Alaska Travel Adventure: Alaska Whitewater Rafting, Hiking, Wildlife and Glaciers in Wrangell St. Elias National Park

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Grand Alaska Travel Adventure:
Alaska Whitewater Rafting,
Hiking, Wildlife and Glaciers

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 last nights' camps are along the Chitina, in the absolute quiet of this premier wilderness area. We take out near the town of Chitina. Those interested in a longer Alaska whitewater rafting journey in this rugged and incomparable country may choose to continue the adventure by rafting the Copper River, described on the Copper River Expedition page. Please note that the combo trip stops for the night in Chitina before continuing on down the Copper.

"I cannot think of grand enough words to describe the vacation you arranged for us. Alaska was absolutely beautiful and the plans you made allowed us to enjoy its full splendor. I hated to leave at the end of the journey. I felt as though I was leaving good friends behind. What a glorious trip!"
--B. Smith, Grand Alaska Adventure Guest, 2000

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Grand Alaska Adventure Overview
Our Grand Alaska Adventures begin and end in Valdez, Alaska. They are five days long and include flightseeing, glacier hikes, historic tours, and whitewater rafting. The first night is spent in a rustic lodge in the town of McCarthy. We can help arrange transportation for you between Anchorage and Valdez. Please note: depending on group size we may drive from Valdez to Chitina, Alaska, and begin the flightseeing trip there.

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. At that point you will transfer your personal gear out of the dry bags and into your personal duffel bag or backpack that we have taken with us down the river. After a post-trip toast and salute to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park you will be driven back to Valdez. From there you can fly or ferry and train back to Anchorage. Those continuing downriver as part of the Copper River Expedition will spend the night at a cabin near Chitina.

Book this trip now!

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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
Grand Alaska/Copper River Combination Trip
For those looking for an even deeper immersion into the classic Alaska whitewater rafting wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, we offer the Copper River Expedition in conjunction with the Grand Alaska Adventure. The Copper River trip is six days long, and features rafting through pure wilderness canyons lined with glaciers, crystal clear side streams, vibrant green riverside vegetation, wildlife, and more. Please note that the combo trip stops for the night in Chitina before continuing on down the Copper. As such, it is not a continuous on river experience. Rather, there is one night and a morning between the two trips off the river.

Many Grand Alaska Adventures are timed to dovetail with the Copper River Expedition. Those who opt to continue on the Copper will spend the night of the fifth day near the town of Chitina. This stopover allows for a hot shower and time to explore "downtown" Chitina. In the morning of day six guests who are participating only in the Copper River Expedition arrive in Chitina. We then head off down the Copper. At the end of the Copper adventure you are flown back to Anchorage, or can take a ferry to Whittier or Valdez, depending on your next Alaska destination. This flight or ferry trip is included in the combo trip price.

Experience Required
The Grand Alaska Adventure is an excellent trip that blends a variety of adventures and comforts. 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 Alaska whitewater, the rafting 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. 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.

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2008 Trip Cost

$2150/person plus a 6% government/land use fee.

Start Dates: June 17th, July 13th & August 2nd. 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, but we ask you to bring your own sleeping bag if possible (laundry is not fun in the middle of nowhere!)

The Grand Alaska/Copper River Combo is priced at $4500/person. The minimum age is 10.

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