Grand Alaska/Copper River Combo
Grand Alaska Travel Adventures in Wrangell St. Elias
National Park: Whitewater rafting, hiking, glaciers and wildlife!
The largest protected wilderness area
in the world awaits! Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, America's
largest national park, and Canada's Kluane National Park together form
the most expansive backcountry area on earth and are designated to
remain forever preserved. In fact, Wrangell-St. Elias is over six times
as large as Yellowstone National Park and hosts six of North America's
ten highest peaks! Copper Oar offers several unparalleled opportunities
to explore the heart of the great Wrangell-St. Elias. Our multi-day
Grand Alaska Adventure features flight-seeing, glaciering, and Alaska
whitewater rafting.
This journey ventures deep into the park and provides an awesome array
of scenery and adventure. This trip can be combined with our Copper
River Expedition for an unforgettable eleven-day Alaska wilderness
journey. For one-day
river trips, please click here.
Anyone seeking a variety of
activities in the Alaskan backcountry should consider this trip.
Exploring historic mining villages, hiking around glaciers, and
whitewater rafting through the immense Wrangell-St. Elias wilderness
are all included. After a rendezvous in Valdez we go by van up the
scenic Richardson Highway to the little town of Chitina. Here, we hop
aboard a bush plane for an sightseeing flight to the quaint Alaskan
town of McCarthy. This scenic and breathtaking air excursion allows us
to witness the power and grace of the glaciers and rivers and soar
around the high mountains of remote Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
After the flight, we spend the next day and a half in the McCarthy
area, hiking up to and around Root Glacier and the historic Kennicott
Mine. Built in 1911 near the base of two glaciers, this copper mine
served up over 400 tons of ore and minerals a day before closing in
1938, after producing more than one billion pounds of copper. We spend
the night in rustic and friendly McCarthy.
 In the afternoon of
day two, we board the rafts and begin our Alaska whitewater rafting
trip by floating the Kennicott river, the first of three Class II-III
rivers we will travel on this trip. Soon, we join the Nizina, a glacial
river with three times the volume of the Kennicott. A highlight of this
stretch is Nizina Canyon, a high-walled slot with fun and exciting
current. We camp in Nizina Canyon, at or above the confluence of the
Nizina and Chitina rivers.
On the third day of our adventure in the Wrangell-St. Elias we join and
float the Chitina River. Here, as perhaps above, we might see some of
the abundant wildlife of this region, including brown bear, Dall sheep,
and moose, as they roam the shores and side creeks. Our views are
filled with the immensity and grandeur of this wild place, and can
include jagged, snow-capped mountains reaching over 16,000 feet. As
part of this Alaska whitewater rafting journey we also pass the
remnants of an incredible avalanche that nearly choked the Chitina in
1994.
The next two nights' camps are along the Chitina, in the absolute quiet of
this premier wilderness area. We spend the night of day 5 in the tiny town of Chitina before continuing down the Copper River the following day.
Each day of our six on the Copper River brings new topography
and vistas, all spectacular and awe-inspiring. Glaciers crowd the
river, trees pepper the hillsides, wildlife roams the shore, and
side-canyon rivers spill crystal clear water into the glacially-silted
Copper. The river grows and grows, eventually reaching flows up
to ten times those regularly found in the Grand Canyon. Day after
incredible day we are able to enjoy the power of the Copper and
observe the wild nature of this region.
While the Copper can be run in fewer days, our six day trip does
justice to the Copper River and the incredible surroundings. Just
a few hours into the trip you will realize the spectacular nature
of this place and revel in an Alaska river rafting trip pace that
allows for hikes up to glaciers, walks to towering waterfalls, fishing
for tasty salmon, relaxing next to a fire, spending an extra hour
or extra day in a poetic place, or just plain sitting around on
the edge of a river in the heart of pure Alaska wilderness. Combined with the Grand Alaska Adventure, our
Copper River Expedition renders a complete Alaska rafting experience.
Return to Top
 Grand Alaska Adventure/Copper River Expedition Overview
Our Grand Alaska Adventures begin in Valdez, Alaska and end in either Valdez or Anchorage, depending on your preference. They are
eleven days long and include flightseeing, glacier hikes, historic tours,
and 10 days of whitewater rafting from the glacier source of the Kennicott River to the Copper River Delta at the Gulf of alaska. The first night is spent in a rustic lodge in
the town of McCarthy and lodging is also included the night of day 5 in the tiny town of Chitina before heading off down the Copper. We can help arrange transportation for you
between Anchorage and Valdez.
Daily Itinerary
Day One: After meeting your pilot and flightseeing guide in Valdez or
Chitina, you will be flown over and around the mountains and glaciers
of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Upon landing in McCarthy, your
Copper Oar guide will meet you and take you and your gear to the lodge
where you will spend the first night.
After getting settled in we will set off for a variety of activities.
The activities of the first day and-a-half in and around McCarthy
include a hiking tour on Root Glacier, visiting historic Kennecott
Mine, and exploring the quiet and charming town of McCarthy.
