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Alaska rafting, Alaska sea kayaking, Alaska river trips, Alaska adventures left and right! Destination Wilderness offers three unparalleled opportunities to the heart of this great land. Our multi-day Grand Alaska Adventure features flight-seeing, hiking, and rafting as we venture deep into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. This trip can be combined with our Copper River Expedition, a five day journey past towering glaciers, thick old growth forest, towering canyon walls, and home to bear, Bighorn sheep, salmon, and eagle. Combining these two trips results in an unforgettable ten-day Alaska wilderness experience. And, our Alaska Kayak Adventure takes in the best of the Inside Passage, as we cruise up to glaciers, ply waters in search of humpback whale, and hike and paddle along Admiralty Island, home to the largest concentration of brown bear on earth.
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"It was absolutely the right thing for our stressed souls..."
The Copper River Expedition, through one of the world's most dramatic canyons, is one that 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 trip. And, this trip can be combined with our Grand Alaska Adventure for an unforgettable ten-day Alaska wilderness journey.
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Copper River Info |
This trip meets in Glenallen, and following a scenic drive to the small native village of Chitina, we launch on the mighty Copper. Five days are spent rafting through this unforgettable wilderness. The setting alternates from steep and deep canyons to broad expansive plains leading to towering peaks. Each day 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.
The trip concludes near Cordova, and we return via charter plane from Cordova to Glenallen, or fly 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 ten-day journey that overflows with scenery, adventure, and solitude. As with all of our trips, the Copper River Expedition includes all food, rafting and personal camping equipment.
Whether the Grand Alaska Adventure, the Copper River Expedition, or both, the thrill of these journeys comes from the immersion into one of the grandest and most remote wilderness areas on earth. Witnessing first-hand the power of water and ice and the stunning panoramas of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park can be considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We invite you to see for yourself.
Copper River Expedition
Overview
Our Copper
River Expeditions begin in Glennallen, Alaska. They are five 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'll fly back to Glennallen or
Anchorage, depending on your final destination.
Trip Departure: After a brief introduction and discussion about your trip, we pack your personal river gear and clothes into waterproof bags. We then board our shuttle van for a one-hour drive to the friendly town of Chitina, on the banks of the Copper River. Here, we rig your waterproof bags on the rafts, outfit you in river wear and lifejacket, give a safety briefing, and then head off down the mighty Copper.
On the RIver: We launch from Chitina around noon. While on the river we encounter some class II-III rapids which are perfect for those seeking a fun but relatively mild whitewater wilderness rafting experience. Each night we camp along the shore. We take time during the trip to hike near the river. Every one of the five days on the Copper is filled with the incredible sights of this wilderness.
Trip Conclusion: We finish the journey in the afternoon on the fifth day near the town of Cordova. A one hour van ride takes us over the Copper River Delta, home to a vast number of shore birds, en route to Cordova. Following an early evening celebration dinner, we board flights to either Anchorage or Glennallen, depending on your final Alaska destination.
Rendezvous
Meeting Time: Our guide will meet you at the
Gulkana/Glennallen Airport at 10:00 a.m. on the first day of your trip.
Gulkana/Glennallen airport is approximately 190 miles east of
Anchorage.
Getting To Glennallen
By Air: Regularly scheduled flights with Security Aviation
depart from Anchorage at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Glennallen at approximately
9:45 a.m. on the first day of our trips. We will arrange your flight from
Anchorage, which is included in the trip cost.
By Car: From Anchorage, drive north east towards Wasilla and Palmer on the Glenn Highway (Hwy. 1) . Continue on the Glenn through Palmer as it turns east and heads to Glennallen.This highway passes through some of the most dramatic valleys in the world and affords a great view of Matanuska Glacier, approximately 60 miles east of Palmer. With short stops along the way for sightseeing allow four hours to drive from Anchorage to Glennallen.
Off-River
Transportation
Destination Wilderness provides all transportation from Anchorage to Glennallen
and Chitina at the beginning of the trip, via smaller bush plane, as well as
transportation from Cordova to Glennallen or Anchorage after the trip.
Additional Information
Weather: Wrangell St. Elias National
Park and the Copper River 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 is always possible and you
should prepare accordingly.
