Wrangell Mountains Base Camp Trip with Arctic Wild

VIEW AVAILABLE TRIPS A custom trip begins with a dream. Yours. Perhaps it is your desire to camp amongst the great herds of caribou in the Arctic. To climb high into the Arrigetch Peaks, to photograph bears in Katmai National Park…the options in Alaska are exquisite and limitless. For the wilderness traveler there is no better destination. We take designing your custom wilderness trip seriously. With decades of experience, exhaustive knowledge of the landscape and wildlife, and an extensive network of pilots, boat captains, luxury lodges, and guides, each itinerary is tailored exactly to your specific dreams. The process starts with your desires, the size of your group or family, your expectations, your budget and your abilities. Our role is to advise, inspire, listen, and finally to transform your dreams into reality. We can share with you what is possible and help you craft the ultimate Alaska adventure. All of our trips are "off the beaten path", true wilderness expeditions. A custom trip can be one of our scheduled trips on dates of your choosing and exclusive to your group, or an entirely new and unique itinerary just for you. We work with groups from 1 person to 10 people but 4 to 6 is often the best. Browse through the list of custom trips we have done in the past or give us a call and tell us about your big Alaska dreams. We can help make them happen. From a family friendly base camp to true exploration in the farthest reaches of Alaska. Wildlife trips: Our experienced guides can help you find wildlife whether it be caribou, polar bears, blue-throats, grey-headed chickadees, or musk oxen. Photography trips: Wildlife photography, landscape photography, film or art. We have worked with professional and amateur photographers from around the world. Let us help you get the shot. Film or Science Support: In addition to "fun trips" we also provided guide services and logistical support for field projects big and small. Skills training: Need to improve your wilderness skills? We can provide field courses, skill specific classes in Fairbanks or a combination of the two. Rafting or canoeing workshops, navigation seminars, wilderness safety.... the list goes on. We have the experience to teach you. Family and youth trips: We love seeing young people enjoying the wilderness. Though we haven't had any clients under the age of 7, we take our own toddlers to the Brooks Range regularly. We can plan a trip that will be safe and fun for people of any age.

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Trips / Custom / Wrangell Mountains Base Camp

Wrangell Mountains Base Camp

Enjoy a week of big wilderness and big views in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park this summer. From our comfortable camp on the flanks of a volcano we can explore the surrounding mountains and glaciers, search for Dall sheep, and simply enjoy the solitude and wilderness of this mountain kingdom.

DATES

July or early August is best

REGION

Wrangell St Elias National Park

TRIP COST

$$$

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TRIP DETAILS

The high country in Wrangell-St. Elias is beyond compare. With 9.6 million acres of designated wilderness, Wrangell- St. Elias National Park is part of the largest federally protected area in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The landscape of the northern Wrangells is one of smoking volcanoes covered in ice; rocky spires jut into the blue sky above sinuous valleys with glacial torrents careening between sheer valley walls. And amongst the raw elemental power of the place we find green glens rich with fern and wildflowers and verdant plateaus dotted with Dall sheep and nesting song birds. It is a land of contrasts and beauty.

The lower elevations of the Park are forested and very brushy, beautiful but difficult to navigate. In contrast, the high-country offers endless vistas and relatively easy hiking both on the mountain sides and along the valley floor. We will make camp near the toe of the glacier and use this place as a base of operations. We can hike to the ice and (if conditions permit) may be able to explore onto the glacier. We can take a fairly easy hike downriver along the rushing glacial stream and we can climb the ridges and small peaks near camp for views in all directions. Each day brings its own weather, its own wildlife and its own surprises.

This is a rarely visited portion of the park and requires flights in an airplane which can only take a single passenger at a time. This nimble airplane allows us to enjoy true wilderness solitude in a unique and pristine location. Join us for adventure and solitude in America’s largest National Park.

ITINERARY

What follows is a general flow of events. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be flexible.

Day 1:

Meet your guide at 10 am at the Arctic Wild headquarters for a pre-trip orientation. Once questions have been answered and equipment checked, we will start our drive into the mountains. Its a 4-1/2 hr drive to the Wrangells from Fairbanks with lots of interesting stops on the way. We can take a hike, fish a side creek and enjoy the scenery as we head southeast along the Richardson Highway to the town of Chistochina. Once we arrive we are greeted by our hosts who operate the Red Eagle Lodge.

Day 2:

The adventure begins in earnest. After enjoying a beautiful breakfast at the lodge, our pilot shuttles us into the mountains one at a time and by mid-day we have camp set-up and can take our first hike in the mountains.

Day 3 - 5:

Days (and nights) are yours to do as you please. With thousands of acres to ourselves the limit to our adventures are few.

Day 6:

One last walk to the river, one last scan for sheep above camp and it is time to pack-up and head back to Chistochina where our vehicle waits. If the weather cooperates we can be back in Fairbanks in the evening, ready for the next adventure.

Destination Information

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Trip Information

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Transportation beyond Fairbanks, One night lodging in Chistochina, AK, food while in the wilderness, stoves, cooking & eating utensils, water filter, safety & repair gear and professional guide service. Select rental equipment is available through Arctic Wild and is included in the trip price.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Lodging (except one night in Chistochina), non-camp meals (except breakfast at the lodge in Chistochina), personal clothing and gear, fishing gear, and fishing license. An equipment list is provided upon registration.

WEATHER & BUGS

Temperatures vary dramatically in the Alaska. July and early August is usually mild and warm, and the Northern Wrangells are one of the driest parts of the state. That said, it could be cool and rainy so be prepared for anything. Temperatures will range from the 20s to 80s. Snow is possible any day of the year, but we get lots of sunny weather this time of the year. Mosquitoes should not be an issue but bring a mosquito head net and a small bottle of DEET repellent just in case.

GUIDED ALASKA Custom