ratings explained
Here are some
Questions and Answers.
Each of our trips
has been rated "1" to "4" according to what conditions can be expected
on the trip, with "1" being the easiest and "4" being the more
challenging trips. Keep in mind that even easy trips may become
difficult if weather conditions are adverse. On all trips, guests help
carry personal and group gear and, on sea kayaking trips, help carry
their boat up and down the beach (65-80 pounds for two-four people).
Most of our trips travel to remote wilderness locations with no
facilities of any kind, and evacuation may be prolonged and difficult.
More specific information can be found in each trip's detailed
itinerary.
Level "2" to "4" trips entail travel
to remote wilderness locations without facilities and walking over
uneven and sometimes slippery terrain.
Easiest
Easy to Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
to Challenging
(Some trips are rated at level "4" due primarily to the length of the
trip in remote wilderness, or because a specific skill level is
assumed, not because they are extremely physically demanding.) |
Experience the pure wilderness of the Arctic during
summer solstice when night never comes and the light is absolutely
magical. This spectacular rafting and hiking exploration begins with a
scenic 300-mile bush flight across the top of North America. We land at
the headwaters of the Kongakut River and wind our way toward the Arctic
coastal plain through some of the wildest country in the world. Visiting
in June gives us our best chance to see parts of the vast caribou
migration (the Porcupine Caribou Herd). Grizzlies, foxes, musk ox, and
wolves also inhabit this pristine wilderness. We will have fun paddling
days and extraordinary hikes.
Our schedule on the Kongakut will be leisurely and flexible since we'll
have nearly continuous daylight. There will be opportunities for taking
short walks and full day hikes, photographing wildlife and fantastic
displays of wildflowers, and fishing for Arctic char and grayling. We'll
travel the river in inflatable rafts, each propelled by several
participants maneuvering paddles into the swift current. No prior paddle
rafting experience is necessary. It is easy to learn, and each boat has a
guide. The Kongakut has no "big water" but it is a very fast and fun
river. There are several small rapids to negotiate and breathtaking
mountain and valley scenery along the entire route. Guests are expected to
be in excellent health for spending 10 days in the Arctic environment.
Begins and ends in Fairbanks.
Day 1 - Plan for an early breakfast. This day is mostly devoted
to flying north! We drive to the airport and begin our long flight across
the Yukon River Flats to the Native community of Arctic Village. We then
switch to smaller planes and continue north over the Brooks Range and on
to the upper Kongakut River. We'll land on a small gravel bar along the
river, about 10 miles north of the Continental Divide, and set up our
first camp.
Days 2-9 - Our schedule on the Kongakut will be flexible, since
we'll have 24 hours of daylight each day! We will have ample opportunity
for short walks, long hikes, photographing wildlife and fantastic displays
of wildflowers, and fishing for Arctic char and grayling (for those who
bring fishing gear). We'll float the river in paddle rafts, where we work
together to negotiate the swift current. We'll encounter breathtaking
mountain and valley scenery along the entire route. This area is one of
our most fascinating and ecologically diverse national treasures. There
will be much to see and explore. Everyone is talking about the Arctic
National Wildlife Refuge. Your experience and knowledge gained on this
trip will give you more credibility in any discussion of the refuge.
Day 10 - After hiking in Caribou Pass, we'll break final camp
and await the arrival of the bush planes for our flight to Fairbanks. We
plan to arrive by 5:00 p.m., but we recommend booking another night in
Fairbanks as flight delays are possible. We often gather for a no-host
dinner on this final evening.
Electronic
mail request:
kongakutriverwhitewaterrafting@glacierbaytravel.com
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