Tatshenshini River
Rafting
The
Tatshenshini-Alsek Wilderness Park is part of the world's largest
conservation unit. This Canadian and U.S. wildland encompasses 27 million
acres including two mountain ranges and five parks and preserves. Two
spectacular river valleys, the Tatshenshini and Alsek lay at the heart of
it.
The Tatshenshini trips begin in Haines, Alaska,
where we drive into Canada to the river put in. Exciting whitewater days
are interspersed with calm floats and layover days for hiking through this
magnificent ecosystem. This green valley amidst jagged peaks, glaciers,
and carved rock is an important wildlife corridor. The Tatshenshini
eventually tumbles into the mighty Alsek River. Upon reaching the dramatic
outer coast of Alaska, the trip ends with a scenic bush plane flight to
Yakutat which has daily jet service. Call early, as these trips sometimes
book well in advance.
Day 1 - We'll begin our trip with a 100-mile drive up the Chilkat
River Valley, across the border into British Columbia, and on to Dalton
Post, Yukon Territory. After rigging our rafts, we'll push off on the
mighty Tatshenshini. Soon, we'll plunge into the exhilarating Class III
rapids of the Tatshenshini Gorge. Upon emerging into calmer waters, we'll
make camp along a tributary creek.
Days 2-8 - The river slowly builds
momentum as it broadens and winds its way toward the Alsek and Noisey
Ranges. Continuing downstream, huge tributaries pour into the Tatshenshini
until, rounding one last bend, we approach the immense valley of the
confluence with the Alsek River. Our campsite vista will span the broad
expanse of both river valleys, flanked by glacier-laden peaks. Later on,
we'll visit Walker Glacier, so named by rafters because of the ease of
walking onto this moraine-covered glacier close to the river shore. We
enter the coastal St. Elias mountain country, where the Fairweather and
Brabazon Ranges are divided by the great Alsek River. Mammoth icebergs
will surround our rafts, as we finally enter Alsek Lake. Here, the
unforgettable sights and sounds of the seven-mile-wide Alsek and Grand
Plateau Glaciers will fill our senses. We'll hope to catch a glimpse of
the impressive 15,000-foot-high Mt. Fairweather looming behind our camp.
As we float out of Alsek Lake, the mountains quickly recede, and soon we
enter the Alsek Delta on the edge of the Gulf of Alaska.
Day 9 - We will pull into Dry Bay (or a
few miles upstream, depending on water levels) in the early afternoon,
de-rig our boats and enjoy a final lunch. A bush flight over absolutely
stunning territory takes us to Yakutat. We will return to Yakutat in time
to catch the evening flight back to Juneau. Please note: you will need to
arrange for this flight on your own as it is not included in this package.
