Wrangell-St. Elias Ride and Raft

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Reservation request

DATES

TBD- July is ideal

REGION

Wrangell St. Elias Park

TRIP COST

TBD

DATES

TBD- July is ideal

REGION

Wrangell St. Elias Park

TRIP COST

TBD

The Wrangell Mountains are part of the largest protected wilderness on earth. Glacier-carved peaks spawn raging rivers and dramatic peaks tower over lush green bottomlands. This rugged country keeps most people out, but your world-class guides let you enjoy this remote location in style. The combination of horses and rafts gets us into the very heart of America’s largest National Park.

First we ride horses through the mountains and then raft the mighty Nabesna River: experience 11 days of horse-packing and river-rafting in Alaska with Arctic Wild

TRIP DETAILS

Last updated: October 23, 2019

Itinerary

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

Day 0

Happy Independence Day! Meet in Fairbanks at 4pm for a pre-trip meeting at the Arctic Wild World Headquarters.

Day 1

Fly from Fairbanks up the Tanana River, almost to the Canadian border and into Wrangell St. Elias National Park (2-1/2 hours flight). Meet the horses and start our ride into the mountains.

Day 2

Ride through the Wrangell Mountains, camping in the high meadows. Our route covers about 40 miles on an historic mail trail.

Day 3

Quick flights from trail’s end to the river put-in. After a hike towards the glacier face, we will inflate the rafts and prepare for the next day’s rafting.

July 4-7

Rafting the Nabesna River. Paddle rafts keep everyone engaged as we navigate this spunky glacial river.

Day 8

Paddle the slower water into the village of Northway and meet our van for a ride back to Fairbanks.

Such a joy to spend days where time was meaningless. A wonderful adventure and I would like to return next year for a longer, more challenging trip.

You mentioned to me in an email that you have terrific guides - you do indeed. Dave is a superb guide. He is personable, knowledgeable about the Arctic, and has excellent group management skills. I appreciated the time he spent teaching me to read the map, which is not easy without trails. He allowed Adrian and me to hike at our own pace and he encouraged all of us to explore the area surrounding our campsites. I know the others would concur in my praise.

- Sandra, California, USA

DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Round-trip airfare from Fairbanks

Food while in the wilderness, stoves, cooking & eating utensils

Water filter, base camp tent

Safety & repair gear

Professional guide service

Horses, rafts, and big wilderness

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Non-camp lodging

Non-camp meals

Personal clothing and gear

Fishing license and fishing gear

Gratuity for guides

Rental equipment is available through Arctic Wild. See full equipment list.

WEATHER & BUGS

Temperatures vary dramatically in the Alaska. July is usually mild and warm,and the Northeastern Wrangells are one of the driest parts of the state. That said, but 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.

RECOMMENDED READING

The Copper Spike, Lone E Janson. More Alaska reading is available from our Bookstore.

"The wilderness was spectacular, the leadership perfect."

"I am just finishing my tenth trip with you guys. As always, the trip was more than I expected and I had a great time. See you next year!"

"Of all outfitters with whom we have worked (and that is quite a number), you were by far the most organized and responsive."

"That feeling of wide open wonder, the possibilities for nearly limitless wandering, and the image of those proud caribou...that will stay with me a long time"

"Our guide was an encyclopedia on legs. He was always willing and ready to teach, to talk, to listen, to do another hike, or to lie low in camp if we were beat. He truly gave us the trip we wanted!"