Equipment: Destination Wilderness provides lifejackets, waterproof river suits, rubber boots, waterproof bags, camp chairs and eating utensils, all the specialized river gear you need. A complete list of what you should bring is included in this packet. Sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and tents can be rented from us. Be sure to let us know in advance if you need any rental gear.
Experience Required: The Copper River Expedition is a true wilderness river journey. This is an ideal trip for those seeking an extended journey through the heart of Alaskan backcountry. First time adventurers are welcome. While not strenuous or filled with difficult whitewater, we do travel through pure wilderness. Participants should be prepared for changes in weather and other possibilities associated with wilderness travel. Our minimum age is 12. 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.
Camps: We camp along the river in pristine wilderness, usually on a sandy beach. We proudly practice minimum-impact camping and carry out all trash. All our camps have portable toilet facilities.
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.
Meals and Beverages: We serve gourmet meals prepared with fresh ingredients. We also provide coffee, tea, water, juices, lemonade and wine with dinner. Let us know if you have special dietary needs and we will plan accordingly.
2001 Trip Cost:
$1,490 per adult / $1,400 per youth (under 16). Trips
begin July 18; August 1, 15
Copper
River/Grand Alaska Combo: $2,600 per adult; $2400 per youth.
Prices
includes guides, all rafting equipment, meals, drysuit and rubber boots. Also
includes a flight to Glenallen or Anchorage at the end of the trip 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. Personal camping gear including sleeping bags, tents and
pads can be rented from Destination Wilderness.
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, designated to remain forever preserved. In fact, Wrangell-St. Elias itself is over six times as large as Yellowstone National Park, and hosts six of North America's ten highest peaks!
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Grand Alaska Information |
This five-day adventure will appeal to anyone seeking a variety of activities in the Alaskan backcountry. Exploring historic mining villages, hiking around glaciers, and floating through the immense Wrangell-St. Elias wilderness are all included.
After a rendezvous in Glenallen, we hop aboard a bush plane for an extended flight to the quaint Alaskan town of McCarthy. This scenic and breathtaking flight-seeing 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 two days 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 float 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, 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 search the shore and side creeks for a variety of food sources. 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. 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, and return via van to Glenallen.
Those interested in a longer 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. Trip cost for this fantastic ten day combination journey is $2,600 per adult and $2400 per youth.
Grand Alaska Adventure Overview
Our Grand Alaska Adventures begin and
end in Glennallen, Alaska. They are five days long and include flightseeing,
glacier hikes, historic tours, and river rafting. The first night is spent in a
rustic lodge in the town of McCarthy. We can arrange transportation for you
between Anchorage or Valdez and Glennallen.
Trip Outline
Trip Departure: After a
brief introduction and discussion about your trip, we board a small bush plane
for a scenic flight to McCarthy. Weather permitting, during this flight we are
able to view the dramatic glaciers, rivers, mountains, and wide open spaces of
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
In McCarthy: After the flight-seeing trip we spend the afternoon exploring the glaciers and Kennicott Mine, near McCarthy. This mine, soon to be a Park Service Historical Site, operated throughout the early 1900's and provided up to 400 tons of copper and ore a day before closing in 1938. After overnighting in a McCarthy lodge, we spend the next morning exploring charming McCarthy and preparing for the river journey.
On the River: We launch from McCarthy on the afternoon of the second day, and float the Kennicott River. On subsequent days we join the Nizina River, which flows through steep walled Nizina Canyon, and the Chitina River, which offers incredible views of majestic Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the wildlife that calls it home. These class II-III rivers are perfect for those seeking a fun but relatively mild wilderness rafting experience. Each night we camp along the shore. We also take time during the trip to hike near the river.
Trip Conclusion: We finish the journey in the afternoon on the fifth day near the town of Chitina. From there, we travel by van back to Glennallen, arriving in the late afternoon. Flights back to Anchorage are scheduled for mid-day on the following day. We can arrange transportation for those wishing to travel to Valdez after the trip.
Rendezvous
Meeting Time: Our guide will meet you at the
Gulkana/Glennallen Airport at 10:00 a.m. on the first day of your trip.
Gulkana/Glennallen airport is approximately 190 miles east of
Anchorage.
Getting To
Glennallen
By Air:
Regularly scheduled flights with Security Aviation depart from Anchorage at
8:30 a.m. and arrive in Glennallen at approximately 9:45 a.m. on the first day
of our trips. Contact us for details or assistance with your flight from
Anchorage.
