Alaska River Rafting, Copper River Alaska, Alaska River Float Trips

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Alaska Rafting Trips on the Copper River

Alaska River Rafting Trips:
Copper River Expedition

Rafting in Alaska on the Copper river, through one of the world's most dramatic canyons, will render a lifetime of memories. Offering an abundance of wildlife, cascading waterfalls, glaciers that often calve right into the river, and mild white water, this river trip floats 100 miles towards the sea, allowing for a classic passage from the heart of Alaska's majestic mountains to the sparkling Prince William Sound. Simply put, there is no better way to experience the Alaskan wilderness than on this Alaska river rafting trip. For one-day river trips, please click here.

We offer this trip in 6 and 7-day itineraries. The seven day adventure allows time for more hiking alongside the river and most likely two night in one location, where we can sit back and take the time to just soak in the magnificent landscape or enjoy a longer hike. This trip can be combined with our Grand Alaska Adventure for an unforgettable 11 or 12-day Alaska wilderness journey. This trip meets in Valdez, Alaska. After a scenic two hour drive we reach the hamlet of Chitina, where we launch on the mighty Copper River. Six or seven days are spent rafting in Alaska through this unforgettable wilderness where the setting alternates from steep and deep canyons to broad expansive plains leading to towering peaks.

Each day of this Alaska river rafting trip 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 and seven day trips do 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. Our format renders a complete Alaska rafting experience.

The trip concludes near Cordova and you fly or take the ferry from Cordova to Anchorage. For the most complete voyage through Wrangell-St. Elias this trip can be combined with the Grand Alaska Adventure, resulting in a journey that overflows with scenery, adventure, and solitude. The Copper River Expedition includes all food, rafting gear, and the best Alaska guides in the business.

"Thank you so much for the Copper river trip. It was fabulous. The guides were the best I have ever been with.
I've done a lot of river trips and this was the best!"
--N. Magee, Copper River Alaska Rafting Trip, 2004

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Copper River Expedition Overview
Our Copper River Expeditions begin in Chitina, Alaska. We can pick you up Valdez or the Copper River basin the morning of your trip. These Alaska rafting expeditions are six days long and include rafting nearly 100 miles through Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. We spend each night camped along the river. The trip ends near the charming coastal town of Cordova. From there, you can fly or take the ferry back to Anchorage or Valdez.

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Daily Itinerary
Day One: We'll pick you up at your accommodations this morning and drive to the start of our expedition near the tiny town of Chitina. Here along the banks of the Copper we transfer your trip gear from your luggage into the waterproof 'dry' bags we provide. We also outfit you with a waterproof suit and rubber boots. After a thorough orientation and safety presentation we begin this classic Alaska river rafting expedition and head off down the river, typically around 11:00 a.m. This and each subsequent night we camp along the river.

Days Two-Five (or six): 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.

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Rendezvous
Meeting Time and Place
Our guide will meet you on the first morning of your trip at your acommodations either in Valdez or the Copper River Basin. Please contact us for details.


Getting To Valdez or the Copper Basin
By Air
Regularly scheduled commercial flights depart from Anchorage several times a day to Valdez. 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 the Copper Basin or Valdez. The bus runs virtually every day throughout the summer. Please contact our office for details.

By Car
You can drive to Valdez or the Copper Basin from anywhere in North America. Please contact our office for driving instructions.

Off-River Transportation Copper Oar provides all transportation from Valdez or the Copper Basin to Chitina at the beginning of the trip.

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Additional Information
Copper River Expedition/Grand Alaska Combination Trip
For those seeking a greater immersion into the Alaska backcountry and a longer trip, we offer the Copper River Expedition in conjunction with our Grand Alaska Adventure. Beginning five days before the Copper River trip, our Grand Alaska Adventure features flightseeing, hiking on a glacier, visiting historic McCarthy and Kennicott, and rafting on the Kennicott, Nizina, and Chitina rivers as they flow towards the Copper. This Grand Alaska Adventure finishes in Chitina, where we spend the night in cabins before launching on the Copper the next day.

Experience Required
The Copper River Expedition is a true wilderness river rafting journey and is an ideal trip for those seeking an extended journey through the heart of Alaskan backcountry. First time adventurers are welcome and our minimum age is 10. While not strenuous or filled with difficult whitewater we do travel through pure wilderness. Participants should be prepared for changes in weather and other possible experiences associated with any Alaska rafting tour. Your guides will gladly help with any aspect of our trip that is new for you, whether that means setting up a new tent or learning to paddle.

Weather
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the Copper River are located in southcentral Alaska. Southcentral Alaska is subject to both coastal and interior weather patterns. Typically, July and August are the warmest and among the driest months. Weather in the Copper River corridor is very changeable. Sun, rain, wind, fog, and more are common. Often, days are filled with sun and temperatures range from the 40's to the mid 80's, but cold rain and wind are equally possible. Nights are cooler with lows typically in the 40's and 50's.

Equipment
On all Alaska river rafting trips Copper Oar provides lifejackets, waterproof river suits, rubber boots, waterproof 'dry' bags, camp chairs and eating utensils, all the specialized river 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, and other personal items will be kept. In addition, 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, although slight, there is always a chance that any of your gear could get wet.

Participant Fitness and Activity Levels
Copper Oar Alaska rafting journeys are created with active, curious, go-with-the-flow, and nature-loving adventurers in mind. Our Copper River Expedition is designed for those with a zest for remote 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 and trips on custom dates. 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 the river rafting adventure.

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2008 Trip Cost

$2350/person plus a 6% government land use fee

Trip Start Dates
6-day trips begin on June 22nd, July 18th & August 7th
7-day trips begin on July 9th and August 17th
Other dates may be available.

For information and reservations please call 800-523-4453 or click here for reservation details.

Prices include guides, all rafting equipment, meals, waterproof rafting suits, and rubber boots. Also includes transportation from Valdez or the Copper Basin to the rendezvous town of Chitina. 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, but we ask you to bring your own sleeping bag if possible.

The Grand Alaska/Copper River Combo is priced at $4500 per person. The minimum age is 10. These trips begin on June 18, July 1st &30th, August 13th.

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Copper Oar outfits Copper River trips under permit from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Chugach National Forest, Cordova District. We are an equal opportunity recreation service provider.