The Alsek River runs through the Alsek, Noisy, St. Elias, and Fairweather
Mountain Ranges in some of Alaska's most rugged and stunning wilderness.
This is big water running through big mountains -- breathtaking as you
float past glaciers spilling from the towering peaks above, and
exhilarating as you climb mountains for views into the lush valleys below.
Chances of seeing wildlife are excellent, as the Alsek River Valley
serves as a migratory corridor for animals such as bear, moose, and
wolves. Our Alsek exploration is the ultimate wilderness experience,
perfect for adventurers with camping experience who enjoy big white water
and love to hike. These trips begin in Haines and we'll return you to
Yakutat, which has daily jet service.
Slide show of Alsek River
Day 1 - We will drive 125 miles up the Chilkat River Valley,
across the border into British Columbia, and on to Haines Junction in the
Yukon Territory. We will make a brief stop at Kluane Park for an
introduction to the natural history of the area. After the drive, we will
load our rafts, push off on a small tributary of the Alsek, and begin our
approach to the St. Elias Mountains. We will set up our first wilderness
camp after a short float downriver.
Days 2-4 - Every day is fun and adventurous. The spectacular
terrain provides us with ample hiking opportunities. Often we will take
half-day floats interspersed with hiking. Options, such as scrambling up
5,500-foot Goat Herd Mountain, provide us with great views of this
world-class wilderness area. We may be able to camp at Lowell Lake, where
icebergs float past a short distance from camp after calving off the
Lowell Glacier across the lake.
Days 5-6 - We will begin the most serious white water these next
two days as the Alsek builds in volume and energy. After full days of
class III and IV water, we will float through the river valley until we
are just upstream of the stunning Tweedsmuir Glacier.
Days 7-8 - As the Tweedsmuir Glacier pushes into the river,
Turnback Canyon forms, filled with sharp drops and dazzling, thundering
currents. The narrow canyon chokes the Alsek into an unrunnable channel,
and we set up for our helicopter portage. The spine-tingling helicopter
lifts us above the 10-mile-wide glacier and along the dramatic Turnback
Canyon to rejoin the river.
Day 9 - We will continue downstream until joining the
Tatshenshini River at one of the most spectacular river confluences in the
world. The towering Fairweather and St. Elias Ranges are divided by the
Alsek at this point. Glaciers surround us as we enter Alsek Bay, skirting
the edge of Glacier Bay National Park.
Days 10-11 - Once at Alsek Bay, we'll float through
iceberg-laden waters exploring the mysterious shapes and patterns cut from
the fallen ice. Icebergs here are nearly large enough to be glaciers
themselves, as they can stretch for city blocks and tower high above our
heads.
Day 12 - We will pull into Dry Bay sometime in the early afternoon, de-rig
our boats, and enjoy a final lunch. Charter planes will fly us to Yakutat.
We will return to Yakutat in time to catch the evening flight back to
Juneau.
Electronic
mail request:
alsekriverwhitewaterrafting@glacierbaytravel.com
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