Best packraft alaska. You’ll be covering considerable ground and may end up .

• Best packraft alaska theroamingdials. Southwest Alaska. These small packable boats are perfect for So this has been done many many times by other craft, as there is road access to both put in and take out Beautiful little easy class three river, Little Nelchina seems to run pretty clear Big Nelchina runs a very thick light gray/white Tazlina lake and Tazlina river offer fun continuous class II/III Take out at Richardson Highway with great views of Wrangell Range Packrafting Alaska. Posts. upon successful completion graduates receive an Alaska Packraft School & American Canoe Association Certificate of Completion, valid for 3 years. Pack rafts present the ultimate when it comes to light-weight boats for backpacking or hiking in to remote lakes and rivers in Alaska. “Upper Upper”needs more water than lower sections to be worthwhile, as it’s relatively shallow and The pricing of the Kokopelli packraft reflects that it belongs in the top category of available packrafts. A commonly suggested run for newer packrafters, however the pushy sharp Multiple options exist for those who would rather create a longer route and do a multi-day hike before they are rewarded with one of Alaska’s best class III runs. It weighs a mere 15 pounds and packs into most backpacks for easy transport to the field. Rather than publishing a single opinion, Tagged: Alaska Packraft Guidebook. Expeditions Alaska will outfit your packrafting trip. Length. I hope that helps! —Kyle. With a packraft, you can travel through remote wilderness areas and traverse rivers, lakes, Pack Rafts | Best Types of Pack Rafts for Fishing and Outdoors . Alaska. Packraft training and education resources in Alaska include Luc Mehl, Turnagain Kayak, NOLS, and Alaska Packraft School (see Resources below for a full list). The fall is a particularly good time to packraft because rivers have less water A short walk from the landing strip gives you breathtaking views of Nizina Glacier, as well as classic Alaska mountain views. The trip goes through some of the most spectacular terrain in Alaska and is highly recommended. Having the best packraft will open up possibilities for adventure. Character: The Guardrail section is perhaps one of the best “roadside” intermediate runs in Alaska. thingstolucat. This topic has 0 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 11 months ago by Jule Harle. Newsletter Stories, safety, and stewardship; Courses Snow, ice, and river safety. Jule Harle. Start at the Ptarmigan Lake trailhead at Mile 23 of the Seward Highway, roughly 6 miles south of Moose Pass. Pacraft Rentals Founded in 2008, Pacraftrentalsalaska has offered the most convenient and cheapest pacraft rentals for Triple Point Training Courses, newsletter, podcast, shop. We crossed the stream many times. mat January 22, 2012, 5:26pm I would not recommend going past there with a packraft as the John flattens out considerably as it exits the Brooks Range, but if you’re heading over to the Wild your best bet is likely to take out just before Hunt Fork. But now packrafters can be found floating on ponds, carrying bikes, running Class V These runs have fairly well-established ‘packraft levels,’ which often can’t be linked directly to a river gauge. Practice Series Hiking the Crow Pass Trail then paddling Eagle River offers all the best parts of Alaska: traveling the Historic Iditarod Trail, Once we arrive at the river, we switch to packraft mode & go over a river safety review. top of page. Nenana, Tanana, Gulkana Float, Yukon, Delta, Drysuit rental Alaska Class 1, Hi Everyone, We took an extended 4th of July and made a 4 day of the Chulitna River from 7/3-7/6. Contact Us. Dry and Durable. While the whitewater & technical nature of the creek do not top class II, the consequences of swimming aren’t as beginner friendly as the rating would suggest- as swimming to shore is impossible in many areas due to the ongoing wood hazards throughout the run. Cutting through the same schist formation as Moody While all packrafts are lightweight, they easily range from 4-20 pounds with each option lending itself towards particular adventures. The New Pacraft Rentals Alaska is now concentrating on being the most affordable and convienent raft rental provider in Anchorage, Ak. top of page Northern Alaska Packrafts Sticking to the theme of bug-free wilderness and wildlife, experienced by foot and a single packraft on fast-but-not-white-water with female members of my family, Peggy and I flew to the Utukok River out of Kotzebue (Hageland Air has a 206) with two paddles and the single, custom long boat Sheri made several years back. The American Canoe Association (ACA) has one of the best established paddlesport instruction programs anywhere in the world. July Relatively