Alaska Adventure Trip: Discover Alaska River Rafting, Alaska Hiking, Alaska Kayaking Trips and Wildlife Viewing

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Discover Alaska Adventure Trip

Discover Highlights of Alaska on this Adventure Trip, with river rafting, hiking, kayaking, fishing and wildlife

Discover Alaska is a deluxe Alaska adventure trip. This trip offers a rich diversity of activities and magnificent scenery and wildlife in the pristine backcountry of the Last Frontier. It is a journey loaded with creature comforts, fun adventures, and a palette of colorful opportunities to experience the best of Alaska adventure tours. For information on other multi-activity Alaska adventure trips please click here.

The Discover Alaska adventure trip begins with a flightseeing trip into the heart of the largest National Park in the U.S. We fly over glaciers, around towering mountains, above deep river gorges, and through stunning mountain passes. We arrive at a dirt landing strip in McCarthy, Alaska, a truly special "town" stuck dab in the middle of endless wilderness.

After touching down we explore the ghost town mine of Kennicott, an engineering marvel from days of yore. We spend this night in a comfortable and charming lodge near this historic site, and enjoy the first of many delicious Alaska meals. The next two days of this classic Alaska adventure travel trip are spent walking on glaciers, hiking verdant mountain trails, exploring the hamlet of McCarthy, and just soaking in the dramatic peace and quiet of this wild place.

One amazing activity after another on this Alaska adventure trip brings great reverie for this great place. Walking with steel cleat crampons up a steep glacial ice hill, peering down, down, down into an endless crevasse, looking up at monumental ice walls and skyscraping peaks, ambling along idyllic mountain streams, listening to the cry of an eagle, sitting in a silent alpine meadow, and so much more fill these days. Each event inspires you on to the next unbelievable part of this Alaska adventure travel trip.

We then head down the rivers of the Wrangells, beginning with the Kennicott which flows from the very glacier on which we walked at the beginning of this Alaska adventure trip. We travel on rafts down this bouncy river and then the ribbonlike Nizina as it passes through a narrow chasm after merging with the Kennicott. At the confluence of the Chitina river, one of North America's largest, the canyon opens wide, affording forever views of mountains that reach three miles into the sky.

We drift here for two days, stopping each night at campsite beaches along the way. It is on this portion of this journey that we may see ambling bear searching the shore for a fresh Salmon dinner. With luck, we will catch a Salmon for dinner ourselves!

The river journey portion of this Alaska adventure travel vacation ends when the Chitina reaches the mighty Copper river. We next travel by van to Valdez and sparkling Prince William Sound. Here, we board our luxurious yacht for a two-day, two-night coastal cruise. On the Sound we can witness glaciers crashing into the sea, whales cruising the surface, seals resting on icebergs, bears peering back at us, and more.

Our mini-ship features all the comforts of home...hot showers, big beds, gourmet meals, and great company... while plying the wildlife-rich waters of the Gulf of Alaska. We also take time each day to paddle stable kayaks in the more protected bays, allowing an even deeper immersion into pristine wilderness as part of this grand Alaska adventure. Travel on board the boat on the second afternoon brings us to the western edge of the Sound, followed by a toast to a great trip, and drive to Anchorage. Our Discover Alaska trip offers one of the most enjoyable and rewarding trips in the world. We invite you to come see for yourself the splendor of this northern treasure. The best of Alaska adventure travel tours awaits!

"We had the most amazing trip of our entire life. It was perfect...the itinerary, the lodges, great activities, amazing river. Leo's aloha spirit made the trip. I've never been so relaxed in my life."
--C. Kubota, Discover Alaska Guest, 2003

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Discover Alaska Adventure Overview
Our Discover Alaska adventure trips begin in Valdez, Alaska. They are eight days long and include hiking, rafting, glacier touring, kayaking, and boating. Each trip is designed to see a variety of Alaska's wildlife. We spend five nights in classy and comfortable lodging, in a remote wilderness lodge and aboard a luxurious motor yacht. We also spend two nights camped along the river, with first-rate camping gear. The trip ends at the coastal town of Whittier. From there, you'll van to Anchorage.

Optional add-on Alaska tours are available. These include trips to Denali National Park, Katmai National Park, and Kenai Fjords National Park, as well as other destinations throughout the state. We specialize in off-the-beaten-path adventures that show you the best of Alaska without any crowds. Please contact us for ideas - we're full of them!

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, we will head to the lodge where you will spend the first night. This afternoon we explore the expansive and amazing Kennicott mine.

