— Nizina Glacier Fly-In Kayaking —

Trip Details

Price: $2,110 (for 2 participants)
Call for rates for groups of 3+
Trip Length: 1 Day
Difficulty: Beginner – anyone excited for Alaskan wilderness!
Dates: Daily from June 15th to September 1st, 2022
Photo Gallery
Trip Itinerary
Equipment List
Logistics

Melissa was absolutely incredible. Skolai trip was 10 times better than Denali. Class act organization! Will definitely be back!

Erin and Tony S

Jason and Kirk were outstanding guides. They were experienced adventurers and were patient leaders on our beautiful kayak trip. They were also very knowledgeable about the ecology of the area.

Tammy M. Kennicott Glacier Kayaking - 2014

Everything was excellent - the flight over, the companionship, the awesome scenery and, of course, the hiking... a truly enjoyable adventure. [Our] guides felt like family. They were fabulous, very personable, professional and helpful.

Skelly M Hiking, Skolai Basecamp

If one wants to experience Alaska....use St Elias as your guide.

John S Hicking, Skolai Pass Basecamp - 2012

I’ve done lots of camping and travelling and I can honestly say that this trip was one of the best I’ve done. This is truly what you picture when you think of the Alaskan peaks you see in the movies. Beautiful hikes, perfectly cooked meals, Read More >

Alexis P Hiking, Iceberg Lake Basecamp - 2015

Thanks for an incredible trip that brought our family together while we experienced Alaska. We could not have done this without your assistance. Ben was great, as were Nick and Zack. To quote Judy “our experiences were life altering”. We would be glad to be Read More >

Jon S Multi-Sport - 2013

Lucas is a fantastic guide. While I was new to pretty much everything on the trip (ice hiking and climbing, pack rafting, etc.), I always felt encouraged to reach beyond my comfort zone and try to accomplish more without ever feeling unsafe. He's very thoughtful, Read More >

Annie O Ultimate Wilderness - 2012

What an amazing experience, life changing too. Let’s start with our guides – where do you find these Supermen/women? We’ll never forget our first meeting with Lucas, beaming enthusiastically from the airstrip. He’s just such a great guy and a great guide and we heard Read More >

Lisa and Eamonn F Multi-Sport - 2012

Everyone should have the opportunity to see and do what we did. I highly recommend Copper Oar! This was a trip of a lifetime.

Susan H Nizina River Raft, Hike & Fly - 2006

We wanted to tell you straight away how much we have enjoyed the Source to the Sea trip. The trip was a tremendous success for us due to the skill, professionalism, knowledge, commitment and humor of Kevin and Carleton. We had a really fantastic time Read More >

John K Source to Sea - 2007

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 Read More >

B. Smith Grand Alaska Adventure - 2000

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 - 2004

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 Multi-Sport Package Trip - 2003

Just a quick note of appreciation for the entire Source to Sea trip. The trip was awe inspiring, Danny, Dale and Jules were extraordinary, and the travel companions were a lot of fun. I feel so lucky to have been able to participate on such Read More >

Martha L Source to Sea - 2011

All of our expectations were more than exceeded! Gaia was more than helpful in organizing our flights to McCarthy, she organized free transport while we were there to visit the mines, She gave us a bedroom free of charge in the power house. She simply Read More >

Ashley and Renee Copper River - 2008

All the staff at Copper Oar made our trip memorable. Their dedication to our enjoyment despite some challenging weather conditions was outstanding. Thank you!!!!

Michael M. Nizina River Rafting and Hiking Fly-In - 2008

Having never spent a full night in a tent before, you’d imagine it a big task for me to flawlessly enjoy my first experience, particularly in such a remote place. Such was the level of service and comprehensive provision of equipment that I traveled with Read More >

Kyle S Grand Alaska Adventure - 2010

If an amazing, Alaskan wilderness experience is what you seek, you won’t do better than Copper Oar. With my 10 and 8 year-old sons, we floated the Nizina River, hiked on the Kennicott Glacier and sea kayaked in the glacier-filled fjords and bays outside of Read More >

Jeff N Nizina River Multi-Sport Package - 2010

Our family of 4 (kids aged 8 and 11) did a 3day/2night wilderness rafting trip with Copper Oar that was fantastic. Top notch all the way. We've done multiday rafting trips in Utah and Idaho before and the trip we took in Alaska compared very Read More >

Nicola W. Alaska River Journey - 2010

The planning was exquisite! Gaia helped me plan the day trips at Kennicott, including the mill tour and a day hiking on the glacier. We loved Noah and the day we had just as a family walking on the Root. She also helped us with Read More >

Melanie F. Alaska River Journey - 2011

If you like wilderness, nature, beautiful landscapes and a good company to organize that, this trip is made for you!-A Very Satisfied French Group

Pascal T Copper River - 2011

The Nizina trip was wonderful, as was the Glacier Climbing. Thank you again for a fabulous experience. You, Carleton, Jules and the entire group are just great.

M. Chodos Nizina River Rafting and Hiking Fly-In - 2007

Lucas is a fantastic guide. While I was new to pretty much everything on the trip (ice hiking and climbing, pack rafting, etc.), I always felt encouraged to reach beyond my comfort zone and try to accomplish more without ever feeling unsafe. He's very thoughtful, Read More >

Annie O Ultimate Wilderness - 2012

Both Dale and Allison was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. They made us feel very safe in the rafts, their cooking and organizational skills were amazing, they were extremely hard working and great hosts and were lot of fun. 10 out of 10.

