Charley River Rafting

Charley River Rafting

Reservation request

DATES

May 30, 2026 - June 07, 2026

REGION

Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve

TRIP COST

$6,900

DATES

May 30, 2026 - June 07, 2026

REGION

Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve

TRIP COST

$6,900

Rafting the Charley is a journey of contrasts. Starting high on the tundra where the river is little more than a creek, we descend through the canyon and into the boreal forest. Below lies the broad and silty Yukon River, rich with history and offering some of the best campsites anywhere.

TRIP DETAILS

A four-seater plane will land you, your trip mates, and guide(s) on a gravel landing strip along the upper Charley River– a remote Wild and Scenic River in the pristine Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. The National Park Service created this park because of its rich human history and stunning natural beauty. This trip is your chance to experience this little-known gem.

The Charley River flows first through an open valley where far away mountain peaks are over 6,000 feet high. The river valley then narrows and the river has cut its way through the bedrock, flowing swiftly past bluffs and cliffs. We will enjoy navigating through boulder strewn rapids as the river plummets towards the Yukon Valley. After leaving the mountains, the current slows and we will have more time to stare through the crystal clear water to the colorful pebbles below and to study the moss-filled woods in hopes of seeing wildlife. After enjoying this Wild and Scenic River for over 100 miles, we will paddle out to the mighty Yukon River.

The adventure is far from over when we reach the Yukon River. Along the Yukon, we will see tall bluffs with nesting raptors, car-sized chunks of ice left stranded on the sandbars, historic cabins, and wildlife such as grizzly bears, lynx, and moose. The Yukon is huge even here in its upper reaches, both its size and speed are impressive.

Spring is a magical time this far north. Birds arrive from around the globe and the landscape turns green before our eyes. Animals are everywhere in motion making the most of the brief summer and endless daylight. We expect some rain this time of year and, in fact, hope for water to make the paddling easier and more fun. WIth that in mind, this tends to be the clearest and sunniest time of the year and we can expect some glorious weather, especially on the Yukon.

The Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve has one of North America’s highest densities of nesting Peregrine Falcons. You may also see caribou, moose, wolves, black and grizzly bears, and a wide variety of waterfowl and songbirds including Northern Shrikes and Rusty Blackbirds.

This is a moderately difficult river trip, with stretches of Class II and III rapids and steady paddling– we will travel a total of 150 miles. The upper river can be very shallow and we often have to wade and pull the boats through rock gardens and over shallows. No experience is required for paddle rafting, as instruction is provided. Everyone joins in the fun of paddling the boats under the guidance of a raft captain, so general fitness and a good attitude are key.

Last updated: March 27, 2025

Itinerary

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

May 29

Meet with your guide at 4:00 pm for a pre-trip meeting in Fairbanks at Arctic Wild headquarters.

May 30

Fly into a gravel landing strip near the headwaters of the Charley River. Spend the afternoon hiking through the alpine tundra and settling into the country.

May 31

Spend the morning inflating our rafts and preparing for the river. After a river safety briefing, we will set out on the clear and beautiful Charley River.

June 1 - 4

Paddle down the Charley, navigating rapids and enjoying the country. Though we have many miles to cover, we will make time for one layover day to explore on foot and enjoy the quiet and solitude of this spectacular area.

June 5 - 6

Broad and strong, the Yukon flows between forested banks and rocky bluffs. As the river nears the village of Circle, the valley broadens to the horizon and our world becomes one of just sky, water, and gravel.

June 7

Once we arrive by raft to the Yukon River village of Circle, we will pack our gear, and climb in a van for the four hour drive to Fairbanks. Time for a hot shower!

You run a first-class operation, and I just wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed the 10 day rafting trip (what a place!), and I particularly wanted to to let you know that the guides did an outstanding and exemplary job. Not only were they both excessively competent in all the skills necessary to see us safely down the river, and not only did they provide every conceivable creature comfort (I mean, blueberry pancakes in the wilderness? What more could a man want!), but they proved to be the most pleasant and personable of companions, with seemingly inexhaustible reserves of patience, good humor, and zest.

- Chris, Maryland, USA

DETAILS

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Transportation beyond Fairbanks

Food while in the wilderness

Stoves, cooking & eating utensils

Boats, paddles, life jackets, safety & repair gear

Professional guide service

Select Camping Equipment is available through Arctic Wild

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Lodging

Non-camp meals

Personal clothing and gear. See full equipment list.

Fishing gear, and fishing license

Gratuity for guide(s).

WEATHER & BUGS

Temperatures vary from the 80’s to below freezing. Snow is possible; rain is likely. Expect a few mosquitoes and biting flies in the woods but not on the river bars. Bugs shouldn’t be a problem this time of year but a bottle of DEET is prudent.

RECOMMENDED READING

Coming into the Country, John McPhee

Land Gone Lonesome, Dan O’Neil

Furs and Frontiers in the Far North, John Bockstoce

Interior Alaska – A Journey Through Time, Alaska Geographic Society

Ordinary Wolves , Seth Kantner

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!"

Eileen - Canning River

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