By Car: From Anchorage, drive north east towards Wasilla and Palmer on the Glenn Highway (Hwy. 1). Continue on the Glenn through Palmer as it turns east and heads toward Glennallen. This highway passes through some of the most dramatic valleys in the world and affords a great view of Matanuska Glacier, approximately 60 miles east of Palmer. With short stops along the way for sightseeing, allow four hours to drive from Anchorage to Glennallen.
Off-River
Transportation
Destination Wilderness provides all transportation from
Glennallen to McCarthy at the beginning of the trip as well as transportation
from Chitina to Glennallen after the trip. We can also arrange any
transportation you need between Anchorage or Valdez and Glennallen.
Additional Information
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 is always possible and you should prepare accordingly.
Equipment: Destination Wilderness provides life jackets, waterproof river suits, rubber boots, waterproof bags, camp chairs and eating utensils, all the specialized river gear you need. A complete list of what you should bring is included in this packet. Sleeping pads, tents and sleeping bags can be rented from us. Be sure to let us know in advance if you need any rental gear.
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. While not strenuous or filled with difficult whitewater, the river portion of this journey is in the wilderness. Our minimum age is 12. 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.
Camps: We camp along the river in pristine wilderness, usually on a sandy beach. We proudly practice minimum-impact camping and carry out all trash. All of our camps have portable toilet facilities.
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.
Meals and Beverages: We serve gourmet meals prepared with fresh ingredients. We also provide coffee, tea, water, juices, and wine with dinner. Let us know if you have special dietary needs and we will plan accordingly.
2001
Trip Cost
$1,650 per
adult / $1,480 per youth (under 16; minimum age: 10 years old). Trips begin
July 6, 13, 27; August 10, 24
Copper River/Grand Alaska Combo: $2,600 per
adult; $2400 per youth.
Prices includes guides, all rafting equipment,
meals, drysuit 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. Personal
camping gear including sleeping bags, tents and pads can be rented from
Destination Wilderness.
Destination Wilderness' Alaska Kayak Adventure offers one of the best sea kayaking adventures available for viewing Southeast Alaska's glaciers and wildlife. This journey, in both motor launch and kayak, is known for its numerous whale sightings, paddling in fjords dotted with seals on ice floes, walking along creeks frequented by grizzly bears, and observing bald eagles circling above old growth forests. Be sure to check out our other Alaska adventures: the Copper River Expedition and the Grand Alaska Adventure!
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Alaska Kayak Information |
It is our format and smooth operation that makes this trip unique and special. To ensure intimacy and solitude, we limit the group size to eight guests. To assure the greatest wildlife viewing opportunities the itinerary of each trip is customized to the the time of year. On a typical trip we first travel the seas aboard the mothership, accessing the most spectacular wilderness areas found in the Inside Passage. These areas include the Tracy Arm-Ford's Terror Wilderness, famous for tidewater glaciers and towering walls, and Seymour Canal and Admiralty National Monument, home of the most dense population of brown bears on earth. After Day 2 the motor launch leaves. We then paddle the scenic waters of Seymour Canal taking time to explore coastal lands during the day. Each evening we make camp on a sandy beach or under a canopy of old growth spruce and hemlock. On day 7, after enjoying more paddling we are reunited with the motor launch and return to civilization, refreshed from this immersion into the wilderness of Alaska. We offer these from May through mid-July, and believe that late spring and early summer trips through the Inside Passage offer some of the greatest wilderness experiences in all Alaska, as there are fewer visitors, historically the weather is best and, in the case of Admiralty Island in May and July, there are prime bear viewing opportunities. The trip itineraries vary to allow for the greatest solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Alaska Kayak Adventure Overview
Our Alaska kayak trips begin and end in
Juneau, Alaska. The trips are 7 days in length and include several miles of
paddling. We start in Juneau on a custom motor launch, which allows us quicker
access to the heart of the wilderness. All specialty gear and gourmet meals
from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day are also included.
Please plan to arrive in Juneau the day before your trip and to depart the
morning after your trip.