Day Two: Depending on the weather of day one, this morning we will hike
on the glacier, visit Kennecott Mine, and/or explore McCarthy. In the
afternoon we pack the waterproof 'dry' bags and rig the rafts for our
Alaska whitewater rafting trip. We carry all of the camp gear with us
on the rafts, including lots of great food! After a thorough
instructional and safety presentation we head down the Kennicott River,
a fast and bouncy class III glacial river. As evening approaches we set
up camp along the Kennicott or Nizina river on a river side beach or
meadow land. Dinner, prepared with classic Alaska flair, will be
prepared by the guides under the extended evening of a twenty-hour
Alaska summer day.
Days Three and Four: Both of these days follow similar routines but
provide different experiences. As each day unfolds we eat a filling and
tasty breakfast, served with the requisite cowboy coffee. After
breaking camp and rigging the rafts we float down the Nizina and then
Chitina rivers, as they wander towards the sea. The whitewater of these
days is relatively mild. The grandeur and feeling of being in the
middle of nowhere is unsurpassed. We stop for lunch mid-day, and lay
out the expansive deli-style meal on the banks of the river. We may
also take time during the day to hike some of the dramatic canyon lands
along the river. In the late afternoon we pull ashore and set up camp.
Depending on the time of year and conditions in the sky it may be
possible to see northern lights during each night's few hours of
darkness.
Day Five: After breakfast and breaking camp we float the last few miles
of the Chitina river as it heads to its confluence with the Copper
river. In the early afternoon we reach the confluence and town of
Chitina, where the river trip ends. Here you will have the afternoon and evening to relax in a hotel or B&B, shower and explore the little hamlet of Chitina. Lodging and meals tonight are on us.
Day Six: This morning we'll head off down down river for the second half of our journey. Other participants may be joining us here, and some may have left. Today we float through Wood's Canyon and into the heart of the Chugach Mountains.
Days Seven-Ten: On these days of our Alaska river rafting adventure
we float through the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and
the Copper river canyon. We float through calm stretches, take time
to hike away from the river, and run class II and III whitewater
such as Abercrombie Rapid which we typically encounter on day five.
The days are filled with mesmerizing views and enchanting experiences
such as watching brown bear catch salmon in a side stream and following
a bald eagle as it soars above the mountain tops. We also float
by immense glaciers that can calve right into the river. When this
happens glacier waves rock the rafts from side to side and icebergs
float downstream as do we.
Because this river trip takes place far up the latitude ladder,
daylight lasts until after midnight during many of our dates. This allows for extended times
to relax, explore, enjoy happy hour snacks and beverages, and savor
the multi-course dinners presented with nightly flair. Toward the end of the season, when night once again appears, stars blanket the sky and if all is
right with the polar energy, northern lights may dance along the
horizon. Each night's camp offers views of towering mountains, expansive
glaciers, quiet side streams, and, of course, views of the mighty
Copper River.
The last day: On the final day we row across Miles Lake where we absorb
the sights and sounds of Miles and Childs Glaciers as they calve
huge icebergs into the river. We may stop just above the "Million Dollar Bridge" and walk to a vantage point where we can see the mighty face of the Child's Glacier calving into the river.
We will then float past this towing ice-wall and into the Copper River Delta, a place rich with wildlife and vistas. Two hours later we reach the end of our river trip.
After packing up we participate in a trip toast and head for the
friendly fishing town of Cordova. En route we drive across the
Copper River Delta. After
the one-hour van ride we arrive in Cordova and enjoy a Dutch-treat
celebration dinner at a local eatery. After dinner you head for
your hotel room or for the planethat will take you to
your next Alaska destination or back home.
Book this trip now!
Return to Top
 Rendezvous
Meeting Time
Our guide will meet you at the Valdez Airport at 7:30 a.m. on the first
day of your trip.
Meeting Place
The Valdez airport is located on the eastern edge of Valdez. From
Valdez, we drive to the town of Chitina, where we fly to McCarthy to begin our adventure.
Getting To Valdez
By Air
Regularly scheduled commercial flights depart from Anchorage several
times a day. We recommend you plan your travel to arrive in Valdez by
mid day the day before your launch date. We can help arrange your
flight from Anchorage to Valdez. The shuttle from Valdez to Chitina is
included in the trip price. By Bus: There is regular bus service from
Anchorage to Valdez. The bus runs virtually every day throughout the
summer. Please contact our office for details.
By Car
You can drive to Valdez from anywhere in North America. Please contact
our office for driving instructions.
Off-River Transportation
Copper Oar provides all transportation from
Valdez to McCarthy at the beginning of the trip via smaller bush plane
or van as well as transportation from Cordova to Anchorage or Valdez
after the trip.
Return to Top
 Additional Information
Experience Required
The Grand Alaska/Copper River Combo is an excellent trip that blends a variety
of adventures and comforts. This is an ideal trip for those seeking
true wilderness and a touch of historic and small-town Alaska. First time
adventurers are welcome, but you must be excited about 10 days in the wilderness! While not strenuous or
filled with difficult Alaska whitewater, the rafting portion of this
journey is very remote. Your guides
will gladly help with any aspect of our trip that is new for you,
whether that means setting up a tent or strapping on crampons.