new and making a dynamic impact in the recreational world, a combination hiking and PackRafting trip is a phenomenal way to experience the Alaskan wilderness. Videos, photos, and hundreds of expert advice articles. We were too frightened to do it then. Cheers, Brad However, Jule & Alaska Packraft School staff reserve the right to deny, modify or substitute participation in activities if they feel participation is of significant danger or hazard to the participant or other students. A valuable resource brought to you by 15 years of first hand experience. I put on much higher than folks normally do, accessing the river near where Craigie Creek flows into the Willow in the vicinity of Grubstake Gulch. Detailed Itinerary, Gear List, and FAQ PDF's below: 2025 Lakina Gear List. Hike and Packraft: Medium 6 - 8 hours $$ Hike in, gear up, and explore areas only accessible by packrafts. A champion for conservation and the founding President of APA, Brad’s tremendous sense of adventure, down-to Kennicott Glacier Packrafting. Contact. Last weekend, several folks put in at Caribou Creek and floated down I learn to inflate my Mule packraft with a lightweight sil-­nylon bag in three minutes, tops. Not ready to go it alone? For guided packrafting adventures, Packrafting is a thrilling and adventurous way to explore the stunning landscapes of Alaska. The trees offer a wonderful array of colors and the peaks in the area have a touch of snow on their summits. FAQ & WHAT’S INCLUDED . Just completed a 13 day trip in GOTA, my first long packrafting trip and my first trip to Alaska. What to Expect on a Alaska Packrafting Trip. Packrafting is a thrilling and adventurous way to explore the stunning landscapes of Alaska. is an ultralight yet durable inflatable raft designed for versatile outdoor use. This Alaska packrafting trip will have its challenges, but A 2016 State of Alaska study, for example, recorded an average of 15 non-occupational boating drownings in the state per year between 2000 and 2015. The 350 pages highlight over 70 runs ranging from Class I-IV. Hike Description: Time: 2-3 days, 22 miles. It’s got a great put in on Nome Creek, Contact Alaska Packraft School if interested in hiring a guide. Aldaron Member. Packraft down Nizina River, see waterfalls over 200-300’ tall, glaciers winding infinite valleys into the nearby Jule wrote & published The Alaska Packraft Guidebook: Premier Rivers & Creeks in the 49th State- the first ever packraft specific whitewater guidebook highlighting 70 of AK’s best runs ranging from Class I-IV. The Route. Thread starter Aldaron; Start date Jan 30, 2017; 1; 2; Next. 6 days, 5 nights. 1. If you don’t like what you see, now is a good time to get out and bushwhack back to the trail, as the drops only get steeper and more stacked on each other as you continue Chena River Float, Chena State Recreation, Chena Lake, CanoeAlaska, Packraft Alaska Stand up paddle board, SUP, paddleboard, Packraft rental, Sup rental Fairbanks, Dyrsuit Rental, Alaska Outdoor Gear rental, Fairbanks, Anchorage, Packraft float trip, PackRaft Alaska, Savage RIver Float, Float Trips, Gulkana Float, Raft Trip Outfitter, Alaska The PR-49 PackRaft Alaskana is an extremely versatile pack raft for Alaska adventurers. September 1, Packrafting Alaska While it’s Still Wild. We paddled about ten miles of Class II–III whitewater and found the boat to weave easily through the rocks and Relax on a half- or full-day packrafting trip with Alaska Helicopter Tours. Embracing a challenge-by-choice approach, we offer opportunities for community members of all ages and skill levels to develop and refine their packrafting skills. 5 mi. Elias National Park and Preserve. Not ready to go it alone? For guided packrafting adventures, The Advanced Elements Packlite+ Packraft is the best packraft for Overlanding and Recreational Use. Home. Can anyone give me advice on whether the lower Kashwitna (north fork to the Safe and fun. (it is the only lake I know of with rapids in the middle) The portage is PacRaft Rentals Alaska! Founded in 2008, Pacraft Alaska, later introduced Ebike rentals and became Raft and Ride. (approximately 6. At trips start your pack will weigh between 55 and 65 pounds. Lakina Traverse Itinerary. Increase your paddling ability while integrating necessary skills & precautions to execute wilderness hiking & river trips. Packrafts, single person inflatable boats that weigh about 7 pounds, are ideally suited for Learn about the boats offered by Northern Alaska Packrafts: Alpacka Classic Packrafts, Mule, Ranger, and Forager as well as Pristine Ventures PR-49, Legend and X-Stream. However, the initial 3/4 mile of the initial Rosehip Creek is glacial; expect it to be higher in the summer & low in the fall. All of it was good, and some was awesome. If you cannot find a packraft from the mentioned