Alaska White Water Rafting: Alaska River Trips and Alaska Float Trips in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

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Alaska White Water Rafting: Alaska River Journey

Alaska Rafting Adventure in Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Copper Oar's Alaska River Journey offers an economical and unbelievably rewarding adventure through spectacular wilderness. These three and four-day Alaska white water rafting and float trips travel through the heart of Wrangell St. Elias National Park, winding downriver from friendly and dramatic hamlet McCarthy to the town of Chitina which rests on the banks of the mighty Copper River.

Wrangell St. Elias National Park is part of the largest protected wilderness area on earth. Wrangell St. Elias is six times the size of Yellowstone National Park, and is home to over 1500 glaciers, six of North America's ten tallest mountains, a healthy selection of wildlife, and some of the most inspiring rivers on earth. The towering Chugach, Wrangell, and St. Elias mountain ranges are all found in this Park and they serve as the backdrop to this classic Alaska white water rafting journey. In addition, sparkling side rivers, rare and fascinating geology, good wildlife viewing opportunities, idyllic riverside camp sites and classic natural history will fill your senses. Those seeking a medium length Alaska white water rafting trip into a place less traveled should consider this trip! For one-day river trips, please click here.

Alaska River Journeys Overview
Our Alaska River Journeys begin in McCarthy and end in Chitina, Alaska. They are three or four days long and include white water rafting, hiking, and camping. The white water rapids on these trips is moderately challenging and playful, not fierce. The water is cold.

All specialty river gear is included in the trip. We can help arrange transportation for you between Chitina and McCarthy, and also between Valdez and Chitina.

Daily Itinerary
Day One: This morning, after getting you geared up with splash wear, rubber boots, and lifejacket, you pack the waterproof 'dry' bags and we rig the rafts. 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 glacially-fed Kennicott, a fast and bouncy class III white water river.

The Kennicott then merges with the senewy Nizina river where we enter a tight, s-turn canyon with class II and III white water. As evening approaches we set up camp along the 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.

Day Two (and three if you are doing the four-day trip): These days of your Alaska white water rafting journey follow similar routines but provide different experiences. As the 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. Note: the four-day trip allows for more time exploring the side rivers and mountains along the way.

Final Day: 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 this grand Alaska white water rafting trip and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park you will be shuttled back to your car or flight in Chitina.

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Rendezvous
Meeting Time
Our guide will meet you in at your accommodations in McCarthy the night before your trip to introduce themselves and help answer any last minute questions you may have.

Getting To McCarthy
By Air
Charter flights are available with Wrangell Mountain Air from Valdez, Chitina, and even Anchorage.

By Car
You can access McCarthy from the lower 48 and points in Alaska. Simply travel to the southernmost portion of the Richardson Highway (Alaska Highway 4), and turn off towards Chitina, about 30 miles south of Glennallen! You can also ferry to Valdez and then drive to Chitina. We will also shuttle your car from McCarthy to Chitina while you are on the river for an additional fee.

By Van
There is regular van service into McCarthy with the Backcountry Connection. Please contact us for details.

Off-River Transportation
Copper Oar provides all transportation from Chitina back to McCarthy at the end of the trip. If you drive you may prefer to leave your car at the Chitina airstrip and fly to McCarthy. In these cases we provide transportation from the take-out to the airstrip.

Note: For those choosing to fly to the region, we can arrange transportation from Valdez to McCarthy and back. There is a fee for this service.

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Additional Information
Experience Required
The Alaska River Journey is an excellent wilderness white water rafting trip. This is an ideal trip for those seeking wilderness experiences and mild whitewater. 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.

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 white water 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 trips are created with active, curious, go-with-the-flow, and nature-loving adventurers in mind. Our Alaska River Journey white water 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 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. Simply put, 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
Three-Day, Two-Night Trip: $990 per person

Four-Day, Three-Night Trip: $1250 per person

Please add a 6% government/land use fee to the above prices.

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

Prices include guides, all rafting equipment, meals, 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 but we ask you to bring your own sleeping bag if possible.

2008 Start Dates
Three Day Trip: Scheduled on demand.
Four Day Trip: June 18th, July 14th & August 3rd

Please note: Other dates may be available. Please contact us for details.

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