Trip
Itinerary
The first
two days are spent aboard the motorized yacht, comfortably travelling to the
more spectacular areas of the Inside Passage. Days 3-7 we travel by sea kayak,
camping along shore under the canopy of old growth forest. The pace is kept
intentionally relaxing, as we paddle 4-5 hours per day. While we do not follow
a strict schedule (except for the occasional need to correctly follow the
tides). You can expect breakfast near 8 a.m., lunch midday and about 5-6 hours
of activity during the day. We reach camp by early evening with time for hikes,
camp set-up and relaxation before dinner. With light in the sky until after
10:00 p.m., there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the
Inside Passage.
Trip Conclusion: In the afternoon of day seven we are reunited with the motor launch and ferried back to Juneau. While we are typically back in time for the last flights of the evening, we recommend flying out the morning after your trip.
This trip begins in Juneau, Alaska, with a pre-trip orientation meeting the night before the trip start date.
Orientation Meeting: We meet at the Goldbelt/Westmark Hotel at 7 p.m. the night before your trip. Your guide will answer questions and distribute waterproof bags, boots and dry suits at this time. Your guide will also address any last minute issues or concerns you may have.
Trip Departure: A van will be waiting in front of the Goldbelt/Westmark at 7:30 a.m. the morning of your trip. We will leave at 8:00 a.m. for a short drive to the harbor, where we will board our specialized charter boat, replete with tandem kayaks for the days ahead.
Getting to
Juneau
By Air:
Juneau, Alaska, is served by Alaska Airlines, which has a partnership with
Northwest and Horizon Airlines, allowing for flights from virtually anywhere in
the U.S. From the Juneau airport, there is regular taxi service to the Westmark
Hotel, our rendezvous site.
By Car and Ferry:
You cannot drive all the way to Juneau. To travel by car, the most direct route
requires a ferry from Haines or Skagway. You can also take the ferry from
either Bellingham, Washington, or Prince Rupert, Canada. A popular way to get
to Juneau is to drive to Seattle, then fly to Juneau. To return, you can take
the ferry to Bellingham, Washington, and then take a short fight back to
Seattle. Please contact our office for details on the ferry.
Pre-Trip
Transportation:
Destination Wilderness can arrange pre-trip air
transportation for you and your group. If you are flying to Juneau we can
arrange travel for you. Please contact our office for details.
Additional Information
Weather: Contrary to popular belief,
Southeast Alaska enjoys a mild climate: comfortable in the summer and
moderately cold in the winter. In summer, temperatures in the mid-fifties to
the mid-sixties are the norm, although the thermometer can soar to the eighties
on a sunny day. Southeast Alaska is basically a rain forest, averaging more
than 100 inches of snow and rain a year. There is a good chance it will rain on
your trip, but there is an equally good chance we will have lots of sun! Be
sure to bring rain gear and a tent.
Equipment: Destination Wilderness provides kayaks, paddles, spray skirts, lifejackets, drysuits, rubber boots, waterproof bags, eating utensils and a cup and plate. We also have available to rent sleeping bags, pads, and tents. A complete list of what you should bring is included in this packet.
Experience Required: Families are always welcome and no previous experience is necessary (our minimum age is 12). A complete instruction and a safety briefing is provided by your guide before the trip and before actually getting in the kayak. Your guide 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.
Camps: We camp along the coast in pristine wilderness, usually on a sandy beach or in a forest glade. We proudly practice minimum-impact camping and carry out all trash. We always set up a portable toilet with privacy.
Fishing: Alaska requires you to purchase a fishing license if you intend to fish during your visit. You can pick one up in Juneau before your trip. Make sure to get the appropriate license for your stay. Please contact our office with any questions you have.
Gratutites: Tipping is fairly common on wilderness kayak trips. It is never expected, but always appreciated by your guides. When you are particularly happy with any aspect of your trip, please let us and your guides know.
Meals and Beverages: We serve gourmet meals prepared with fresh ingredients. We also provide coffee, tea, water, juices, and/or wine with dinner. Let us know if you have special dietary needs and we will plan accordingly.
2001
Trip Cost:
$1,900
per adult; $1,750 per youth (under 16; minimum age: 12). Departure Dates: May
12, 26; June 9, 23; July 7
Includes all transportation Juneau to Juneau,
guides, motor launch, all equipment, kayaking equipment, meals, rain wear and
rubber boots. Participants must bring adequate thermal wear for on water and
land, and must carry supplies in their kayak. Personal camping gear such as
sleeping bags, tents, and pads can be rented from Destination Wilderness.
Longer custom trips throughout the summer, including August, are also
available. Contact our office for details!
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