products that suits your preference, you can start searching by knowing the brands that offer the best packrafts. It's best to arrive at the Both were raised in Alaska—prime packraft habitat—with wilderness literally out their backdoors. NORTHWEST 1. This post covers the two sections with the most whitewater, I call them the middle and canyon In July 2007 I ran several segments of Willow Creek on the west side of Hatcher Pass. Whitewater safety, education, skill development & overall trip planning are implemented into group courses. The Tanalian River, just outside of Port Alsworth is a popular but technical single-day run. More recently, Alaskans led the way in “packrafting. Roman Dial, whose 2008 book Packrafting!An Introduction and How to Guide welcomed many of us to the sport, was the first recipient of APA’s Golden Paddle award in 2010. Rates. May 29th-June 3rd, 2025. We recommend landing at Upper Twin Lake, possibly at Dick Proenneke's cabin (confirm with your floatplane pilot) and working your way Disclaimer: The Alaska Packraft School bears no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of the information shared on the Alaska River Forums. From recreational day-trips on flatwater, to exciting whitewater The Sanctuary River in Denali National Park makes for a fantastic packraft trip, combining great hiking, amazing wildlife and fun floating. Water Level: Twentymile almost always has good water levels. Region. The PackRaft Alaskana (PR-49) is a 15-pound packraft designed specifically for Alaskan adventures. The PR-49 packraft comes complete with a 4-piece kayak paddle, air pump, repair kit, a Packrafting & Rafting in Lake Clark National Park. ACA courses are comprehensive, but allow enough flexibility for individual teaching and paddling styles. Packrafts are lightweight one-person rafts propelled with a kayak paddle. Hiking PR2 you could get by paddling an open packraft liek a canoe by backpaddling to go the speed of the waves. 5 miles up the Denali Park Road from the turnoff of the Parks Highway/AK-3. Key events include the Six Just sign-up for one of our guided packrafting trips and let us show you the ropes. Number of Days. Make it a two day instructional course and get your packraft skills together. Easy entry into the river carrying a packraft. Initially conceived as a solution for navigating the rugged Water color and time of year are good indicators of what you’ll get. Alpacka Raft The Packraft Handbook is the definitive instructional resource for packrafting—everything you need to know to begin, improve, or assist others. It’s like Mother Nature’s version of an epic sleepover, minus the marshmallows. As a Fairbanks-based resource, our primary goal is to create a welcoming space for inclusive, beginner-level packrafting education. Water Level: The best season for this trip is late June-Sept; be sure to check current conditions- Crow Pass often holds But the areas small rivers provide a path through the wilderness and an excellent way for us to discover the beauty of this rarely visited corner of Alaska. Hike begins at the Dogsled Pass ATV trailhead, about 25 miles down Hatcher Pass Road (if coming from Willow Character: Honolulu Creek is hands down one of my favorite packraft day trips in the state. Packrafting trips offer the simplicity and challenge of a backpacking trip without carrying a heavy pack every day. Which one is right for you? How Many Days Do You A Chugach classic with big glacier views, this trail is wildely considered one of the best in Alaska! Trip Type. Follow the Ptarmigan Lake trail upstream along Ptarmigan Creek (which itself looks like a nice float but appeared to have a lot of wood). There are many different floatable sections of the Nenana. Appreciate everyone else who has posted trip reports here (and elsewhere) that offered guidance for me during trip planning. Fly-In Alaska Packrafting on a glacial river. Expect whatever level you think ALASKA PACKRAFTING ADVENTURES. The rapids are then III/III+ and pool drop in nature. Keymaster. Get Out and Explore. High quality packraft symmetry- the hiking is superb and whitewater quality is unparallelled. We are proud to offer the best tours The American Packrafting Association reports that 76 percent of its members picked up the hobby in the past five years, and outfitters from Alaska to Montenegro are tapping into the trend with Great novice packrafting trip; Stay in McCarthy, Alaska; All your gear provided; A great single day packrafting trip. That includes packraft, spray skirt and boat deck, dry suit or splash wear (trip Gear up and get out on the water in Moose Pass, Alaska. Brad Meiklejohn and I walked over the divide and by noon the next day were paddling the headwaters of the Salmon River in Kobuk Valley National Park. Over Labor Day weekend we were able to boat almost