Weather
Wrangell St. Elias National Park is located in southcentral Alaska. It
is subject to both coastal and interior weather patterns. Typically,
July and August are the warmest and among the driest months. Often,
days are filled with sun and temperatures range from the low 50's to
the mid 80's. Nights are cooler, with lows typically in the high 40's
and 50's. Rain and wind are always possible and you should prepare
accordingly.
Equipment
On all Alaska whitewater rafting trips Copper Oar provides life
jackets, waterproof river suits, rubber boots, waterproof bags, camp
chairs and eating utensils, all the specialized adventure gear you
need. A complete list of what you should bring will be included in your
confirmation packet. Sleeping pads and tents can be rented from us. Be
sure to let us know in advance if you need any rental gear. Each person
will have one waterproof 'dry' bag about the size of a large Hefty
trash bag in which clothing, toiletries, sleeping bag, camp chair and
other personal items will be kept. We have available additional dry
bags for tents and sleeping pads and special day bags and boxes for
cameras, binoculars, etc. Do keep in mind that there is always a
chance, although slight, that any of your gear could get wet.
Participant Fitness and Activity Levels
Copper Oar trips are created with active, curious, go-with-the-flow,
and nature-loving adventurers in mind. Our Grand Alaska Adventure is
designed for those with a zest for wilderness, moderate adventures and
active participation. While you should be fit and in good health for
this trip, you need not be a honed athlete. Participants on this trip
should be fit, able to swim, and may need to play a part in self-rescue
should you fall out of the raft.
Wildlife and Wild Plants
Among other animals, we may encounter bear, sheep, and moose. It is
important to follow your guides instruction to prevent or reduce the
likelihood of unwelcome wild animal encounters and to understand what
to do in the case of an encounter. Also, while they are generally not a
major problem on this trip, those sensitive to mosquitoes may want to
bring along a mosquito net hat. There are, in places, thorny bushes
(known as Devil's Club) or others that can cause skin rashes. Please
listen closely to your guides' instructions on how to recognize these
plants and what to do if you touch them.
 Camps
We camp along the river in pristine wilderness, usually on a sandy
beach. In the case of rain, tarps are set up over communal eating and
sitting areas. We proudly practice minimum-impact camping and carry out
all trash. We carry a portable metal box chemical toilet (similar to
motorhome toilets) that is set up each evening in a private and scenic
spot away from the heart of the camping area. A system that will be
explained by your guides allows for all campers to know when the toilet
is in use.
Fishing
Alaska requires you to have a fishing license if you intend to fish
during your visit. Your guide can help you obtain a license at the
rendezvous. You are welcome to bring your rod on your rafting trip, but know that the fishing on our rivers is usually not as good as that found elsewhere in Alaska. The salmon swimming upriver are deep in the silty river and generally don't bite. Your guide may use a net to dip one out however, and there is nothing like Copper River Red Salmon fresh from the river!
Meals and Beverages
We serve hearty Alaska style meals prepared with fresh ingredients. We
also provide a variety of beverages with each meal. Each afternoon we
set up happy hour snacks and beverages. Please let us know if you have
special dietary needs or wants!
Charter Trips
We are able and happy to offer special private Alaska rafting charter
trips for groups. For groups of five or more we may be able to run
trips on dates other than those listed in this packet. Please contact
our office for details.
Gratuities
It is common to tip wilderness guides on adventure trips. It is not
expected, but always appreciated. If you are happy with your trip
please let us and your guide(s) know. Thanks!
 Itinerary Changes
While we do everything possible to follow the itineraries in this
packet we may be forced to adjust trips due to reasons beyond our
control. Therefore, these itineraries are subject to change.
References
Many of our past trip members have offered to speak with folks who are
considering our trips. We know we could blow our own horn until we are
blue in the face about the great time we feel you would have on our
trips. So, we invite you to contact us for a list of clients who have
participated on Copper Oar trips and we'll let them do the talking!
Copper Oar Guides
The pride of our outfit, our guides bring a wealth of talent and
experience to each trip we run. Copper Oar guides (and they are our
guides, not subcontracted outfitters) have years and years of
experience leading trips in the U.S. and abroad. Each is licensed in
Wilderness First-Aid and CPR. Furthermore, they create an environment that fosters
camaraderie and positive experiences. They care about what
it is that YOU want from YOUR TRIP and do everything possible to make
that happen! We are confident that you will find your guides to be one
of the highlights of this Alaska travel adventure.
Return to Top
 2000 Trip Cost
$4500/person plus a 6% government/land use fee.
Start Dates: June 16th, July 12th & August 1st. Other dates may be
available.
For information and reservations
please call 800-523-4453 or click
here for reservation details.
Prices includes guides, all
rafting equipment, meals, flightseeing trip, transportation between
Chitina and McCarthy, river wear and rubber boots. Participants must
bring adequate rain and thermal wear for on water and land, and must be
able to fit all personal and camping gear in a waterproof bag the size
of a large garbage bag. Copper Oar provides tents and sleeping pads for participants, and we have sleeping bags available to rent if you do not have one to bring.
Return to Top |