Nick and Tanya H. Alaska River Journey - 2012

The trip was perfect. Everyone was super, raft-mates and guides, the spectacular views and the experience. Couldn't have asked for better.

Cheryl & Mike Copper River - 2012

Copper Oar and St. Elias Alpine Guides exceeded my expectations. They helped me fulfill my dream of plein air painting on an extended wilderness trip. Their high level of professionalism, knowledge, and skill coupled with the right equipment led to a safe, comfortable trip.I enjoyed Read More >

Jackie B Copper River - 2012

Copper Oar gave us an unforgettable experience exploring the incredible Wrangell St Elias NP - a trip which I would have no hesitation flying halfway around the world for again. I can't recommend them highly enough.

Nicole G Alaska River Journey - 2012

The Food Was GREAT! It was well prepared, plenty of variety, very filling. I'd say we were well taken care of! Day time snacks and lunches were well timed and filling. Breakfast was a treat and dinners were always a surprise and a great affair.

[The guides] worked themselves to death for us. They were pleasant, professional, and personable. I loved each one of them.

Christina Y Copper River - 2012

Your guides are competent and interesting individuals who work amazingly well as a team.

Ronald I Copper River - 2012

Float the Copper River to view scenic and diverse landscapes. Hear the diverse sounds of slow then roiling water, the roar of calving glaciers, birds calling, and oars gently dripping water. And smell fresh air, smoke from a bon fire, the unique aroma of silver Read More >

Ronald I Copper River - 2012

It was all I expected and more. ... Andy and Gaia were both super friendly and informative, and if all of the staff is just as awesome I would expect all of your trips to be just as great. You will see me again in Read More >

Nick T. Nizina Canyon Raft & Flightsee 2014

This was an amazing experience! Food was top notch - exceeded expectations. These memories will last our lives. I highly recommend your company and guides. Thanks!

Brandon E Nizina Canyon Raft & Flightsee 2014

The glacier tour rivaled my best experience of a 21-day trip to Alaska.

Kelly T Root Glacier Hike - 2014

Ice climbing was something I never imagined I would do. It was so awesome to experience... A day to remember!

Kelsey H Root Glacier Ice Climb - 2014

Our guides were awesome! They are so personable and friendly. We wish they could be our guides all over Alaska!

Margaret S Root Glacier Hike - 2014

Jason and Kirk were outstanding guides. They were experienced adventurers and were patient leaders on our beautiful kayak trip. They were also very knowledgeable about the ecology of the area.

Tammy M Kennicott Glacier Kayaking - 2014

A fantastic experience -- wild Alaska at its best.

Noeleen F Root Glacier Hike - 2014

We've been in Alaska for 1 week and have had a phenomenal trip. Today was my favorite day: outstanding weather, fun & knowledgeable guide, amazing glacier features, both kids did a polar bear plunge in a gorgeous heart-shaped blue pool. Incredible!

Andrea E Root Glacier Hike - 2014

I was looking for a wilderness adventure and I found it with the Copper Oar/St. Elias Alpine Guides. The guides’ attention to detail, knowledge of Alaska and love of nature was abundant. They made the trip! Every day was a new adventure. Whether the days Read More >

Kathi L Source to Sea - 2013

What an amazing experience, life changing too. Let’s start with our guides – where do you find these Supermen/women? We’ll never forget our first meeting with Lucas, beaming enthusiastically from the airstrip. He’s just such a great guy and a great guide and we heard the Read More >

Lisa and Eamonn F Multisport - 2012

The tour was outstanding by any/all measures - story telling, knowledge of the facts and information, attention to safety, etc. I was really impressed by [the guide’s] level of knowledge of the site, the overall operations, the specific functions of the buildings we toured, and Read More >

Rebecca T Kennecott Mill Tour - 2014

For those of you who are looking to get a true Alaskan backcountry paddling experience – but still return to a nice warm bed at the end of the day – this is the trip for you! Your trip will begin at the historic Motherlode Powerhouse in McCarthy, where you’ll meet your guide and get outfitted with any gear you’ll need for the day. Then you’re off to the airstrip, where you’ll take a fascinating bush plane ride deep into the remote Alaskan wilderness.

After landing at the Nizina Lake airstrip, it’s time to say goodbye to your pilot, head down to the lake and inflate the kayaks. After a brief safety talk, you and your guide will paddle out into the lake, taking time to explore the intricate features of the icebergs floating in the lake. Large and small, smooth and jagged, there’s no end to the variety of glacial features you’ll see on the water. After a stop for lunch, you may even paddle over towards the face of the Nizina Glacier.

At the end of your day, you’ll head back to the airstrip and wait for the bush plane to come pick you up. After an enjoyable flight back to McCarthy, you can treat yourself to a hot shower, before heading to dinner and sharing the once-in-a-lifetime experiences with your fellow travelers at dinner.

Highlights Include:

Paddling among icebergs
Striking views of the Nizina Glacier
Spending time in the remote Alaskan wilderness
Two bush plane flights in the same day!

We encourage advanced reservations for all of our activities. If you’re planning on heading out to the Wrangells this summer, please make a reservation today! You can easily book online yourself by clicking the orange “Book This Trip” button on the left or give us a call and we’ll be happy to assist you!