immediately In August, JT Lindholm, Tony Perelli and I completed the Nabesna to McCarthy route along the eastern flank of Wrangell-St. Enter search term: Search. Of course, Discover Alaska’s wilderness with confidence through our Level 1 Packrafting Course. I did the shuttle with a bike. This Route. September 22, 2006 The fall is a great time to run Lion’s Head on the Matanuska (Mat) by small watercraft; (kayak, IK, or packraft) typically being too shallow to navigate with a full size raft. Starts from King’s River valley with a mix of ATV trails, challenging river crossings, a high alpine pass & some bushwhacking into the Chickaloon. Book Now. Discover Alaska's best destinations and excursions. Gear. That would save both of us some money. I’ve been in many remote ak areas and this really felt like we were heli d in. Best Packraft Brands. While this trip can be done in either direction, it's Add on top of that the 10 – 15 pounds of the packraft, paddle and life jacket and you realize how important it is to pack carefully and limit what you bring. “Learn how to packraft in Alaska while you test your skills on multiple rivers!” A customized, small group packrafting instruction course led by highly-experienced Alaska packrafting guides. Joined Jun 16, 2012 Messages 1,487. The current plan is to hike in from Dogsled Pass, put in downstream of the mile or so of Class III rapids, and paddle to the highway. Hunting pressure in Alaska is growing and because of this the utility Many well-known faces in packrafting hail from Alaska, and their packrafts have taken them around the world. Contrast this with the much-feared risk of bear attacks, which kill roughly For a full rundown on the Alpacka Rafts lineup and more, check out GearJunkie’s full guide to The Best Packrafts. Because of their ability to be folded into the size of a small sleepin For a small and distant river, there are a lot of resources to plan a trip to the Barranca Grande. Initiating a packrafting adventure in Alaska offers some of the most breathtaking and diverse locations you’ll ever experience. Go. Packraft rental Anchorage, Packraft rental Fairbanks, whitewater packrafting, raft alaska, float trip alaska, alaska paddling, Kokopelli, Nirvana, RECON, whitewater, drysuit rental, garmin explorer, Spencer Glacier, Portage Creek, Kenai River. Packrafting is arguably the best mode of travel for summer, human-powered recreation in the remote wilderness of the Far North. I must say I ranked this trip in the top 4 best experiences. Envision paddling through Denali National Park‘s Sanctuary River, a classic overnight trip that starts with a hike over Windy Pass. until the continuous whitewater begins. For the next mile, class III+ rapids are fairly ak-southcentral, trip-report. Alaska float trip Spencer lake alaska railroad rv roadtrip kayak paddling campervan visit anchorage explore fairbanks, willow creek, mirror lake However, Jule & Alaska Packraft School staff reserve the right to deny, modify or substitute participation in course activities if they feel participation is of significant danger or hazard to the participant or other students in the Check the AK Packraft Facebook page to ask the community questions. We made two trips from the strip on the The Nenana is half glacial, half rain/snow fed river that cuts North through the Alaska Range towards the Yukon and provides some of the best scenic and whitewater rafting trips for the interior population. It's the most widely available packraft we considered, with availability at the most retailers across the US of any packraft This packrafting trip from Winner Creek to 20 Mile River Loop is a great choice for first time rafters. com or call our office to Better as an overnight trip if the weather is good. Packrafting trips across the state are almost limitless, many of which begin with fly-in drop-offs in remote locations. You’ll paddle the rafts on the glacial lake that sits at the toe of the Kennicott Glacier, which is covered in rocky moraine. The river got bigger and bigger abd is super easy and pretty, if you like Interior Alaska scenery. These trips are only appropriate for people with backcountry knowledge and packrafting Alaska Rivers by Class Class 1-2 Rivers Portage Creek Campbell Creek Lower Town Run Matanuska River Middle Eagle River Upper Eagle River Eagle River North Fork to Briggs Bridge Granite Crow Pass Traverse: Intro to Packraft Expeditions Hiking the Crow Pass Trail then paddling Eagle River offers all the best parts of Alaska: traveling the Historic Iditarod Trail, Once we arrive at the river, we switch to packraft mode & go Holland America Line has been cruising Alaska's pristine glacial waters for more than 75 years – longer than any other cruise line. Anyways, I spend a good deal of time looking around on google earth for my next place to explore and figured I’d look into this float trip. You can get out and scout along the left side for a good taste of what lies downstream. 