Baranof River is located in the town of Baranof Warm Springs. Mid way along Baranof Island on the Chatham side. The river cascades into the bay along hot springs. A trail leads you up to a 2 mile long lake. B.M Hussey, G Spargo, and I hiked the trail, paddled the lake to the upper river. Then brush fucked about 2 miles up river before putting in.
Expect class I river with class II to III consequences. There were a few river wide sweepers with root wad sluices. These are all very obvious and avoidable, but if you end up in there, you will stay there. Mostly just floating on a beautiful clear creek, some rock ripples.
The wind can come up on the lake so be ready to have a long paddle if that happens.
The lower river has two bends of class II then it quickly becomes class IV, V and no thanks. Many of the rapids could be run with proper safety if you were so inclined. Most end in pool drops but they quickly stack up.
A trip over mountain from Sitka ending here would be a cool trip worth checking out.
Sailboat packrafting