Wrangell St Elias Rafting

Wrangell St Elias Rafting

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DATES

August 01, 2027 - August 07, 2027

REGION

Wrangell St. Elias Park

TRIP COST

$6,300

calendar

DATES

August 01, 2027 - August 07, 2027
region

REGION

Wrangell St. Elias Park
price

TRIP COST

$6,300

Wrangell St Elias National Park is 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. Come paddle with us into the very heart of America’s largest National Park for a week of wildlife and adventure.

 

TRIP DETAILS

In the northeast corner of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a mostly unvisited wilderness of incomparable scale, where rivers pour from glaciers and flowers bloom on the tundra.

The start of our river trip is literally the start of the river. We can walk to the glacier’s face and see the river emerge from under hundreds of feet of ice. The fluctuating current creates hundreds of sandbars and river channels in an infinite variety of ice, water and gravel and the river assumes every mood imaginable from calm pools with floating ice to raging torrents of water and silt. It is a dynamic and impressive place. With this dramatic landscape in our “front yard”, we’ll camp beneath the towering mountains and scan the river flats for wildlife.

After a night by the river and a hearty breakfast we’ll inflate our rafts, waterproof our gear, and review safety procedures. Then we paddle down river with the swift current. We won’t go far this first paddling day and we expect to have time in the afternoon to explore along the river or deeper into the mountains.

The Nabesna features swift current, splashy waves and dramatic scenery. We will be busy steering the boats (everyone paddles) and avoiding the big rocks, but not too busy to stop when we see wildlife. There should be sheep on the cliffs, moose in the willows, and bears looking for fish.

With about 80 miles to travel there should be ample time to soak in the wild country. We’ll camp on the broad wildflower covered sand bars and hike into the woods. We can fish the clear side-creeks and enjoy a roaring driftwood fire each evening. The solitude and scenery can’t be beat.

Once out of the mountains, the vistas grow large and the river moves out into Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. The forests become more complex and begin to crowd the river. Nearby lakes host waterfowl and a variety of boreal wildlife. As we near the village of Northway, where our trip end, the current slows and we can drift along peacefully through the flats.

Last updated: February 12, 2026

Itinerary

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

July 31

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

 

August 1

We depart Fairbanks early and drive up the Alaska Highway, almost to the Canadian border at the village of Tok. Here we board a small plane for the spectacular flight into Wrangell St. Elias National Park (2-1/2 hour flight). We land near the glacier and set-up camp.

August 2

We have a full day to enjoy the big mountain scenery and can take a hike to the glacier face. We may even find a way up onto the ice for an unforgettable hike. In the afternoon we will head back to camp to inflate the rafts and prepare for the journey down river.

August 3 - 4

After a safety briefing and rafting discussion we can launch into the braided glacial river. Everyone works together to safely maneuver the raft. At first there are shallow spots and we may need to nudge the raft over sandbars but soon the many channels come together and the rivers picks up speed.

Paddling northward we leave the glacier behind and enter a world of water and stone. The river grows ever larger and swings first west and then east across the broad floodplain sweeping past sheer cliffs, long sandbars, and flower covered benches.

After about 5 hours of paddling on the river plus a leisurely stop for lunch and other stops to watch wildlife or take in the scenery we make camp in a new spot. There is ample time each evening to explore, hike, photograph, fish, or just enjoy the company.

August 5 - 6

The Nabesna emerges from the mountains and leaves Wrangell St Elias National Park towards the end of the trip. But the magic of the river is not over. The austerity of the glacial landscape is softened by mature spruce forests and innumerable lakes. It is a verdant and wildlife rich area full of moose, beaver, and waterfowl. The roar of the river cedes to the honks of geese and the sound of willow leaves in the breeze.

August 7

We paddle the remaining winding miles into the village of Northway and meet our van for a ride (5 hours) back to Fairbanks, arriving in time for a late dinner and a much needed shower.

We had a guide whose judgement and advice I trusted unconditionally. I am sure we had the great fortune to benefit from her many years of guiding, especially regarding the food she selected to bring. I found it incredible that the meals never tasted like they were selected for camping but also it always seemed to be very efficient, starting from the good coffee in the morning, to lunches that included gourmet cheeses, to the dinners she prepared that were better than those in many restaurants.

 

- Kirsten , LA, USA

DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Transportation beyond Fairbanks

Outstanding guide service

Wholesome and delicious food while in the wilderness

Stoves, cooking & eating utensils

Repair and safety equipment

All boating gear, including boats and paddles

Select Camping Equipment is available through Arctic Wild

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Non-camp lodging

Non-camp meals

Personal clothing and footwear per our Equipment List

Fishing gear and fishing license

Gratuity for guide(s)

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, it could be cool and rainy so be prepared for anything.  Temperatures could 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

To the Bright Edge of the World, Eowyn Ivey

Alaska’s Wolf Man, Jim Rearden

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve: Crown of the Continent, Nora Deans

Interior Alaska: a Journey through Time by R.Dale Guthrie et al

More Alaska reading is available from our Bookstore.

Ready for your adventure?
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  1. Fill out the Reservation Request form
  2. We will contact you to discuss your trip
  3. Secure your trip with a deposit
  4. We will send you a detailed packing list
  5. Book your flights and accommodations
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"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!"
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