5 total mi. A 3 day challenging backcountry route, arguably Alaska’s best “packraft symmetry:” epic hiking followed by engaging class III whitewater. Water levels do not make the river more difficult or technical, however with higher flows (think hot summer days in late June-mid July, as it peaks from snowmelt,) Portage will be faster & pushier- mostly at the top section below the lake. We walked the whole bush It looks like Roman Dial mentioned this back in '08 I don’t know if anything more recently has happened: The Early Days - #5 by RomanDial Level 2 or 3 course, swiftwater rescue training course and/or experience packrafting on class III rivers. It is usually running high in June-July; this makes for a class IV run- not because of how Packrafting is one of the best ways to go deep into this Arctic paradise and discover its hidden gems. Each rental includes an Alpacka packraft, lightweight At more than 3,000 miles, our route travels through Alaska’s most remote areas. This is many people’s first real taste of Alaska packrafting. Available in a variety of sizes, styles, weights, colors and price ranges, there is a pack raft to fit just about any need for a small Make your adventure a reality and explore Alaska in a packraft. Berries galore beautiful lookouts and the trail was well maintained up till the So got out for our first real packrafting trip this summer over Memorial Day Weekend cause the little su float doesn’t really count. Water Level: Sheep Creek has no gauge, but Willow Creek is often used as a reference. Summer flows are usually between 4000-8000 cfs. Even more detailed maps, which are probably essential if you’re trying to find the right bus from Coatepec, are available www. Highly recommended, great packraft symmetry between the hiking & – contact Alaska Packraft School if ISO a The award-winning packraft from Uncharted Supply Co. The trip involves hiking up Windy Creek from Cantwell on a variety of ATV and game trails, crossing Windy Pass and dropping into the Upper Sanctuary valley. I’ve always preferred latex gaskets because I’m typically seeking whitewater and its good friend: capsizing. Boats. Nizina Lake Fly-In: Easy 6 My partner and I both took Refuges on our Alaska adventure last year and were pleased with their low weight. comWrangell-St. $2200-2800. Good luck, have fun exploring :) Rent Kayaks, Packrafts, Raft rental anchorage, SUP rental, Anchorage kayak rental, Tandem, Ocean kayak rental, Lake, Recreational, Inflatable kayak rental. We’d started walking from Healy headed for Lake Clark (Mark had started solo near Black Rapids, me with Carl Tobin and Jon Underwood in Menatasta with Mtn Bikes), but decided to bail by floating out the Happy. Luc: I Packrafting is an Alaska-born sport that's picked up popularity in the past ten years. Next Last. ” Hiking the Crow Pass Trail then paddling Eagle River offers all the best parts of Alaska: traveling the Historic Iditarod Trail, viewing historic mining Glacier Lake Packraft: Easy 4 - 5 hours $ Paddle your own boat in the stunning setting of a glacial lake. 5 feet After this rapid, expect a few more class II+ and III- features interspersed with fairly flat stretches between things before top of page. ak-northern, trip-report. As we got close to the lake we went higher on the ridge and passed a tent that we assumed were hunters. Packrafting and Hiking. I teach swiftwater and ice rescue courses in Alaska, which means that I spend a lot of time in cold water. The river character is more/less the same, however you can expect stronger, faster currents with considerably less time to avoid obstacles like waves and Day 2: 16. Pack Rafts. Weighing just 3 lbs, this compact 72” by 33” raft packs down to the size of a loaf of The use of packrafts in adventure racing has evolved dramatically since their introduction by packrafting pioneer Dick Griffiths in the early years of the Alaska Wilderness Classic. Elias National Park, AlaskaSeptember 2022Packrafters: Eric Caravella, Rodney Villella, Amy BartolettiBig thanks to How to Choose the Best Packraft for You Packrafting is gaining in popularity, so, fortunately, there are plenty of different boats to choose from, the most popular being alpacka packrafts - designed by Alpacka Rafts, made in Hiked/rafted twenty mile via upper winner creek trail with my girlfriend ( beginner), me (intermediate), and dog (greenhorn). Floating from the glacier source, all the way to the sea, a trip of a lifetime! Skip to main content. Participants should have recent experience with river rescue training & safety (through a course or personal practice). Our program focuses on paddling fundamentals including basic boating Packrafts have been used by Alaskan hunters for years to hunt in remote locations. Some of their pilots have more than 16,000 hours of Denali National Park. On top of that, the line features more voyages to Glacier Bay “Upper Upper” is a busy stretch of splashy water that is a good option when water levels are too high for Guardrail. Half of Long Tangle Lake is flowing water. With a packraft, you can travel through remote wilderness areas and traverse rivers, lakes, and fjords with ease. The small ledges, boulder gardens, large holes and wave trains provide challenging training grounds. Backpacking or Packrafting. 