In 1971, Walt soloed Turnback Canyon on the Alsek
(at the time was considered by some as whitewater’s Everest),
among the biggest accomplishments of its time. His solo descent
was ahead of its time and became significant in terms of its solo,
self-supported extreme of exploration. His article chronicling his
solo descent, featured in Sports Illustrated, propelled him to almost
a cult hero overnight making him the legend that became the face
for the public epitomizing big water river running. ABC’s
American Sportsman produced short films of the paddling doctor (he
was a surgeon) running the Colorado (1975) and the Susitna (1977).
He was also featured in The Edge, a feature length film about adventure
sports (1976). Walt died on the South Fork of the Payette in Idaho
in 1978, pinned on a submerged log.
Explorer Accomplishments:
- First (and solo) descent, Turnback Canyon on the Alsek, British
Columbia (1971)
- First descent, Devils Canyon on the Susitna, Alaska (1972) following
later with two other descents
- Numerous early and big water descents including the Middle Fork
of the Flathead (Montana), and the South Fork of the Salmon and
the Bruneau (Idaho).
Other Accomplishments:
- Rafter (1950s-1960s) and all-around outdoor sportsman
- Lead organizer and guide of numerous trips including a trip
down the Middle Fork of the Salmon for 22 paddlers (1968) and
the Grand Canyon (1970) for 40 people including 27 paddlers.
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