-grab was destroying Alaska's economy. I have a photo of the bus (though it wasn't famous then) because we stayed there one night. Our largest tallest guy crossed the Teklanika with a guide rope so the rest of us could cross safely. On the way back, the river was up, so we hiked to the hand tram, which was way more fun and safer.

We've been back since the movie because relatives have insisted. The tram is gone (NPS stupidity!), but my husband and I have crossed many streams to set guide ropes, so we do it safely. We leave it set for our return in case the water comes up. We once rescued someone who had had their guide rope stolen by idiots. If you wait there at the trail crossing, someone will come, eventually. Or the river will drop.

Plan ahead, bring extra food, be prepared. THINK!