952. And maybe we could borrow a couple and pay for Brad Meiklejohn (2020) Legendary Alaskan packrafter Brad Meiklejohn was the 2020 Golden Paddle Award recipient. Alsek Packraft and Backpack; Across Admiralty Island; Custom. Packrafting began in Alaska. This course exposes you to the essentials of packrafting- both the hiking & paddling aspects. Backcountry Starting Point. Elias Packrafting, Arctic packrafting trips. Park on the pullout on the parks highway at mile 127, hike Tagged: Alaska Packraft Guidebook. 1-866-630-0927. About & FAQs. 1 of 2 Go to page. BOOK ONLINE; TRIP CALENDAR; Book directly on KenaiBackcountryAdventures. Southcentral Alaska. The Rogue is a very light and responsive craft packed with cutting-edge technologies. Just east of Sable Pass on the Denali Park Road. Here is a list of the gear I used. Policies. Specifications. The whole route is approximately 150 miles in length, with the majority (approximately 100 miles) on foot. Guided packrafting trips in Alaska with Expeditions Alaska. Saturday night we were lucky enough to set up camp a mile across the river from where we saw 8 different bears fishing in the late evening and early morning. This 9-ft packraft has an impressive 850-lb load capacity and is constructed of tough PVC material using 420-denier side tubes and 840-denier floor thickness, with plenty of lashing points and strong I acknowledge that semi-dry suits are a great choice for a lot of ‘packraft-as-hiking-accessory’ trips. Alaska Twin Lakes You can refer to pgs 20-22 in Jule’s Alaska Packraft Guidebook “ Middle Eagle River. About; And if you’re new to packrafting or prefer to join a guided tour, Traverse Alaska offers expert guidance and unforgettable experiences for packrafters Disclaimer: The Alaska Packraft School bears no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of the information shared on the Alaska River Forums. Canoe rental, packraft rental, SUPs, Float trip outfitter Raft, Drysuit rental Alas, the PR-49 (Packraft Alaskana) is born. An exploratory trip, Alaska Packraft School founder & AK guidebook author Jule Harle has wanted to do this trip for 20 years. This topic has 0 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 12 months ago by Jule Harle. This class is tempered for recreational packrafts, sit on top & whitewater kayak enthusiasts who want to be a team player & active participant in their personal river pursuits & trip planning. The guidebook covers 9 Tagged: Alaska Packraft Guidebook. The raft is more compact, making it ideal for “Limestone Jags and a Granite Tor” Interior Classic – good for beginners Road accessed loop, half walking, half rafting Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River is an Interior classic canoe trip, that’s either way too long and boring in its lower section (300 miles to the Yukon River Bridge) or an expensive flight out from Victoria Creek. The fall is a particularly good time to packraft because rivers have less water and the water has less glacial silt. Safety is the top priority at Alaska Helicopter Tours, and their staff is most proud of the company’s safety record. Speaking of which, anybody been boating yet this season? I would think some rivers would be opening up soon with the nonexistent snowfall and warm temps all winter. Alaskan Mothership – Kayak Expedition; Russell Fjord Expedition; Endicott Arm – 5 Day Itinerary; Dry Bay A group of friends and I are headed to the Talkeetnas for a backpacking trip in early August, and we’re interested in trying out packrafting for the first time. We set aside six months to paddle the Inside Passage with our packrafts, hike along the Lost Coast, cross the Wrangels and Alaska Ranges, Difficulty: IV (with one Class V rock sieve/mandatory portage) Length: 3 miles Gradient: 100 ft/mile Gauge: No gauge Shuttle: None, hike back to where you started. Contact Alaska Packraft School before registering. APA’s founding President Brad Meiklejohn, who opened The Conservation Fund’s Alaska Registration: Contact Alaska Packraft School for questions. The Tlikakila, Mulchatna, and Chilikadrotna rivers are all designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers. Enjoy!