Day Two: On this day we explore dramatic Root Glacier, where we hike with crampon ice cleats on this frozen wonderland. We take time to explore the glacier's many incredible features including crevices, crystal clear pools, and tiny rivulets. Walking on a glacier is a fascinating experience. We eat lunch on the glacier before heading back to our overnight accommodations near the ghost mine.

Day Three: Today we hike away from the Kennicott Valley and explore the McCarthy area backcountry. We hike along cascading rivers and up to scenic passes. We also take time to investigate friendly "downtown" McCarthy, which includes an interesting museum of the history of this region. We spend another night in our cozy lodge.

Day Four: We begin the rafting trip portion of this Alaska adventure travel trip and head down the bouncy Kennicott river and the sinewy Nizina river. We merge with the Chitina river and camp along its majestic banks. These rivers feature mild whitewater, classic Alaska scenery, and pure solitude, as we float through the heart of Wrangell St. Elias National Park.

Day Five: We continue drifting down the peaceful Chitina river as it winds its way towards the sea. We stop to explore side river waterfalls, gigantic landslides, rich wildlife habitat, and more as part of this grand Alaska adventure. We travel on rafts past several rivers that are known bear habitat, and hopefully catch a glimpse of bear on the lookout for a tasty a salmon. We camp again on the banks of the Chitina and marvel at the bright midnight sky that is the backdrop to towering mountains both near and far.

Day Six: After rafting the final stretch of the Chitina we reach the confluence with the Copper River, and take-out early in the day. From here we head into the hamlet of Chitina and check out a store of local artisans and artifacts. We then drive to Valdez, where we board our glorious motor launch. Replete with spacious berths, warm showers, and exceptional comfort, we head out of Valdez harbor on this modern mini-ship and begin our cruise across dramatic Prince William Sound. After a few hours of motoring through this dramatic waterway we moor for the night in a quiet bay.

Day Seven: Today we experience the wildlife-rich and glacier lined bays of the Gulf of Alaska. We take time during the day to climb into stable kayaks and paddle protected waters of Prince William Sound. We motor from one dramatic spot to another, and likely see some of the many whales, sea lions, seals, porpoises, eagle, terns, and bears that call this place home. We spend this night on board the boat again, enjoying the creature comforts of this floating lodge on this deluxe Alaska adventure trip.

Day Eight: We head towards the western edge of Prince William Sound today, marveling at the continuous Alaska beauty that unfolds before us. We reach the small town of Whittier early this afternoon, participate in a celebration toast to this great trip, and board our van for the scenic drive to Anchorage. We arrive in Anchorage later this afternoon, in time for you to check into your accommodations or catch a flight back home, filled with fresh memories of the best of Alaska adventure travel!

Optional add-on Alaska tours are available. These include trips to Denali National Park, Katmai National Park, and Kenai Fjords National Park, as well as other destinations throughout the state. We specialize in off-the-beaten-path adventures that show you the best of Alaska without any crowds. Please contact us for ideas - we're full of them!

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Rendezvous
Meeting Time
Our guide will meet you at the Valdez Airport at 7:30 a.m. on the first day of your Alaska river rafting 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 board the rafts.

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 Chitina 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.

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Additional Information
Experience Required
Discover Alaska is an excellent Alaska adventure trip that blends a variety of adventures and high quality comforts. Of note is the fact that this trip includes four nights in classy accommodations and two nights of deluxe camping. This is an ideal trip for those seeking both wilderness and historic small-town Alaska experiences. First time adventurers are welcome and thrive on this trip. While not strenuous or filled with difficult whitewater, the river portion of this journey is in pure wilderness. Our minimum age is eight. 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. The weather of Prince William Sound is classic coastal Alaska: rain, fog, clouds, and crystal clear skies are all possible. In fact rain and wind is likely at some point on this trip so you should prepare accordingly.

Equipment
Copper Oar provides life jackets, waterproof river suits, rubber boots, waterproof bags, tents, sleeping pads, 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. 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. 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 trips are created with active, curious, go-with-the-flow, and nature-loving adventurers in mind. Our Discover Alaska tour 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. The fishing is great on Prince William Sound, and your captain will find the best places to cast your net. The crew can even help you pack your catch to take home with you or you can have the chef cook it for dinner!

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 adventure trip.

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2008 Trip Cost
$4400 / adult; $3900 / youth (under 16; min. age: 8)

Please add a 6% government/land use fee to the above prices. Group rates are available for parties of 6 or more.

Trip Start Dates: July 13, August 10. Other dates may be available. Please contact our office for details.

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

Prices include specialty adventure gear; camping gear; meals, beginning with lunch on day one and ending with lunch on day eight; transportation between the airport and activity centers; and overnight accommodations.

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