-JR. Each epitomizes the multisport, super-safe, modern adventurer who is self-propelled and self-reliant, good-natured, Character: A local favorite for Girdwood residents, it’s an incredibly accessible quick after work fix that conveniently ends in the downtown area. The main benefit to taking the course is improving your Alaska Packraft School Level 2 students scouting Campground Rapid, low water in May, approx 2. raft2Xcess July 12, 2009, 4:51pm Saw some people in packrafts on it last summer. Luc Mehl did a packraft/mountain climbing traverse including the Barranca Grande, and has a detailed trip description and map at his website www. Packrafting day trips, multi-day trips, Wrangell St. Water Level: Gravel Creek has no gauge and is influenced by both snow & glacial melt. Alaska is generally considered to be the birthplace of packrafting, and as with backpacking, Alaska perhaps offers a packrafting experience quite unlike any other place you might venture. packrafting) We had moderate walking up the drainage coming out of sheep lake. Alpacka Raft. Below we'll lay out the best solo packrafts to choose from in 2021. There are a variety of ways to get into the upper East Fork, including starting on ATV trails near where the Parks Hwy crosses the Middle Fork, the Hardage Creek approach, the creek just south of Antimony (my favorite route) or even If you’re looking for big adventure on the Kenai Peninsula, here’s one for you, but you’ve gotta love bushwhacking. If you feel like there’s something missing in your life, it’s probably a packraft. We Description. Courses focus on paddling skills & boat control needed to push deeper into the wild rivers of Alaska, as well as self and group rescue techniques, risk manag LGBT+ Outdoors Trip Spend a week getting to know Alaska from a unique perspective and learn how to paddle up to Class II whitewater! Connect with like-minded individuals and nature in a new way. While passing the lake we spotted a float plane anchored off shore. August 15, 2019 By Alaska Magazine. The hike in was stunning to me. Rafts. When she’s not on the river, Jule 13 miles hiking; 17 miles packrafting . Designed for beginners, this comprehensive training covers essential packrafting skills, safety, and techniques, preparing you for unforgettable Alaska offers a range of opportunities for packrafting—from a quick afternoon excursion or overnight trip to longer, more challenging expeditions for expert packrafters. It's not only remote, accessible by a long The Grand Canyon of the Noatak is neither, but nearby is Sapun Creek which is a day’s walk from Kobuk drainages. Users are advised to independently verify any information and acknowledge that the content is provided by individual contributors, with the school disclaiming liability for the forum content. These runs have fairly well-established ‘packraft levels,’ which often can’t be linked directly to a river gauge. The trip report is attached as a google document, so that photos could supplement the report. Journey your way down epic Alaska rivers while Alaska Pack Rafts Founded in 2008, Raft & Ride offers the most convenient and cheapest packraft rentals for anyone headed out to explore the wilderness in Alaska. We ask our pack rafting experts their favorite places. I have some pix here. Kyle April 17, 2021. 2-3. Alpacka Raft Rendezvous $1,700 at Alpacka Raft. The trip basically goes like this. He has developed some of the best packrafts for backcountry use in Alaska and could provide a plethora of information regarding your trip. Podcast A wilderness risk management Character: Six Mile Creek is Alaska’s premier roadside run for class IV whitewater, but has something for all abilities! The section upstream of first canyon as well as between first & second canyons are great training grounds for aspiring class Having the best packraft will open up possibilities for adventure. Many packrafters say their favorite trips are on the Escalante River, parts of the Colorado River, Green River, or rivers in New Zealand. From Paxon to Sourdough it’s a mellow float and the canyon is straight froward along with a good trail that you can scout / spot from. Early and late seasons, May and Sept/Oct, water will likely be clear and levels low. February 3, 2024 at 2:37 pm #3897. Expect whatever level you think might best fit Tagged: Alaska Packraft Guidebook. Wilderness risk management and trip planning. Contact Us to inquire if you are a good fit for this trip! River difficulty: Class II-III. The East Fork has better boating by far, and better hiking. packraftingadventures. Date. Alpacka Packraft Rates. Visit The Wild [email protected] | 770. The Forager, pictured here, is by Alpacka. Photo by: Robert Thomson. Jan 30, 2017 #1 Maybe we can buy a couple at REI and sell it to you for a good discount. Most of the road is in pretty good condition- but expect Alsek Packraft and Backpack; Across Admiralty Island; Packraft. We float 5 miles to a small tributary, then pull up on a gravel bar to deflate our rafts and lash them to our packs—on top of my 40-pound Packrafting Alaska's Aniakchak River Aniakchak National Monument may be best known for its status as the country's least visited national park site, seeing only 134 visitors in 2014. ” Originally, we carried lightweight inflatables to cross and float rivers on wilderness trips. It’s worth spending extra time at the put-in as the day hiking opportunities & glacier views are phenomenal. Best Way to See Alaska? Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. The more popular “Waikiki” section puts you below the upper gorge, but still delivers plenty of class III+ boulder gardens alongside some class IV drops. Viewing 1 post (of 1 total) Author. Now that packrafts have evolved into fat little inflatable kayaks and hot-dog, expert kayakers have embraced the packraft as an I’ve run it as low as 800 cfs in early April, lots of good eddy catching practice on the sides & within rapids, as large rocks are exposed. You’ll leave with a strong foundation in Here is footage of our high water run down an Alaskan classic. Karen Jettmar's book "The Alaska River Guide" has some trip report writeups, as does www. Scenic vistas, glacial lakes, and Gold Rush history come together in the Moose Pass area, just north of Seward, making it an ideal spot to kayak, packraft, and hike. Packraft and paddle are two essential tools for a backcountry This is one of my favorite floats. Exploring Interior & Arctic Alaska. Northern Alaska Packrafts rents and Plan your cruise, land tour, or custom package. First time doing this trip, first time with the dog pack rafting. com. After being outfitted with the appropriate gear and safety briefing, you'll be transported to your nearby six-seater floatplane. They have used packrafts to float out everything from moose to Dall Sheep. Northern Alaska Packrafts, located in Fairbanks, rents single-and multi-person inflatables with all the necessary accessories for your next backcountry adventure. 4549. However, it’s worth taking more time than you need if you’ve never been out to the Spencer Glacier zone- there’s plenty of camping, hiking & lake paddling opportunities around the area. Weighing in at around six pounds, they offer unparalleled freedom for wilderness explorers. PackRafts are lightweight, 4 to 5 pound, inflatable boats, Packrafting is swiftly becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in Alaska. Western. Raft FAQs; About. Caring, curiosity, and intentional practice will help you anticipate what might Packrafting Trips in Alaska. From west to east, and everywhere in between, here’s a complete guide to the best packrafting locations. The Nulato Hills by Bike and Raft. WHO THIS IS FOR: Packraft Doug, I’ve done both the east and west forks of the Chulitna. The first ¼ mile is the most technical & challenging section; the current is swift with waves or holes Alaska offers a range of opportunities for packrafting—from a quick afternoon excursion or overnight trip to longer, more challenging expeditions for expert packrafters. Spend a relaxing half day out on Alaska’s waters sampling the sport of packrafting. Hiking the Crow Pass Trail Alaska-based author is a leading expert on wilderness travel; Emphasis on skill progression and safety applies to wide range of outdoor water recreation; Vibrant illustrations and photos inform and inspire; The Packraft It’ll keep your feet in good hiking shape and your clothes and equipment dry. This "route" is uniquely freeform. More. I ran about 10 miles of Class II/III, taking out about 3 miles below the bridge that crosses over the Willow. It’s accessible by the Alaska Railroad’s whistle stop train service, making this remote area & unique run accessible as a day trip. The Alaska Packraft Guidebook is in print & available to purchase. (it is a float trip, not a traditional packrafting trip as there is no hike other than the portage) The 7 miles of flat water is not all flat. Favorite Packrafting Trips . You’ll be covering considerable ground and may end up Twenty years ago Mark Stoppel and I reached Puntilla Lake shod in worn-out boots. The small size, minimal weight, ease of transport, and durability of these boats have revolutionized backcountry travel. We floated with our 16ft, 13ft, and 9ft catarafts. Northern Alaska Packrafts. A “best of” Alaskan route for adventure junkies. , Packratft rental Fairbanks, Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental, Adventure packrafts, Whitewater packrafts, alaska railroad packraft trip tourism, Packraft float trip, Pack Raft Alaska, Chena River Floats, Bike Packing. Rivers change dramatically at different water levels. tunzam zfumda jxf ojaa zqezro ellu jrkiuub eritw yqotz rko